PLANS have been lodged to demolish a vacant former pub and restaurant near Ellesmere Port and replace it with 18 new homes.

The proposed development, which would create 12 houses and six apartments, is earmarked for the site of the redundant Hooton Hotel off Waterworks Lane.

The pub served its last pint back in August 2018 and the empty building has since been the subject of vandalism with damage being caused to both the inside and outside of the large two-storey property.

In September last year, the 1.25 acre site went under the hammer with a guide price of £325,000 to £350,000 but failed to sell.

However, the pub – a stone's throw away from Hooton railway station – ended up being purchased post auction.

A developer is now proposing to knock down the pub and build 10 three-bedroom and two 4-bedroom family homes for the open market and a mix of one and two-bedroom affordable apartments, as well as 35 car parking spaces, 10 cycle spaces and new vehicular access.

Chester and District Standard:

Former Hooton Hotel pub (Google Street View).

The planning application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council on behalf of the applicant, Hooton Hotel Development Ltd, states: "The pub ceased trading in August 2018 and has since been left unmanaged.

"The property has suffered some minor vandalism with a number of windows smashed, lead stripped from the roof and some internal damage.

"In its current condition, the site is underused and underutilised in an area which is in need of additional residential dwellings.

"The proposed scheme comprises of a mixture of 12 semi-detached dwellings in addition to 6 apartments at the top of the site.

"There is a viable need for this range of accommodation and the site’s favourable location, nearby several public transport options and close proximity to the nearby villages of Hooton, Little Sutton and Willaston supports this statement."

It concludes: "The proposal represents an improvement to the character of the immediate area.

"It will replace a dilapidated, former public house with a range of high-quality house types and apartments.

"The scheme is sympathetic to the character of the local area and is in-keeping with the style of the neighbouring properties and the wider built environment.

"Through a well-considered layout and landscaping strategy, the scheme aims to create an attractive and distinctive place to live."

People have until September 4 to make any representations.