NEW planning documents have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council that plan for the extension of the catering facilities at Warrington Hospital.

Documents submitted show that the current kitchen facilities are set for closure, as new facilities are to be installed.

The current kitchen is to be turned into a bed storage area, if permission is granted by Warrington Borough Council's planning department.

Warrington Guardian: The hospital's kitchen facilities will remain open whilst planned refurbishments go aheadThe hospital's kitchen facilities will remain open whilst planned refurbishments go ahead (Image: Newsquest)

Included in the documents is a plan for the erection of a single-storey flat roof extension to the rear of the existing catering block.

Plans suggest the current facilities are in dire need of refurbishment and replacement, but the development cannot include the closure of the kitchen while the project takes place.

This is due to the essential nature of on-site catering for the entire hospital.

The documents say: "The existing catering department is in need of refurbishment and the existing building is considered unsuitable due to the existing roof being in need of repair."

It is expected that - if plans are approved - the current catering facility will have its roof repaired, which will allow the facility to be used as a storage space for beds in the future.

A new kitchen facility will be installed in the single-storey extension that is being eyed for land that is currently used as a small car park.

The car park currently has space for five vehicles.

According to documents, once the extension and roof repair has taken place, the building will be fitted out with a new kitchen, providing much-needed new equipment and improved facilities for the catering team, including new storage and fridge-freezer capabilities.

The documents also highlight the essential nature of on-site catering, adding: "The proposed extension is necessary to refurbish and relocate the existing catering facilities, in particular the preparation, cooking and serving of hot and cold food within the hospital.

"This is a necessary function of the hospital and must remain live and uninterrupted during the works."

Warrington Guardian: Documents suggest the catering block is in dire need of attentionDocuments suggest the catering block is in dire need of attention (Image: Newsquest)

Documents suggest the existing car park will be used for another purpose: "The existing car park will provide level access for deliveries and the existing level access to the existing kitchen will also be retained."