PLANS to turn a former Widnes pub into temporary accommodation have been unanimously approved, despite objectors’ fears over crime and antisocial behaviour.

The proposals for the former Castle pub on Warrington Road had faced opposition from some local residents, with 21 written objections being received.

A planning application submitted by Warrington-based Casamount Development Ltd applied for a change of use to turn the pub into five houses, five flats and three studio-apartments for individuals and families, along with welfare facilities.

The application was for C2 use, meaning the pub could be used as accommodation for the homeless, victims of domestic violence or a range of other purposes, but it remains unclear exactly who will be housed there.

Recommending approval,  the planning officer’s report, said: “In conclusion, the proposal would bring back into use a vacant site and provide supported residential accommodation in a sustainable location with good access to local bus services and local amenities.”

At a meeting of the council's development management committee at Runcorn Town Hall last night (Monday), one objector criticised the scheme amid fears over parking and said it could lead to antisocial behaviour and crime. They also sought assurances about who would live there.

But committee member Cllr John Abbott, told the meeting: “I want to address who’s going to live there. Who’s going to live there are your fellow citizens. Your children, your relatives, your friends. They might have mental health issues or be struggling at times, but they’ll be living in a supported environment."

He added: “As I understand it, some survivors of domestic abuse might be living there. These are people who’ve struggled at some time and are given some help.”

Cllr Dave Thompson, added: “When you say a pub is going to be converted, people will say ‘who’s going to live there? Will that bring antisocial behaviour? will they be criminals?’, and I get that. But there’s no evidence to suggest that there are, and on planning grounds we’ve no basis to actually reject this."

Committee member Cllr Rob Polhill (Halton View) did not take part in the vote, with the rest of the committee voting unanimous approval.