Why would anyone object this application?
If the business is loss making, this is a better use for the property rather than letting it fall into disrepair.
The argument that the place be turned from a restaurant to a house simply because it has "struggled to be financially viable" is rubbish. Plenty of places in Heswall and West Kirby are thriving and the blame should be placed on a poorly managed and advertised restaurant if business is bad. There was a time you had to book way in advance to eat here. I couldn't get in anywhere in West Kirby and Heswall on Sunday for lunch because they were fully booked. I managed to get a table somewhere in Hoylake, but only if I could eat and be off before the reservation party arrived.
And like DD says, a private house won't have any employees compared to the restaurant.
"increased competition from the restaurants and bars in Heswall" is another moot point considering the restaurant is over a mile away from Heswall centre. I can name plenty of restaurants around Lancashire which thrive despite being in a rural location.
Sheldrakes is a beautiful unique restaurant where splendid dining with incredible views shouldn't be the preserve of one family with money. And how long will it be before the new owners of the residence want to restrict public access down to the waterside?