Plans to demolish the historic Glegg Arms pub in Heswall, Wirral, to expand a nearby Premier Inn hotel have resurfaced after being withdrawn last year. The new proposal, submitted to Wirral Council by Whitbread—owner of both Premier Inn and Beefeater—seeks permission to knock down the pub building and replace it with a structure adding 24 hotel rooms, increasing the total from 87 to 111 rooms.
Historic Pub Closure and Site Details
The Glegg Arms, located on Chester Road, first served pints in the 1840s and later operated as part of the Beefeater restaurant chain until its closure in July 2024. The closure followed Whitbread's decision to integrate several Beefeater sites into the Premier Inn brand, restricting dining to hotel guests only. The pub has remained vacant since.
Reasons for Demolition and Design Changes
Planning documents submitted to the council argue that the existing building cannot be converted into hotel rooms because it does not meet Premier Inn standards. Specifically, ground-floor ceiling heights are only 2 metres, whereas Premier Inn requires a minimum of 2.4 metres. The previous application was withdrawn last year after council planning officers raised concerns about the design. Since then, Whitbread has held discussions with the council to develop an acceptable design. The new building is intended to "mirror the former Glegg Arms and replicate the visual identity of the building" and will not be physically joined to the existing hotel.
Impact and Next Steps
If approved, the demolition and construction would result in a net increase of 24 rooms. The on-site breakfast room will be reserved for hotel guests only. The proposal is now under review by Wirral Council, with a decision expected in the coming months.
