Plans to open a new Wetherspoon pub in Heswall until 1.30am on weekends have been abandoned.
However, the pub chain still plans to open a new bar at 1-5 The Mount after Wirral Council gave it planning permission in May last year.
The conditions of the authority’s decision meant the pub would not be able to open outside the hours of 9am-11.30pm.
But JD Wetherspoon wanted to open with the full hours it had requested in its original application, which were 8am-1.30am on Friday and Saturday and 8am-00.30am from Sunday-Thursday.
Speaking to the ECHO in January this year, Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: “We will of course take into account the concerns of the neighbours, but our experience of operating premises in residential areas with similar hours, given [the pub chain's] focus on food and lack of music, has not caused issues to the respective local communities.”
However, some of those living in the area were worried about late night noise and disruption.
The Heswall Society, a residents’ group with around 450 members, opposed the late night opening hours.
Also speaking in January, its planning officer Roger Lane said: “There are many residential properties very close by, and we believe from a protracted history of noise issues that this would affect them quite badly.”
Posting on a Facebook community group for Heswall and surrounding areas Pensby, Irby and Thingwall, some agreed with the Heswall Society.
One person said: "I hope your objection is accepted and if there is anything for us residents to sign to join you please link it!”
However, others disagreed, with one person commenting: “Wetherspoons will be investing money and creating much needed jobs as we come out of a pandemic and doubtless enter a severe recession. That building is an eyesore.”
The Wetherspoon pub, which is set to take over the site of the former Exchange Bar, would be bigger than the old bar with a larger beer garden at the front.
The company insisted it will also mean a £2.2m investment in the area with 50 full and part-time jobs created.
Clarifying the pub chain’s plans today, Mr Gershon said: “The company has planning [permission] for its site in Heswall and is going with the council’s agreed hours.
“Wetherspoon did submit another planning application with extended hours but decided to remove that application.”
