A POPULAR venue in Warrington has been given permission to build an extension.

Plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department for The Irish Club on Orford Lane.

Applicant Robert McCullagh sought permission for a single storey side extension to create additional space for a snooker table.

The locally listed building was likely constructed in the first half of the 19th century, when it was known as Orford Lodge.

Since this time, the structure itself has seen a number of alterations and additions.

Planning documents said: “The proposal comprises a single-storey extension to the western gable of the existing structure.

“This will be done by removing the steel container in this location and constructing the extension using brick similar to that used most frequently on the surrounding properties of Orford Lane.

“The purpose of the extension is to house the existing snooker table, which currently resides in the main lounge bar.

“The extension will be set back slightly from the main elevation and its roof will be a simple duo pitched form with a reduced ridge line.

“A new access door will also be constructed in the rear of the extension to facilitate disabled access to the bowling green and garden.”

In approving the plans, the council said: “The principle of development would be acceptable, and there would be no harm to visual amenity or to the application site as a non-designated heritage asset.

“The scheme would have no unacceptable impacts on residential amenity or on the local highway network.

“For these reasons it is recommended that planning permission is granted.”