Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group will appeal the decision to decline planning permission for the retractable canopy over the seating area to the front of The Bold hotel in Southport, while maintaining discussions with Sefton Council to find suitable solutions.
The canopy was installed to enable families to enjoy dining outdoors in all weathers while looking out onto the famous Lord Street boulevard.
MHALG applied for retrospective planning permission for the canopy which was refused by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (4th February 2026).
An appeal will now be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail said he is extremely grateful for the huge amount of public support and kind messages he has received from local people over the issue, which has re-affirmed his ongoing commitment to the town which he holds in such high affection.
A decade ago MHALG invested in taking over the run-down The Bold – Southport’s oldest hotel, which has been welcoming visitors since 1832.
The firm has invested millions of pounds in bringing the hotel up to standard, celebrating its accolade as Southport Hotel of The Year at last year’s Your Southport Stars Awards.
Since then, Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group has invested further on nearby Lord Street landmarks, converting: the derelict former Grand Casino building into The Grand; an empty furniture store into the Lord Street Hotel; a vacant former bar into the thriving Punch Tarmey’s Irish pub; and the long-empty former Pizza Express unit into the Top Gun themed Maverick’s bar.
The investment has helped turn the previously rundown area into the trendy ‘Northern Quarter’, attracting more visitors and more businesses to invest and open nearby.
The firm is proud of its continued investment in transforming derelict heritage sites into vibrant new businesses, creating hundreds of new jobs and providing a huge boost to the local economy.
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group added to the amenities that customers can enjoy at The Bold by providing a stylish canopy over the outside seating area to ensure customers can enjoy their visits whatever the weather.
In the planning application submitted to the council, Clayton Architecture said: “The canopy has minimal fixings to the building therefore can be removed without causing permanent alteration or harm to the listed building. As the canopy covers are retractable they do not permanently hide the views of the listed building as they can be pulled back when not in use.
“As the design is a steel frame structure with retractable inserts, the design is contemporary, slim and visually recessive therefore limiting the impact and retaining the dominance of the building façade over the canopy.
“The retractable nature allows the frontage to retain its openness and visibility when not in use.
“By facilitating outdoor seating throughout more of the season, the canopy will support a vibrant sociable street scene within a Conservation Area making it appear a more inviting area to the public.
“This in turn encourages people to use The Bold and other local amenities within the conservation area which secures the long term future of the conservation area and heritage asset.”
- For more details about The Bold visit: The Bold Hotel Bar & Grill Southport
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