PLANS submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council show the aims of the 'repair, restoration and adaption' of Brunner Guildhall in Winsford.

Proposals relating to the Grade II listed building in High Street include the demolition of an existing lean-to rear extension, installation of a new external fire escape and refurbishments, including reconfiguration of the internal layout, new and upgraded services and a new internal lift.

The planning application has been made so the building can 'offer maximum use to the community', creating discrete rooms for Winsford Town Council staff, an eatery/coffee bar and a council and committee meeting room.

Brunner Guildhall was opened by Sir John Brunner on November 4, 1899, to be used by Winsford and district trades unions, friendly societies, clubs and associations as a place for meetings and functions

A heritage, design and access statement reads: "Up until recently, the Brunner Guildhall housed the offices of the Citizens Advice Bureau however, following their departure in 2017, the building has remained unoccupied.

"During this brief period of vacancy, the building has been subjected to a spate of petty vandalism, including graffiti etched into the terracotta stonework and broken windows.

"As such, many of the windows have now been boarded over to protect them from further damage."

The proposals put forward to the council show 'no implications relating to access, highways or parking.

The planning document continues: "They offer a good balance of intervention and repair, and will secure the conservation of the building in a viable use and its conservation in the long term.

"As such, the proposals will preserve, and indeed enhance, the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building, better revealing what is significant about the building and re-engaging it with the local community it was originally designed to serve."

For more information or to comment on the application, visit the Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning webpage and use planning reference 21/01782/FUL.