A PUB in Bewsey is set to be converted into apartments.

Warrington Borough Council has received an application for planning permission in order to turn the Bells, on Longshaw Street, into nine one-bedroom flats.

The pub is currently vacant and ‘susceptible to anti-social behaviour’, with the proposed development set to see the building extended upwards.

Planning application documents stated: “The Bells has been closed for a prolonged period, prior to which it was riddled with licensing and drug-related problems.

“These issues resulted in the premises’ licence being revoked, therefore prohibiting its use as a public house.

“Since closing, marketing of the premises has taken place – with the only interest to note being for a change of use away from a public house.

“As such, it is reasonable to assume that the site is surplus to requirements as a public house and an alternative, appropriate reuse of the building should be found.

“This application seeks consent for the repurposing of the redundant public house building in favour of a high-quality residential development.”

Proposals to turn the watering hole into a convenience store were thrown out by Warrington Borough Council last year.

Dozens of residents objected to the scheme, with the council refusing planning permission due to parking issues.

Consultations on the latest plans run until Tuesday, September 24.