PLANS to turn the Chapel House Inn in Burtonwood into an asset of community value is a step closer to becoming a reality.

Ray Head, pub campaigns coordinator at CAMRA North Cheshire, has submitted the documents to the council.

Speaking about the reasons behind the application, he said: “This is the last remaining pub in the village of Burtonwood since the closure and demolition of the Bridge and the Elm Tree. 

“The next nearest is the Pear Tree in the hamlet of Collins Green, about 1.2 miles away.

“The Chapel House makes a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the community  as no other facilities in the area provide a similar array of services freely available to the community as whole throughout the day from 12pm.”

In the planning documents it is noted how the pub, which was extensively refurbished in 2013, is reputed to be the oldest building in the village.

He added: “In A Burtonwood Story by J P Fogarty published in 1986 there is reference to a town’s meeting held in the Chapel House building in 1736. 

“The pub’s heritage forms an important part of the community’s historic and cultural identity. 

“Heritage plays a key role in the pub’s interior after its extensive refurbishment in 2013.

“The designer has sourced decoration and imagery featuring the Second World War Burtonwood airbase and images of the Burtonwood brewery.”

He added that the loss of the pub would impact on a number of community groups in operation in the village.