Jacobean meditation garden to be created at ex- Marquis of Granby pub

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for proposed external works linked to the creation of the space.

Applicant The Egerton Trust says the garden is for use by patrons and staff of health and wellbeing services.

It is to be created to the rear of the Grade II-listed former Marquis of Granby pub building, on Church Street in Howley, after permission was granted.

“Following planning permission for the change of use of the former pub into a health and wellbeing clinic in February 2022, the applicant is now seeking to bring the building – which was left vacant for a significant period and left to deteriorate – back into active economic use,” plans state.

The former Marquis de Granby pub building

“In association with the permitted use, the land to the rear of the site, which was previously underused, has been resurfaced, with the initial intention to provide up to 10 car parking spaces to be used exclusively for staff of the health and wellbeing clinic.

“From previously refused applications, it is evident that the use of this area as a car parking space is now unlikely to be acceptable to the council due to perceived highway safety constraints from Ellison Street.

“Our client therefore wishes to instead use the external space as a Jacobean meditation garden, in conjunction with the approved uses of the wider site.”

This would involve removing the tarmac surface and replacing it with a combination of lawn and planted areas, as well as a herringbone brick pathway to link the building to the garden, as well as a covered area with a timber pergola.

The current vehicle access will be fenced off with a heritage-style fence adorned with climbing plants, providing privacy to the garden while maintaining the building's historic character.