A MICRO-pub could open up in Ludgershall as an application has been lodged to redevelop a former newsagents.

Four County Inns (Properties) Ltd has submitted an application to Wiltshire Council to change the use of the old Kaiwal News shop, in Andover Road, to a drinking establishment, saying it would “diversify the range of services available to the growing local community”.

The shop has remained closed since the newsagents ceased trading in February 2017. The unit was put on the market but, the company say, there has been minimal interest for a continued retail use, before it was then sold at auction in March for £125,000.

The company is looking to convert the use of the cellar and the ground floor to house the micro-pub, with no changes to car parking or the exterior, with any signage changes expected in another application.

The application states: “This proposal is for the change of use of the ground floor and cellar of the premises from retail to a micro-pub.

“In addition to the planning permission for the change of use, the premises would require a license from the local authority controlling, interalia, opening hours and music.

“The concept of a micro-pub is that it stocks local beer from small independent breweries and provides a quiet place for conversation, free of amplified music and amusement-style machines.”

Four County Inns says the town centre unit is a “prominent location with much passing trade”, and has proposed the bar will be open 10am to 11.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am to midnight on Saturdays, and noon to 11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The applications adds: “The economic elements of this proposal include the provision of employment.

“This proposal would provide an inherent economic benefit in providing employment, in comparison with the current situation, which contributes towards the development being sustainable.

“In addition to this, the nature of a micro-pub is to stock and promote local beers, which brings benefits to the supply chain and provides an outlet for existing and potential start-up brewers.”

Four County Inns has proposed that the flat above the shop, which went under the hammer on the same date, could be used by the micro-pub’s licensee.

To view the application and have a say by Monday, June 3, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-applications-search and search 19/03784/FUL.