A HISTORICAL pub could close down following a successful planning application.

The White Horse in Lewin Street, a 250-year-old building, was granted a change of use by Cheshire East Council on July 12 which means it can now be turned into office space by a developer.

Approval has been given subject to the removal of the cellar doors outside the pub to reconstruct the foot path and make it fit for purpose.

Case officer Louise Everard in a report said: “The pub is not an asset of community value.

“The proposal for B1 use will assist in employment generation and is appropriate to the location of the site.

“This proposal complies with an adopted policy and is sustainable re-use of existing premises that are unprotected.”

Middlewich Town Council objected to the application based on the grounds of ‘losing a local amenity and the location of vehicular access’.

David Latham, town councillor, said: “It would be disappointing to see the White Horse close.

“It’s a shame because it will have had a successful time during FAB festival with more customers and it is a viable business.

“By the time the developer has finished work on the place they probably could have invested elsewhere in the town for a much smaller cost so I just don’t get it.

“Even with a change of use the list of problems around the building go on and on.

“There is still a lack of space around the bend in Lewin Street and people are still at risk of being injured.

“Changing the pub into an office will not stop that and may cause more issues due to the increased number of cars driving in and out.”

In the past the pub has served various groups such as The Order of the Druids and the Loyal Order of the Ancient Shepherds.

The council has recommended work take place between the hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm on Saturday with no work to commence on Sundays or public holidays.

The development has to commence within three years.