Full planning permission was sought from Warrington Borough Council for a change of use of number 112 London Road in Stockton Heath.
This was from shop to a licensed bar premises in the form of Homebrew Tap, which says it offers the ‘very best’ in local, national and international beers, along with artisan wine and spirits.
The business already has ‘relaxed atmosphere’ venues in Oxton, New Brighton, Hoole, Frodsham and Crosby.
An application was also made for the granting of an alcohol licence, but the council has refused planning permission for the venture.
The unit in question is currently vacant, having been formerly occupied by Pip Squeak and Wilfred, which offered children’s clothing, toys and gifts, as well as children’s fitted shoes.
The scheme was objected to by Stockton Heath Parish Council, which said: “The area is well-served by licensed premises, and the impact of this change of use should be balanced with the possible impact of that change on the nearby residential areas.”
Ward councillor Judith Wheeler also objected, stating: “I object to this application because of the lack of information.
“This is a woeful design and access statement, which is purely speculative for a vacant building.
“I appreciate that there is a second stage in this change of use, in the granting of a premises licence, but this application should be refused at this initial stage.
The empty unit on London Road and an existing Homebrew Tap venue. Pictures: Google Maps/Homebrew Tap
“There is a significant impact on residential amenity because this building is very close to residential property, which has a number of elderly residents.
“Residents are already negatively affected by noise and disturbance on the opposite side of the road and from other licensed premises in the village.
“There are also concerns about parking as there is limited on-street parking and a significant amount of illegal parking.”
In refusing planning permission, the council said: “The proposal has an unacceptable detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents.
“The potential for noise generation from the outdoor seating area has not been adequately addressed by mitigation measures.
“Given the proximity of the sensitive receptors and the proposed use, suitable mitigation seems unlikely to be achieved.
“Additionally, the frequency of movements to and from the proposed site, as well as the proposed operating hours of the proposal, are likely to cause an adverse impact to the amenity of neighbouring residents.”
On its website, Homebrew Tap states: “With spacious interior and exterior seating where possible, we aim for each of our sites to have its own twist, while providing friendly service and top-quality beers, wines and spirits.
“We strive to stock the best craft beers around, along with hand-picked wines and artisan spirits.
“With more than 10 beers on tap and two fully stocked fridges, there will always be plenty of choice for you to discover something new.”