PLANS to bring one of the UK’s best small music venues to Winsford have been given the go-ahead by planners.

The team behind Northwich’s Salty Dog have been granted planning permission to open up a new site on Delamere Street — which will be called ‘The Delamere Dog’.

Approval means the currently-vacant premises opposite the Electric Church can be converted into a bottle shop and live music venue, and also see a number of internal alterations take place, as well as installing new signage.

Throughout the three-month-long planning process, Winsford residents have spoken up in support of the bid.

“This is a fantastic proposal to make use of a vacant commercial property and adds to the current retail on Delamere Street,” one wrote in a letter of support.

“I wholeheartedly support this proposal and admire the entrepreneur spirit considering the current climate.”

Another added: “I'm a massive fan of the Salty Dog and would love to see a similar venue open up here in Winsford, this would be a great addition to Delamere Street.”

Documents also show that the new business would open until 2am, could create two full-time and two part-time jobs in the town.

The Salty Dog, opened in April 2017, has quickly established itself as one of the best small music venues in the UK.

In 2018, it made The Guardian’s coveted list of best small venues.

At the time, owner Chris Mundie said: “We’re not in a big city and we’re not in the most obvious place to find a popular bar or venue really, so I think it’s been key that we’ve thrown ourselves into the community.

“It’s really nice that we’re getting these plaudits nationally, but I think that’s only been made possible through the amazing support we’ve had locally first of all.”