Plans for a popular Congleton town centre drinking establishment to relocate into the Not Just Cards shop have been welcomed by councillors.

Barley Hops has submitted plans for the change of use of 29, High Street, Congleton, from a retail shop to a drinking establishment.

Barley Hops has leased 2, Swan Bank, Congleton, since October 2013 and opened their doors for the first time the following month.

The application was discussed at last Thursday's Congleton Town Council Planning Committee.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Kay Wesley said: "Not Just Cards has been a fixture in Congleton for a good many years now and I would like to wish Julian and his wife a very happy retirement.

"They are selling their shop and moving on.

"It's good to see a shop getting reused as the owners retire."

Cllr Robert Douglas said: "It's good to see this bigger premises on the High Street is going to be occupied."

A design and access statement submitted alongside the application stated: "As an established drinking business Barley Hops have had a long-standing passion for real, craft and continental beers predominantly local, but with a view to what was to come with the boom in the brewing industry.

"Barley Hops has established itself as one of the best pub venues within the town and have been recognised by CAMRA having been in the Good Beer Guide for the last 5 years.

"They have an affiliation with Congleton and have been involved with the Food and Drink Festival for the past few years."

Barley Hops has been searching for a new larger premises and Covid-19 restrictions has had a significant impact on the way they can operate.

The design and access statement added: "Their current location is very small and with the current Covid situation, it has made it impossible to continue in their current guise, working with a 30-50% capacity with the social distancing and table service scenario is not viable no matter how they approach it.

"Barley Hops wish to find a larger premises within Congleton and 29, High Street, which is only 320 metres from their current site would be a suitable and ideal property to relocate to.

"Barley Hops offer something different to the traditional pubs, takeaways and restaurants in the immediate vicinity and to the national chains such as Wetherspoons.

"It will continue to adopt an inclusive atmosphere that attracts a diversified clientele, by replicating the approach used in the applicant's existing business."