Plans have been proposed to convert the closed Beehive Inn into a residential home and build two additional houses, following numerous licensing violations.
Plans have been submitted to Halton Borough Council to transform the historic Beehive Inn on Halebank Road, which has been closed since 2021 due to serious licence violations, including underage drinking and the discovery of weapons and illegal substances. The proposal outlines the conversion of the former pub into a single residential home, along with the construction of two additional detached houses on the former car park associated with the pub.
The closure of The Beehive Inn was a result of multiple complaints received by the licensing team of Cheshire and Halton Police. Incidents that led to the closure included disorderly conduct, breaches of Covid-19 regulations, and drug-related activities. Notably, during one police intervention, authorities discovered drug paraphernalia, a machete, and a sledgehammer on the premises.
The Beehive Inn, which has a history extending over 200 years, is situated within the Halebank Conservation Area. Originally functioning as an old cottage inn, the establishment underwent a modernisation process in 1996, which repurposed it into a single-storey establishment.
In support of the new proposals, a design and access statement was submitted. It highlights the pub’s rural setting and historical significance as a ‘notable landmark’ within the area, citing its panoramic views over the adjacent farmland towards North Wales and Cheshire as a compelling reason for the proposed residential development. The statement emphasises the semi-rural character of the village, enriched by farmland and green spaces that foster a peaceful atmosphere. It also notes Halebank’s strong sense of community, reinforced by local amenities such as schools and shops.
The plans suggest that the current rear extensions and conservatory, constructed in the 1990s, would be demolished. These structures would be replaced by a new extension designed to create a two-storey garden lounge, along with a master bedroom above.
The design proposal described by the applicants is characterised as understated and traditional, claiming that the overall grouping of the new buildings would enhance and improve the existing conservation area.
Details regarding the planning application can be accessed through Halton Council’s planning portal under the reference number 25/00126/FUL.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.halton.gov.uk/planning – This URL provides access to Halton Borough Council’s planning portal, where details about the planning application for The Beehive Inn, such as the reference number 25/00126/FUL, can be found. The portal offers insights into the proposed transformation of the historic inn.
- https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/licensing-and-nightlife/licensing-team/ – This webpage highlights the role of Cheshire and Halton Police’s licensing team in handling complaints related to public venues like The Beehive Inn, which was closed due to serious licence violations.
- https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g499523-d3222583-Reviews-The_Beehive_Inn-Widnes_Cheshire_England.html – Although this specific URL is about The Beehive Inn in Widnes, it illustrates how historic inns like the one in Halebank can be significant establishments in local communities, with their details and reputations often discussed online.
- https://www.halton.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/conservation-areas – This link refers to conservation areas within Halton, including the Halebank Conservation Area where The Beehive Inn is situated. It explains the importance of preserving historical and environmental values in such areas.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the source of the original article, providing context for the plans to transform The Beehive Inn into residential properties and highlighting its historical significance.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The plans were submitted to Halton Borough Council, and the narrative mentions recent events like the closure in 2021 due to licence violations. The content appears to be contemporary and relevant to recent activities in the area.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative that could be verified.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Cheshire Live, which is a reputable local news source. However, without further details on specific authors or experts backing the claims, a slight caution is advised.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative involves a plausible scenario of redevelopment following a well-documented issue (closure due to serious licence violations). The proposal for residential conversion aligns with common practices in repurposing historical sites.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is likely based on current events, and the proposed conversion of the Beehive Inn into residential housing is a plausible scenario. The lack of direct quotes does not detract from the overall plausibility and freshness of the information.
