PLANS to retain an existing pub, along with the erection of two detached houses, are being recommended for approval.

Cordage 9 Limited’s application for the Brown Edge Hotel site in Thatto Heath, on Nutgrove Road, will come before the planning committee on Tuesday.

It also proposes utilising the existing access from Nutgrove Road, including associated parking and landscaping, and reconfiguration of the public house car park.

According to a report to the committee, the application relates to an area of vacant land to the rear of the Brown Edge Hotel public house.

It says: “The proposal seeks the construction of two four-bedroom dwellings, with associated vehicular and cycle parking.

“The development is proposed on a plot of land to the east of the Brown Edge Hotel public house, currently not in use; however, it has previously been used as a pub garden and the development would be accessed via the car park.”

The application was publicised by way of individual neighbour letters and a site notice.

A total of 14 letters of objection were received in response to the publication of the application.

The objection comments, as summarised in the report, include noise impacts to future occupants, loss of view, new homes are not required, overdevelopment, traffic and car parking concerns, and loss of open space.

In the report, it says the principle of development is established due to the site’s location within the key settlement boundary of St Helens Core Area and in close proximity to nearby services and community facilities.

It adds: “The Brown Edge Hotel is proposed to be retained with its current beer garden untouched by the proposals and a reconfigured car park provided, ensuring that the community facility will be preserved and enhanced.

“The proposed development would also have an acceptable impact in terms of visual appearance, design, amenity, and layout, upon neighbouring amenities and upon parking and highway safety.”

The application is being recommended for approval, subject to conditions.