Plans to turn a former Willaston pub into a children's nursery for up to 70 children have been refused by Cheshire East Council.

The proposal would have seen The Lamb Hotel, Wistaston Road, converted into a day nursery by Chestnut Holdings (Cheshire) Ltd.

The council refused the application over concerns about losing a community facility, saying: "The proposed development would result in the loss of a public house which represents a key community facility."

Its decision notice added that the applicant had not demonstrated there was "no reasonable prospect of the premises being retained or brought back into use as a public house".

Willaston and Rope councillor, Allen Gage (Non-Grouped), had called for the application to be considered by a planning committee rather than decided by a planning officer.

However, after speaking with planning officers, he withdrew his request and the council subsequently issued its refusal.

Willaston and Rope councillor, Allen Gage (Non-Grouped) (Photo: CEC).

Gage said: "I called in planning application 26/1652/FUL for a 70 child day nursery at The Lamb to be challenged at a committee sitting (originally delegated to officer decision) with the intent to challenge the proposal on your behalf.

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"Speaking with planning officers, I have dropped my committee challenge and a decision notice of refusal has consequently been issued to the applicant.

"The main premise of refusal focuses on unreasonable loss of a public amenity and community facility that could possibly be retained and used for the community."

"If The Lamb sits empty for a prolonged period of time with no sign of being used as a pub (or restaurant!) and this application reappears then my original objections on parking, traffic, over provision and civic amenity will also reappear. Let's hope not."

Cllr Gage thanked residents who had taken part in the objections process, particularly those who had offered to speak at the proposed committee meeting.

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