The Pelican pub spared demolition as plans are refused

Trafford Council missed its deadline for a decision on the fate of The Pelican and Altrincham Lodge, so applicant New Care appealed to the Planning Inspectorate instead.

The plans for the pub and motel on Manchester Road, submitted more than a year ago, proposed to turn them into an apartment block with 22 one and two-bedroom homes and a care home of a significant size.

The Planning Inspectorate considered submissions from Trafford Council, which was opposed to the proposals, as well as from several residents with a range of concerns.

Although applicant New Care attempted to argue its case, the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal on October 14. This means planning permission is refused.

The decision reads: "The loss of The Pelican, a non-designated heritage asset of architectural merit with a historic connection to the area, would result in unacceptable harm to the historic character of the area.

"Moreover, the size, appearance and detailing of the proposed replacement buildings would result in incongruous additions to the street scene, which would have unacceptable and detrimental effects on the character and appearance of the area."

It adds: "There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the public house is no longer capable of functioning as a community facility.

"Consequently, I find that the loss of the host building would reduce the ability for the local community to meet their typical social and cultural needs to its detriment."

Built almost a century ago and designed in the Tudor Revival style by architect George Westcott, The Pelican stands on the site of an old pub called The Old Pelican Inn.

The current pub is unused since it was closed by Greene King in 2020.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.