Application to turn former William Hill into drinking establishment gets the green light

Cheshire West and Chester Council has approved a planning application seeking to convert the former William Hill shop on Church Street into a drinking establishment.

William Hill closed in September 2019 and the shop was put up for sale in September 2020.

A covenant placed on the property by William Hill means that the building cannot continue to be used as a bookmakers, meaning that a change of use is required for the space to be put back into use.

This development would not involve any external alterations to the building façade, but the left-hand side shop front window, previously let as a display area to the adjoining occupier, will once again be dedicated to the new establishment.

In a report related to the application, the Council planning officer said that use of the shop as a pub or bar would "enhance the vibrancy of the conservation area, bringing a vacant unit back

into use.

"There would be minimal alterations to the shop front, ensuring it appears in keeping with the wider area," they added.

Concerns were raised over the potential noise impact of the pub or bar on surrounding homes, and so planning permission was only granted on the condition that the operator submit a noise management plan, complete with hours of use and sound proofing.

When the application was lodged, no operator had yet been secured for the property. However, an expression of interest had been received from an established family-run independent micro bar company.