The historic Glegg Arms pub in Heswall has been saved from demolition after Wirral Council's planning committee voted against plans to replace the 18th Century building with new hotel rooms. The committee decided the loss of the historic building would not be outweighed by the potential benefits the extra hotel rooms could bring.
Plans for 24 extra hotel rooms rejected
Dating back to the 1840s, the Glegg Arms later became a Beefeater restaurant before closing in 2024. It now serves guests at the neighbouring Premier Inn hotel.
Both Beefeater and Premier Inn are owned by Whitbread, who submitted the plans that would have seen the hotel having a net increase of 24 rooms, going from 87 to 111.
Opposition from local groups and councillors
The application was opposed by the Heswall Society and local ward councillors, who have urged Whitbread to pursue an alternative that would preserve the building's historic façade.
Dr Roger Lane of the Heswall Society explained that they support more rooms at the hotel, but not in a way that would lead to the demolition of the historic pub.
Committee split on decision
A representative on behalf of Whitbread told the committee that all other options for hotel expansion, which involve retaining the building and/or façade, are not feasible due to structural and financial factors. The committee were also told that planners have worked to ensure the design of the extra rooms incorporated features of the Glegg Arms and would have had a similar façade to the pub.
The committee were split on the decision, voting 6 to 3 in favour of refusing the plans. Among those who voted against refusal was Cllr Brian Kenny, who suggested if the council refuses the plans it may send out the message that "Wirral is not open for business."
Following the meeting, Cllr Kathy Hodson told the ECHO she is "absolutely delighted" that the committee refused the plans. The Heswall councillor explained she is not against development, but insisted the building must not be destroyed "without due consideration." She added: "A replica is not heritage. Heswall would end up looking like Disneyland."
