Plans to convert a former popular pub in Timbersbrook into a single dwelling have already received over 60 objections only two weeks after the application was submitted.

In a letter to applicant Mr Dominic Bardsley, which was submitted alongside the plans to Cheshire East Council, Robinsons Brewery, the former owners of the pub, before its closure in July 2020, claimed that the level of trade at the Coach and Horses, on Under Rainow Road, had "steadily declined" during the period 2014 to 2020.

In a letter dated November 2020, the brewery stated throughout that period Frederic Robinson Limited had to "assist the licensees, with sustaining the trade and supporting their business".

Within the last 10 years there had been six different licensees at the premises according to Robinson's.

The brewery claimed that drinking trends had "significantly altered in recent times" which had a "significant impact" on the "volume of public houses which could be sustained by the reduced consumption in alcohol."

Robinson's Brewery added in their letter: "The assessment of the business at the Coach and Horses showed that there was insufficient turnover at the property to provide an adequate and sustainable income for a tenant.

"The decision was thus taken to close the pub when the last licensee advised they were wishing to terminate their agreement. The pub ceased trading in July 2020."

However, the Congleton community has come out in full support for the public house to be retained.

The pub has been a public house serving the community and surrounding area since 1744.

Several passionate comments from residents submitted to Cheshire East highlighted that the local community had made various attempts to speak to the brewery about viable options to keep the pub going as a community hub.

However, according to several objectors, those efforts have been "ignored or rejected".

Offers were reportedly made by individuals to purchase the pub and keep it open, but it was claimed that the brewery chose to sell it to an "out of town property developer" for conversion into a "luxury" dwelling

A Congleton resident who spoke calling for the pub to be retained said: "The Coach and Horse public house is just that, a public house, a place for local residents to meet, socialise and partake in activities such as quiz nights and domino team nights.

"It is a very important place for people to meet, many of the locals are elderly and they walk there every day not just to have a drink or something to eat but to ease their loneliness.

"It is the only pub for miles around and it is easy to walk to for most of the Timbersbrook residents.

"When I moved to the area from Macclesfield, we knew no one in the area and if it were not for the Coach and Horses, we would not have met locals and become part of the community.

"There was also a yearly ski trip, which we joined and this gave us the opportunity to meet people and form friendships.

"This should remain a public house and it is the hub of a small community and is very important to the locals."

Another resident who submitted their comments to Cheshire East said: "The brewery did not give locals a chance to maintain an important part of our community.

"Within the current climate, support should be given to projects which offer community spirit and togetherness."

Another resident said: "The Coach and Horses is an extremely important community public house and a place where many of the local people meet each other and have done so down the years.

"The British have a pub culture and it's a huge part of our identity! Covid-19 has made it so hard for all of us and losing part of our identity simply cannot be allowed to happen.

"The people in the area absolutely love this pub and the brewery have been disgraceful in its actions with this important and the brewery have been disgraceful in its actions with this important and historic public house.

"Please do not allow part of our history and culture to be turned into yet another project for property developers."

The plans would also see the existing part single and part two storey rear extensions demolished.

The last date for submitting comments on the application which can be viewed here is 25 January.

Cheshire East has set 16 February as the decision target date for the plans.