A LONG-RUNNING bid to convert a former pub into housing has taken another turn, with a fresh application submitted to the council.

The Maypole Inn, which closed in 2018, was refused planning permission for conversion into three home by Cheshire West and Chester Council planners last year.

An appeal against that decision is currently with the government’s planning inspectorate. Meanwhile, a new application to convert the Hilltop Road pub into a single, five-bedroom house has been lodged with CWAC.

A new garage would also be built.

MARCH 2019 >>> Appeal to turn 'unsustainable' pub into houses reaches final stage

A planning statement said: “The proposal is to predominantly convert the existing three storey premises of approximately 426sq m floor area, with the removal of the basement area and addition of a rear extension to form a three storey dwelling with detached double garage.

“The size of the proposed dwelling is considered in keeping with the existing property, the size of the site and several surrounding properties in the immediate area.

“The proposal is to use the existing rear beer garden to create a domestic garden with lawned areas and areas of stone paving as identified.

“The existing section of carpark and front hard standing is to be used to form the driveway and space for the garage.”

Final arguments were submitted to the planning inspectorate by last summer and a site visit was conducted, although a decision has yet to be made.

Correspondence between the inspectorate and CWAC dated January 15 suggested the case had been transferred from one inspector to another, with no set date for a decision.