PLANS have been submitted seeking to convert a pub described as no longer "viable" into flats.
Proposals have been submitted seeking permission for the change of use of the Vulcan Inn pub building on Manchester Row, Newton-le Willows.
Applicants HK&Q Property (Newton) Limited are seeking to convert the Vulcan Village building.
A design and heritage statement in the plans, drawn up by agents SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd, says that the Vulcan Inn, while being an "established building" in the community", has over the years "declined operationally".
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The statement adds "its current owner" is "struggling to maintain a viable building as the trend of frequenting a public house continues to decline".
Plan add "it is the applicant's ambition to ensure the continued use and maintenance of the building to ensure its continued setting within the community.
"Rather than opting to redevelop the site with a purpose-built construction it is proposed that the envelope of the building is retained to maintain an outward appearance in keeping with the community whilst internally redeveloping the building to make it fit for purpose for a new residential use".
In a statement from the applicant included in the document, who acquired the building five years ago, it is said the Vulcan has been let to "three separate pub operators" and that "every operator has failed to make a success of the pub" and "had to give up the lease".
It adds: "The pub operators have told us that there is insufficient local clientele to support a pub. Despite our time and effort, we have reached the conclusion that it is not viable to operate a pub in this location, and that without a change of use, the property will fall into disrepair".
The statement adds: "We believe that there is pent-up demand for flats targeting young professionals that are within commuting distance of Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington. Furthermore, locating the flats in Newton-le-Willows will bring fresh blood to the village and help reinvigorate it.
"We feel that this is the best outcome both for the property and the village generally.”
The application states the "existing principle entrance will be used as the communal entrance to the property with a communal hallway and staircase for access" and the building will "then be subdivided into four apartments consisting of two bedrooms, a kitchen / living space and bathroom".
It adds: "The building amenity will remain as existing with the car park subdivided for resident use and bin storage as existing."
The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Monday, April 1.
A decision by council planners is expected to be made by April 29.
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