A BID to convert a former newsagents into a micro-bar could go before council planning chiefs.

Councillor for Ludgershall and Perham Down Chris Williams has requested for a proposal to change the use of the old Kaiwal News shop, in Andover Road, to a drinking establishment be called into Wiltshire Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee.

Within the application, it states: “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 (Properties) Ltd has stated that converting the unit would “diversify the range of services available to the growing local community”, but it has sparked criticism.

Cllr Williams said that he has expressed issues with the proposal, and would like the application to be called in if Wiltshire Council’s planning officer recommends it for approval.

Ludgershall Town Council has also objected to the plan, stating it does not feel “it will add value to the town”.

The authority raised a number of concerns including no provision for parking or space to sit outside.

It further highlighted worries over the opening hours which were deemed to be “very long” and that it is close to a residential area, but Four County Inns says the town centre unit is a “prominent location with much passing trade”.

If given the go-ahead it is planned that the micro-bar would be open from 10am to 11.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am to midnight on Saturdays, and noon to 11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The plan has also received objections from town residents who have raised varied concerns.

In a letter to Wiltshire Council, Sarah Mills said: “I am concerned about this application. There are already two public houses within 100 yards of these premises. Is there really a need for a third?”

She added: “Adding another to the mix doesn’t seem like a very good idea.”

And Jane Robinson, of The Queens Head, said: “ I don’t want to object in a competition capacity. But, I would like to object due to there being no parking and smoking facilities at this establishment and that their patrons would park in my car park and walk round leaving me with no parking for my customers.

“Putting another drinking place in the village would encourage pub crawls which would be no good for the village.”