JD WETHERSPOONS have submitted plans to extend popular Chester pub The Bull and Stirrup on Upper Northgate Street, using the former premises of Northgate Medical Centre.

The pub and restaurant, which currently stands at 8 Upper Northgate Street, will use the adjoining building which they have purchased at 10 Upper Northgate Street to provide extra space for dining at the ground floor, together with eight additional hotel rooms at the first and second floor level. Plans also include a external seating area with a glazed canopy and garden at the back of the site.

In planning documents, prepared by rjd on behalf of JD Wetherspoon, the company states: "JD Wetherspoon propose to enhance their offering to the town of Chester to include an extended ground floor internal eating and drinking venue with the added benefit of an enlarged exterior area and first and second floor hotel rooms.

"The ground level will accommodate an open bar, dining and drinking areas. The existing bar, cold store and servicing will remain as for the existing facility."

As a Grade II listed building, the proposal states that no change will be made to the frontage of 10 Upper Northgate Street and that only necessary internal changes, such as the removal of walls to link the two buildings, will be made.

This is to be completed together with refurbishment work on the building, which originally dates from 1800, in accordance with English Heritage guidelines.