Former Oswestry pub could be transformed into bar and restaurant under plans by publican
A former pub could be transformed into a bar and restaurant under plans by the building's new owner.
Paul Fitton hopes to bring new life into the dilapidated building that once housed the White Horse Hotel on Church Street in Oswestry – which closed nearly 50 years ago.
Outlined in his planning application lodged with Shropshire Council, Mr Fitton hopes to return the building to its former use of a licensed premises, with a restaurant and bar.
The building is the former White Horse Hotel, which closed as public house in 1969.
Most recently the building was the home of Church Street Pharmacy but it has been vacant since the business moved in 2014.
Mr Fitton is a well-known publican in Oswestry, who runs The Vaults in Church Street and The Station Grill in Llansantffraid.
In a design and access statement, Mr Fitton said: "Oswestry is a town that is in need of investment. There has been a recent decline in footfall and more so the night time economy, with the closing of the popular Ironworks on Church Street and the recent closing of the Walls Dining Rooms.
"A major contributing factor, is people are travelling to the likes of Shrewsbury and Chester who have moved with the times and are offering better choice.
"It is proposed that the establishment will serve predominately as a café and restaurant with the ability to serve alcohol. Opening during the day time for quality hot and cold lunches and coffees as well as the evening for casual dining.
"The location is ideal for the proposed use. Being within the town centre it will reverse the trend of people going out of town or neighbouring towns, servicing those living within the town as well as draw people from further afield."
The proposal, which is currently being looked at by Shropshire Council planning officers, also includes the creation of management accommodation and the front of the building will return to its original look.
