WINCHAM’S only remaining pub will disappear under plans to build homes on the site of the derelict Black Greyhound.

Isle of Man-based Countrywide Investments is seeking planning permission to demolish the long-vacant pub and replace it with 17 homes.

The pub has been empty for about three years, and its deteriorating condition has sparked concern from Wincham Parish Council, which has been pressing the site owners for information about their plans for the boarded-up building.

Under the plans a third of the site would be allocated for affordable housing, with six of the 17 homes being referred to as social rented housing.

In a report supporting the application Chester-based planning consultants Land Planning said because of the size of the Hall Lane site it could offer a significant contribution to the need for market and affordable housing.

“The Black Greyhound is the only remaining pub in Wincham, but due to lack of trade it was converted to a restaurant and gained approval for an extension to provide 28 budget bedrooms in 1990,” said the company.

“Nonetheless the building has been empty and redundant now for a number of years.

“The building is falling into disrepair and the site is overgrown and becoming unsightly.

“In addition it has suffered from unauthorised parking of travellers’ caravans, and has recently been broken into on more than one occasion.

“Although the site is within a Green Belt designated area this is a brownfield previously developed site offering an ideal opportunity for improvement and redevelopment.”

The proposed housing would be a maximum two and a half storeys, and vehicle access to the site would be moved from Hall Lane to Church Street, which the developers say has less traffic and lower speeds.

Land Planning said the homes would range between two and five-bedroom properties to accommodate the needs of all members of the community.

It added that the design of the scheme would improve the appearance of the site while ensuring it remained in context with the adjacent properties and the rural character of the local environment.

The scheme includes a minimum of two parking spaces per property, a public open space, landscaping/wildlife habitat areas and a toddlers play area.

An outline planning application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.