PLANS have been approved to turn a former bank into a restaurant and bar.

A change of use application was issued in August to convert the former Royal Bank of Scotland branch on the corner of Market Street and Pennington Street in Hindley into an eating and drinking establishment.

The plans indicate the restaurant would be based on both floors of the historic red brick building with small bars installed on each level.

The bar opening hours are set to be noon until 1.30am from Monday to Friday, 11am to 2.30am on Saturdays, and 11am to 2am on Sundays and public holidays.

And the restaurant is expected to welcome customers from noon to 11pm every day.

A Wigan Council planning report states: "The proposed change of use would bring into use a currently vacant property and will maintain its attractive historic features with no external alterations proposed.

The council is "satisfied" that "the proposed use is an appropriate town centre use which will contribute to the evening/night-time economy and would not harm the vitality and viability of the area."

The report said: "The property is located within an established principal shopping area and town centre with high levels of activity during the day, and existing food and drink businesses which extend activity into the evenings.

"The premises also has no external drinking areas."

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One resident objected to the "potential for on-street customer parking on Pennington Street exacerbating existing parking issues" and "potential excessive night-time noise".

The application was approved by the local authority on Monday.

It introduced a condition to ensure no plant or machinery used in connection with the development should be brought into operation until it has been insulated with sound proofing.