The growth of shisha bars in the city looks set to continue with a new one to be approved for Ashton.

Planning officers have recommended the plans for turning the beer garden of the now closed New Ship Inn on Watery Lane into a shisha cafe be given the go-ahead.

The pub has been attempting to add the shisha area since June 2011, with its initial application in June 2012 being refused by councillors.

The new application has been called in by Ribbleton councillor Brian Rollo who fears the plans will have a detrimental impact on local residents.

Letters from residents who live near the pub say it will cause a disturbance as people using the shisha garden are likely to be sitting outside for long periods of time.

The application is set to have conditions which only allow operation of the shisha garden between 3pm and 11pm and no music is to be allowed.

Mr Asif Issa, who is applying for permission, has also revised the plan to include 38 seats, down from 66 in the initial plans.

Officers write when recommending the plans “the scheme merits approval as there would not be a significant detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents.”

The plans will be heard by the city council’s planning committee on Monday 7 January from 10am at the Town Hall.

View the full plans on the city council website

What do you think of the plans? Should they be approved? Let us know in the comments below

Image credit to Tony Worrall