A Widnes pub and hotel could be converted into apartments after plans were submitted to Halton Borough Council.

Liverpool-based MM Properties NW Ltd has submitted an application to convert the Main Top Hotel on Mersey Road in West Bank into seven apartments.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the application said the outside of the pub would not significantly alter, and that access to the building would continue to be from Mersey Road and White Street. To the rear of the property there would also be an enclose area for refuse.

The statement said the proposed ground floor living accommodation would be via eight doors situated at ground level, while the first floor apartments would be accessed via an internal staircase at the end of the corridor from the Mersey Road entrance, and also via an internal staircase accessed through a door at the rear.

The statement added: “The area in question is a primary residential area and it is not anticipated that the addition of seven residential units will negatively impact on transport and highways in the locality.”

It added: “Within the proposed layout, appropriate fire separation throughout the building has been carefully considered, with low travel distances along escape routes and compartmentation, together with fire doors along circulation routes."

The pub and hotel is a stone’s throw from the Catalyst Museum, and the statement added it was understood no buildings or structures in the application site are listed or situated in a conservation area.

It added: “We therefore request this application should be approved, in the interests of providing affordable housing and improving the visual amenity of the area."

No date has yet been set for a decision.