Pub conversion would benefit needy families
PLANS have been lodged to convert a former pub in Widnes into accommodation for families in need.
If approved, The Castle on Warrington Road in Widnes, would be turned into temporary accommodation and welfare facilities for individuals and families.
The conversion would see the existing Coach House converted to accommodate two family units, with work also taking place to the existing public house.
The renovation work to the public house would accommodate six one-bedroom apartments and two studio apartments, with the construction of three single storey disable apartments within the curtilage.
The development is a joint venture between the developer, Casamount Ltd, and Nightstop Communities Northwest CIC, a company which provides secure emergency accommodation for those in need, such as those who are vulnerable and homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless, ex-veterans and more.
A Design and Access Statement which has been submitted to Halton Borough Council reads: “The aim for the Castle location is to relocate the main office to provide residential accommodation and support services to develop their services to successful growth of the business.
“This will be including provisions for beneficiaries fleeing domestic violence, those requiring palliative or respite care and hospice support or who are facing homelessness through relationship breakdown, eviction etc.
“Three rooms are designed for beneficiaries with limited mobility, two mother and baby and two emergency family rooms. It is also planned to create two/four rooms to specifically support our local hospice Halton Haven who have limited space whilst waiting for rooms to become available.”
Emergency vehicle access is also featured in the plans, with the premises also staffed 24 hours a day to support people in need.
Rooms for counselling support are also set to be provided, which will be accessible for the whole community during working hours.
It is also stated that the plans will see four to five jobs created in the local area, with the organisation seeking to appoint additional support workers, including trained counselling staff.
According to the Design and Access statement, the facilities aim is to ‘support and compliment’ existing services within the borough to support the local community.