A COUNCILLOR has urged residents to look into the plans which have resurfaced for an old pub in a busy residential area.

Plans to turn The Church Hotel, in Church Road, Kearsley, which has been subject to many applications in the last year, into flats were rejected late last year, with new plans submitted by the same developers, Johnson’s Construction Ltd, submitted at the end of April.

The new plans include turning the old pub into 14 self-contained flats, including demolishing the stables at the rear of the two-storey extension.

Kearsley councillor Mark Cunningham opposed the plans that were rejected last year and is encouraging residents to take a close look at the new plans.

Older plans included offices as well as flats, which created problems in terms of parking and what else is in the area, although this was approved by the council.

Further plans were then rejected in November 2019 for 20 flats, again due to problems with space.

The new plans include 14 flats, a step in the right direct according to Cllr Cunningham.

He said: “As I understand this latest application is substantially different from the old one as it does not involve demolishing the pub but converting and extending it to 14 flats.

“The parking bays and the bin store will also be provided within the curtilage of the existing boundary.

He continued: “Some residents have contacted me to say that they have encountered problems accessing the details of the application on the council planning portal which I reported.

“With this in mind and also due to the level of local concerns expressed on the previous application at this site, I took the decision to ask for it to be called in and for the opportunity to speak at the meeting.

“This means the final decision will have to be determined by the full planning committee and I am pleased to report I have also been able to get the cut-off date for objections extended to Sunday, June 7.

“My own concerns are mainly around parking, congestion and road safety due to the proximity to the junction with Lord Street and the two primary schools and nursery.

“But I am aware that residents living close to the site have other concerns they may wish to raise and it is important they are given the opportunity to do so.

“I would urge any residents who may wish to lodge objections to do so as soon as possible.”

Planning agent Paul Cunliffe, from 27 Project, said the plans had been changed to better accommodate the area.