Salty Dog in Northwich to triple in size after planning go-ahead

The Salty Dog, on High Street, is known for its great selection of craft beers and quality cask-conditioned ales – which are £2.50 a pint on Mondays – and has been featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide every year since opening in 2017.  

It’s also well known as a music venue, attracting well-known bands and their fans of all ages, which makes for an eclectic atmosphere and a very diverse clientele.

The pub recently applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council for planning permission to expand into the two floors above, taking the business from a one-storey venue to a three-storey venue.

The rooms had been advertised as office space, but owners were not able to find a tenant.

Salty Dog co-manager Dom Ogden behind the bar (Image: Newsquest)

Though the pub occupies one of Northwich’s locally listed iconic half-timbred buildings, CWAC has now granted the planning permission, and the pubs’ owners, local pub company Salt Town Ltd, are free to go ahead with the expansion plans.

The planning officer’s report said: “The subject premises is located within the Northwich town centre and it forms part of the primary shopping frontages.

“It is considered that the proposed change of use of the first and second floors would complement the offering, be sited within a sustainable location and not undermine the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“It is understood that office space has been marketed, but without success. While the site is located within the conservation area and is a locally listed building, no external alterations are proposed to the building.

“It is considered that the proposed use would not have a significant adverse impact on health or quality of life, having particular regard to residential amenity.

“In the light of the above, subject to the conditions set out below and taking into account the provisions of the development plan and all other material planning considerations, it is recommended planning permission be granted.”

The Salty Dogs has sister pubs, all run along similar lines – The Crewe Dog, in Crewe Market Hall, and The Delamere Dog, in Winsford.