A VACANT former bookmakers could be turned into a bar.

Plans to bring the old William Hill betting shop on Church Street, Frodsham, back into use have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

According to the successful planning application lodged by RL Frodsham Ltd, "an established family-run, independent micro bar company" has expressed an interest in taking on the unit.

Its ground floor change of use proposal from a bookmakers to either 'Class E commercial, business and service use’ or 'Sui Generis drinking establishment' was rubber stamped by the local authority today (July 2).

The old William Hill store permanently closed back in September 2019 and the property has been marketed for sale since September last year.

In the planning application submitted back in May on behalf of the owner by Chester-based Architecture Works Ltd, it states: "The current use as a bookmakers falls under Sui Generis use, however, a covenant has been placed on the property by William Hill meaning there can be no continued use as a bookmakers and therefore a change of use is required.

"No external alterations are proposed with this application. No operator has been secured for the property to date, however, an expression of interest has been received from an established family-run, independent micro bar company.

"The internal fit out is to be undertaken by any occupier and not covered under this application, however, the current layout consists of a level ground floor access with an accessible toilet on ground floor.

"Adequate sound proofing works would be undertaken to protect the amenity of the first floor residential occupiers."

In a report recommending approval, case officer Edward Shepherd states: "This proposal seeks planning permission to change the use of the ground floor area into a drinking establishment.

"The applicant has indicated that at this stage no operator has been secured for the unit. However following an expression of interest as a bar they are seeking to broaden the potential planning uses.

"In this case, it is evident that the proposal would not result in the loss of an retail use, would create a greater or equivalent footfall than a bookmakers and complement the retail core of the primary shopping area.

"The use 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.

"Regarding residential amenity, the use is in close proximity to a number of residential units. Therefore, if not managed suitably, the proposed use could potential give rise to an unacceptable level of noise.

"The applicant has stipulated that that the use would be fully soundproofed however full details are not available at this stage. As such, a noise management plan is required, prior to first use as a drinking establishment.

"This would detail the hours of use, levels of noise and sound proofing."

He adds: "The applicant initially applied to use the unit as a drinking establishment or Class E. However, a full assessment of each potential use was not provided.

"It is noted that the unit could change to a retail, restaurant/ café or professional service without requiring planning permission under permitted development classes.

"The development complies with all other material considerations and therefore is recommended for approval."