Brothers' bid to reopen historic Chester pub gets the go-ahead

Porta Tapas Bar owners given green light to transform Grade II listed Ye Gardeners Arms

A bid by two brothers to reopen a long-term closed Chester boozer and turn it into a "modern day" restaurant and pub has been given the green light. Ben and Joe Wright, who own the hugely popular Northgate Street-based Porta Tapas Bar, are behind the plans to rejuvenate the historic Ye Gardeners Arms in Boughton.

Back in January, Cheshire Live reported that the Grade II listed pub was up for sale with offers in the region of £250,000 being invited. The premises, dating back to the 1800s having originally traded under a different name, was snapped up by the Porta Tapas group owners, who also have venues in Altrincham and Salford.

During the summer the brothers lodged both full planning and listed building consent applications with Cheshire West and Chester Council this week. The proposals to change the use of the pub's first floor from manager's accommodation to restaurant and pub use, as well as internal alterations to create new toilet and staff welfare facilities, a kitchen, modifications to the existing bar, removal of internal walls, the demolition and erection of a single storey rear extension, and new external access and boundary treatment to the beer garden have now been rubber-stamped.

In her reports recommending approval, case officer Hannah Lucas said: "The principle of the ground floor use expanding to the first floor of the building is considered to be acceptable and would allow the continued use of this listing building for a use which is considered sympathetic to the locality.

"There are external alterations proposed which include the erection of a single storey rear extension, replacement kitchen extract, new external access and boundary treatment to beer garden. The conservation officer raises no objection to the proposed development and on this basis it is considered that the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building would be preserved in compliance with the aforementioned policies.

"The site is located in a sustainable location within the Chester settlement boundary. The site does not benefit from any off-street parking, however it is noted that it is located next to a Council carpark which would likely accommodate vehicle borne demand. It is considered that the proposed development would have no unacceptable impact with regard to highway safety noting the site's location."

She added: "It is considered that the proposals have demonstrated special regard to the desirability of preserving the Grade II listed building, its setting and features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. As such it is considered there would be no harm to the significance of the heritage assets."

Scores of our readers reacted with joy in the summer to the news that plans had been lodged for reopen the pub. One said: "This is the best news ever!"

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