NORTHWICH pub The Slow and Easy Hotel is earmarked for demolition to make way for dozens of houses.

Punch Taverns is seeking planning permission to knock down the hotel and build 20 houses and four flats or maisonettes at the site.

The Slow and Easy Hotel is on a prominent site in Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam, at the junction with Hall Road.

It is well known for hosting community events and regular band nights, and announced ambitious plans for the business at the end of last year.

A Punch Taverns spokesman said: “The opportunity for housing on the site for the Slow and Easy pub is an option we had been considering for a considerable amount of time, hence we have submitted planning permission.

"We acknowledge that the pub has improved performance recently but this housing application allows us to explore all our options given the overall trading history of the pub."

The pub has been given a makeover since Tim and Michelle Hines took over its running in November.

“We want to make the Slow and Easy a family-orientated pub where children are always welcome,” said Tim at the time.

“We’re planning a number of events throughout the year, including a Bikes and Bands weekend in July.

“We’re excited at taking over The Slow and Easy, and have big plans to make it a fantastic place for families.”

Tim and Michelle took over the running of the hotel from Jacky Beasant, who staged a number of successful community events.

Punch Taverns has submitted a full planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for the demolition of the hotel and the building of 24 homes, an associated access road, landscaping and open space.

A report accompanying the application said the scheme would have a minimal impact on local roads.

“The proposed development could generate about 15 two-way trips during the AM peak hour period, and 14 two-way trips during the PM peak hour period of a traditional weekday,” it said.

“This level of traffic impact is clearly low, equating to a maximum of only around one additional two-way movement every four minutes, even during the peak periods.

“This impact would be substantially less than 30 two-way trips during the peak periods.

“The public house would have generated some traffic during the peak periods, which will further reduce the impact of the proposed residential development on the local highway network.”

The current site offers 40 parking spaces, which are due to increase to 42 under the proposals.