Planners have given the green light for a former pub in Alsager to be converted into retail units and four apartments.

The Bank Corner, which closed more than two years ago, will house retail units, including a pharmacy and café, in the former bar space on the ground floor.

Four self-contained apartments, comprising two one-bedroom and two two-bed flats, will occupy the first floor of the Lawton Road building.

The proposal conflicts with planning policy in that it involves removing the use of a bar as a community facility.

But the report from a Cheshire East planning officer states: "However it is important to recognise that portions of the building would be retained as retail use, with a pharmacy and café also being introduced.

Planners given go-ahead for former Bank Corner to be developed. (Photo: Nub News)

"These uses seek to diversify the offering within the town centre and contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the area by making use of an unoccupied building."

It adds: "Whilst this change from a bar would result in the loss of a community facility, the town centre is well served by such facilities, and the introduction of a café space would support the community through use as a place to meet."

The application was approved by planning officers under delegated authority.

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