PLANS to transform a Wrexham pub into a Hickory’s Smokehouse restaurant have been lodged with the council.

Wrexham Council’s planning department has received proposals to add an extension to the Squire Yorke pub and carvery on Sontley Road in Hightown which is to be converted into a Hickory's.

These plans would see the single-storey extension placed on the front of the premises, with a veranda hosting a smoking area to the side, and part of the Wacky Warehouse converted into a deliveries / storage area, along with overall rebranding.

Hickory’s was acquired by Greene King last year, with the Squire Yorke already a Greene King pub.

A design and access statement submitted by the applicants says: “The present layout of the premises requires some updating to reflect workplace changes in both the kitchen and public areas of the building.

“The current layout provides for 201 covers, however, the internal area of the pub/restaurant is dated and in order to become more efficient and allow more comfortable space for customers and staff a front, single storey extension is proposed.

“This extension will allow for the back of house to be enlarged to create a modern kitchen arrangement, which will interact with the front of house area, and be up to date with health and safety standards.

“The current kitchen extraction arrangements will be retained and upgraded with more modern and efficient internal equipment installed. The existing toilet facilities will be retained as is.

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“A small, timber open sided veranda is also proposed to provide a smoking area for customers.

“There is an increase in floor area with the extension to the pub however, the number of covers will be reduced to 198 due to the internal back of house size increase and the extra overall space given to the customer area.”

As part of the plans, part of the Wacky Warehouse soft play centre at the site is due to be used to enhance storage and delivery facilities at the site.

“In addition to the changes in the main building the adjacent Wacky Warehouse is to be modified internally”, the design and access statement adds.

“Currently there are difficulties with storage and deliveries to the site. To facilitate a more efficient delivery/storage process an area of approximately 25 per cent of the Wacky Warehouse is to be removed from public use and used as a back of house facility.”

According to the applicants, the proposed changes will bring the premises “up to date”.

The design and access statement adds: “The proposed development is seen as a leap forward for The Squire York, bringing it up to date and providing for an operator that is in great demand around the country.

“The relatively small extensions and refurbishments will enhance the offering to the local community without causing any detriment to public or private amenities. The development also fully complies with the provisions of the extant development plan.

“As such it is contended that approval should be granted."

Hickory's has a restaurant in Rhos-on-Sea. 

Wrexham Council planners will make a decision on the application at a future date.