The Red Lion

Planning permission and listed building consent were granted by Cheshire West and Chester Council for the refurbishment, alteration and extension of the vacant Red Lion Hotel and associated buildings, which included an expanded public dining/drinking area and the creation of a new courtyard guest bedroom block.

The site lies in the heart of the town, within its conservation area and a ‘zone of archaeological potential’, and includes listed buildings. The original hotel building was designated as an Asset of Community Value. The application followed previous unsuccessful proposals for new housing on part of the site and raised issues over the new development’s impact on important heritage assets, the protection of neighbouring residential amenities, parking and transport considerations, ecology, trees and landscaping, drainage and archaeology.