Plans to convert the Biddulph Arms into flats were approved at a meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee yesterday (Thursday).

The application was submitted back in January by local businessman Inderjit Garcha. The pub has stood unused for several years, but changed ownership after it was sold in summer 2018.

It was previously thought by some that the well-known Biddulph building could be turned back into its original use as a pub, after Mr Garcha was granted a license by the district council.

However, with this latest application, it now appears that the old pub will be converted into a residential building after all.

Biddulph Nub News reported previously how the application would have seen the main building being converted into nine residential units, with a nearby outbuilding also being converted into one extra residential unit, making a total of 10 flats.

However, the application has now been reduced to a total of nine flats, with only eight flats in the main building and the remaining flat in the nearby outbuilding.

The plans were recommended for approval by the district council's planning officers, who said the conversion would provide "significant social benefits" to the town.

Biddulph Town Council also supported the plans, feeling that the conversion would help to keep the historic building in place.

At yesterday's meeting, two local residents spoke to raise concerns about the application.

They shared their concerns regarding parking provisions and traffic safety at the building, and hoped to ensure that the pedestrian access route through the car park would be retained.

The applicant's agent, speaking on behalf of Epoch Architecture, made assurances that parking provisions for the flats would be adequate.

And district council planning officer Ben Haywood said there was a condition on the application that the pedestrian route must be maintained.

Cllr Jim Davies, who represents Biddulph North, said: "I agree with the conditions that have been put forward, but I would also like to make sure that the pedestrian access is suitable for pushchairs. Generally it's good to see that this historic and prominent building will be secured."

The district council's chairman, Cllr Keith Flunder, added: "I'm glad to see it's being retained as an old traditional building, and that the issues have all been satisfied. I'm happy to support the application, and it will be nice to have some units for people to live and work in Biddulph."

Councillors then voted unanimously in favour of approving the application.

If you would like to watch the meeting in full, or read any of its supporting documents, click here.

To see the application and its supporting documents in full, click here.