APPLICANTS wanting to turn a former Italian restaurant into two homes, a motorhome hire company and a dog groomers have shared CGI images of their proposals – which they say will 'secure the future' of the historic site.

The Horns Inn in Little Leigh, which was more recently operated as Bella Napoli Ristorante and the Marco Marco Pizzeria Ristorante, has been empty since the business ceased operating in 2014.

Plans have been submitted to transform the building into two four-bedroom homes, while the grounds would house two businesses.

Northwich Guardian: CGI image of the proposals at the siteCGI image of the proposals at the site

CGI image by Triple D

Helene Johnson, who owns Piggles Pad dog groomers, and Paul Alvarez, owner of Unleashed Motorhome Hire, purchased the site last year and want to save the historic building – which has become a public eyesore – and run their businesses from the site itself.

Northwich Guardian: CGI image of the proposals at the siteCGI image of the proposals at the site

CGI image by Triple D

Paul explained: “Regardless of the outcome of planning, restoration work is already underway to restore the fabric of the building and bring it back to its former glory.

“Previous owners have only been interested in developing the site for housing stock – the planning scheme, if approved, will ensure the future of the site and not as a housing development.

Northwich Guardian:

CGI image by Triple D

“The commercial use of the site for both the dog grooming and motorhome hire, both of which are established businesses, will bring valuable, sustainable services to the community and Northwich as a whole.

“As the businesses progress, these will provide employment opportunities to the community.

“The increased activity on the site will also generate more custom for other local businesses.”

Paul added: “We do not seek to ‘rip the soul’ out of this historic site, but to secure its future.

Northwich Guardian: The building currentlyThe building currently

“We are private individuals, not some large corporation, refurbishing this with our own funds – for us to continue, the ability to run the businesses from the site is imperative to the success of the scheme.

“We are aware that not everyone will agree with the commercial building we propose, but we have tried to design this sympathetically to the site and other local ‘barn’ type buildings to help it blend into the surroundings.

Northwich Guardian: The building currentlyThe building currently

“One of the main concerns from locals is the parking around this site – this has been fully considered in the proposed application so as not to exacerbate an existing issue.”

If planning permission is granted, Paul and Helene would aim to complete their project by early 2023.

The plans can be read on Cheshire West and Chester planning application portal using reference: 21/05112/FUL.