The Sefton Hotel PLC has won an appeal against two local residents and hotel owners who opposed plans by the company to build nine serviced hotel suites.

The plans include demolishing and rebuilding the 'existing rear outlets of the Britannia and Irwell Hotels'.

Mrs D Salmon of the Argyle claimed that since the Britannia was bought by the Sefton in 2002, it had become derelict and that the dereliction was deliberate. She also said planning had taken too long, demolition had been too noisy and neglect had caused water to get into a party wall.

Mrs Calvert of number one Church Road alleged the Sefton had 'not been a good neighbour' and suggested there may be problems with fire exits. She claimed the scheme would result in 14 rooms in her premises having a loss of light and that there might be subsidence.

The Inspector who heard the appeal, David Bushby, said the main point was whether the proposals would have an adverse impact on a conservation area. He pointed out the works would not be readily visible as they were at the back. He suggested the matters raised on dereliction, noisey demolition and subsidence were not material planning considerations but should be addressed elsewhere between the main parties. He concluded: 'The inquiry is not the place to address disputes between neighbours'.

The appeal was dismissed and the Planning Committee was told it could give permission for the scheme to proceed.

(Picture: Part of the front of the Sefton Hotel).