A PLAN to convert a café into a “micro-pub” has been approved by planning chiefs at Warrington – more than three years after the change actually took place.
The decision means the Anchor and Hops – a terraced property formerly used as a café in Walton Road, Stockton Heath – can open the standard opening hours for licensed premises.
Previously, because its planning consent was for a café, it had to close earlier than other nearby licensed premises.
A retrospective application for the change was submitted to Warrington Borough Council earlier this year.
But planning officers were told the premises had been operating as a “micro pub” for three years.
There had been no complaints from neighbours, but the restriction on opening hours was having a negative effect on the viability of the business as patrons had to leave earlier than at other nearby licensed premises.
Planners were told there was nothing to suggest that the use of the premises as a micro-pub over the last three years had caused any harm to the amenities of nearby neighbours.
The micro-pub has proved hugely popular in the village offering a wide range of speciality beers.
