Estate agent’s basement could become micropub

The basement at the Granville Square premises is currently unused.

But plans to turn it into a new licensed premises will help support Stone’s night economy, a document submitted to Stafford Borough Council said.

Planning permission is being sought for a first floor extension to the existing office space as well as conversion of the basement into a drinking establishment.

A planning statement submitted to Stafford Borough Council as part of the application said: “The purpose of this development is to provide a mix of office accommodation and licensed premises. The scheme supports the council’s long term strategy of providing a mix of retail and housing within the Stone town area.

“The development is situated within a well established retail and residential area bordering onto the historic part of Stone’s Granville Square and facing the Cenotaph.

“The existing office accommodation is occupied by a locally owned independent estate agents, following the successful establishment of the business they are seeking to extend their existing premises. The additional office accommodation will safeguard the retention of a successful local business within a prominent high street area supporting local employment and the local housing market.

“The basement area of the building currently has no formal use do to the change in occupation of the existing properties during its lifespan. It is therefore proposed that the change in use to licensed premises will allow the area to be brought back into use and support a thriving evening economy within Stone High Street, providing a unique new bar environment and bringing in additional town centre visitors and offering a greater range of venues to visitors and local residents.”

The application for the “micropub-style premises” was submitted in the same month proposals were put forward to Stafford Borough Council for a “drinking establishment” in a vacant unit on Stone High Street.

Earlier this month the council granted permission for a vacant shop unit in Stafford town centre’s Market Street to be converted into a small craft beer bar.