PLANS to convert a former arts shop into a bar on Watergate Street, Chester have been given the go-ahead.

The proposal, submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, sought internal and external alterations to the former Rustic Elements site and the floors above on Watergate Street Row, above the Alison Bradley Gallery on the corner of Crook Street, as well as a change of use.

Planners said the changes to the Grade II* listed building would be minor and preserve the special interest of the listed building, bringing it back into use.

The proposal sought to have a bar accessible on the Rows level, with the bar extending to the floor above, with a new door and signage.

As part of the proposal, planners say the Row balustrade would be repaired to an agreed specification, meaning the overall benefit to the Rows would be "significant" and the public benefits "substantial", increasing footfall at a prominent location in Chester.

Inside the Rows level floor are largely unaltered 14th century internal service room doorways, which planners say would be left unchanged, as would the 17th century timber joints and beams. Freestanding tables and chairs will be placed next to them, opposite a new bar area.

On the floor above, there would be a smaller bar with further tables and chairs, along with two private hire rooms and toilets, with new internal partitions to facilitate this.

The top floor would remain unchanged.

A planning inspector's report said: "During the applications consultation, the local ward member expressed concern regarding the proposed late opening hours, which the applicant has since reduced."

The bar hours would not exceed 8am-midnight on Sunday-Thursday, and 8am-1am on Friday/Saturday.

The inspector added: "The development would retain an active frontage (a window at row level) and would contribute positively towards the vitality of the frontage whilst also bringing a long-term vacant unit back into a use which would complement the main retail function of the centre."

Cheshire West and Chester Council formally approved the plans on Thursday, July 28.

A revised internal layout of the Rows level floor was made to allow for an internal lobby area to be installed, allowing for noise to be contained indoors.

The incoming bar joins a range of food and drink establishments to have opened their doors on Watergate Street in recent years, including Assembly Bar, Stile Napoletano, Frankie's, Palm Cocktail Bar and Eatery, Pars Kahve, Vin Santo Chester, Hamayuu and the reopened The Guild Chester.