PLANS for a 'micropub' in Ellesmere Port have been given the green light.

Council chiefs have approved an application to convert a vacant part of a bridal shop into a new drinking establishment called Bondies Bar – which will be small in both size and operation.

The family-run micropub, which is creating one full-time role as well as a part-time post, will be based in the unit closest to Chester Road, Whitby.

The bridal store remains open but is reducing in size, which has resulted in the vacant unit.

Bondies Bar will be open daily – including Bank Holidays – from 11am until 11pm.

The planning application for the change of use was submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by Ellesmere Port resident David Thomas, who is proposing an 'original pub concept' with no jukebox, fruit machine or background music.

His application states: "Over the last 20 years it has been the general trend for local pubs to disappear from Ellesmere Port. and I have chosen this location to fill a gap in the local community since the loss of The Sportsmans Arms and Viscount pubs.

"It is intended to name the micropub 'Bondies Bar' as in the past the area leading up to Whitby village from the town centre used to be known locally as Bondies Hill which was in reference to a landlord of The Sportsmans Arms from the 1920s, John Bond.

"Bondies Bar will operate over two floors with the bar, lounge and cold room located on the ground floor and another lounge area, storeroom and toilets located on the first floor.

"We will predominantly be serving local quality craft beer, real ale, ciders, spirits and wine from local micro breweries and local producers with stock rotating every couple of weeks, which will be totally different to anything on offer in any other Ellesmere Port pubs and bars.

"Bondies Bar will be a place where the local community will be able to meet and socialise in pleasant surroundings. There will be no jukeboxes, fruit machines or background music, the emphasis will be on people rediscovering the long lost art of talking to each other in a nice friendly atmosphere.

"Due to the nature of the micropub we will be looking attract and maintain our customer base from the local community, and could provide meeting space for local groups and charities."

The planning application was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council yesterday (March 31) on condition that the micropub does not open outside the proposed hours and satisfactory measures are put in place to control noise.

Lisa Harris, the council's Director of Place Strategy, said: "The local planning authority has sought to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way to secure a development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area."