Historic pub threatened by developers

A HISTORIC Warrington pub, designated as a Locally Listed building, will be demolished if a plan to build 12 new houses is given the go-ahead.
Ten nearby residents have lodged objections to a plan put forward by Bloor Homes Ltd for housing on the site of the Hermit Inn, in Golborne Road, Hermitage Green, Winwick.
The pub is believed to date from 1839 although it is thought it has been modified or extended at least seven times between 1849 and 2005.
But it has been closed for some time, was badly damaged by fire in March last year and experts believe only the cellars are intact from the original structure.
Neighbours argue that the development will damage the Green Belt, create traffic problems and contribute further to an oversupply of housing in the Warrington area.
They say the proposed dwellings are too large and out of character with the area.
They believe there would be a damaging impact on bungalows in adjacent Gerosa Avenue.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved. They accept that Hermitage Green lies within a historic landscape and there is evidence that the village was established by at least the 18th century, it is not thought the pub pre-dates the Victorian period.
they accept that residential development is normally inappropriate within the Green Belt, but point out that it can be justified for limited infilling or redevelopment of previously developed sites.
The existing building is now considered unsafe and unsightly. If the plan is refused, the site is likely to remain undeveloped..
Members of Warrington’s development management committee will consider the application next week.