Jobs hope as hotel plans are approved on Shropshire border

Marston’s had applied to build on land next to the Poachers Pocket pub and restaurant in Chirk Bank, near Oswestry.

The plans for the hotel also include 30 extra car parking spaces, and alterations to the existing beer garden and play area at the pub.

The pub is popular with canal boaters and walkers, with its position being right next to the canal.

Weston Rhyn Parish Council gave no objection to the application in principle, and acknowledged the importance of “job creation for local people and the demand for economic hotel accommodation in this area.”

However councillors said attention should be paid to the fact the development will be on a world heritage site buffer zone and said that Shropshire Council should consider the effect the development could have on the site very carefully to ensure there was no negative impact.

Councillors also raised concerns about protecting wildlife in the area, in particular bats, water voles, greater crested newts and otters.

Residents in Gledrid Terrace, which is next to the existing site, also had concerns about an increase in traffic, and also use of the sewerage system in the area, which they claimed was already overloaded.

One resident also raised concerns that if the application was passed, it would cause an application for houses in an adjacent field to be renewed.

However like the council, they did recognise the employment opportunities the hotel would bring to the area.

The plans are part of Marston’s nationwide development programme to provide overnight accommodation on selected sites across its estate.

Breakfast will be served for hotel guests in the Poachers before the restaurant opens to the public at noon.

With permission granted, it means up to 10 new jobs will be created and it will be the third hotel within a mile stretch and would face competition from the Lord Moreton and Lion Quays.