PLANS for a new bar in the town centre have been given the green light by the council.

The proposal for a bar in the Bull Ring – former home of Britannia Building Society – was approved last week and an alcohol licensing application is now out for consultation.

Its new owners promised in the plans a rustic refurbishment of the building, displaying the history of the town through bric-a-brac décor in the style of Manchester’s popular Northern Quarter bars.

With a focus on quality, and a range of specialised offerings from beers to gins, a planning statement suggests a premium vision for the bar, with a working name of 'Bullring'.

The bar is also aiming to offer a retail aspect, with customers able to buy their favourite beers and specialist gins, vodkas and rums to take home.

A sister company of The Salthouse at Hayhurst Quay, offerings from that popular pub will be available to buy at the Bullring.

The statement added: “It will not be all about alcohol. We have invested in a new two-group coffee machine that will be able to serve fresh coffee throughout the day and night even offering a takeaway option.

“It will also offer premium soft drinks and mixers.”

In approving the change of use application, Cheshire West and Chester Council planning officer David Netherwood said the plans would help link recent redevelopment areas in the town.

He said: “This premises in question is a part of a few buildings that host building societies and banks that are grouped together south of the High Street and north of the ‘Marina’ area.

“Although there are no current [bar] use in that area, the premises is spatially classified as being part of the High Street, and it would make sense to promote footfall from Barons Quay, down the High Street, and over this area to the ‘Marina’ area.”

The plans detail an internal refit only, with no alterations to the exterior of the locally-listed black and white timber building.

Proposed opening hours of the bar are 9am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 10.30pm on Sundays.