A prime Bury town centre spot is set to become a sports bar and restaurant opening until 4.30am at weekends.

Planning permission has been granted this week to transform the building on Bolton Street into a bar.

The premises used to be occupied by Bury Sport and Trophies, which previously shut due to retirement.

The building is next to the Blind Tiger bar and within Bury town centre conservation area.

The application describes the site as "arguably the best preserved of Bolton Street’s brick buildings".

A design and access statement in support of the plans said: “The application is for the change of use of ground floor of building from shop to sports bar and restaurant.

"There will be a shop front replacement and the first floor will become offices.

“There is precedent for a bar not only on the street, but on the same terrace block.

“The premises next door on Bolton Street is a bar, Blind Tiger, which has a late licence, and currently closes at 4.30am.

“The proposal complies with the development plan and would improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.”

The statement, on behalf of applicant Andy Taiwo, gives planned opening times for the new venue of between 8am to 3am from Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A planning officer report on the application said: “Comparative to a shop use, the character of a bar and restaurant would bring about higher levels of activity and noise, as it would be likely that more customers would visit the premises at one given time.

“That said, the premises are located within a busy town centre, where there is frequent and regular activity from people visiting the area and the other drinking and eating establishments nearby and there are no known sensitive land uses in the vicinity to protect.

“In terms of crime and disorder and any nuisances and disturbances which may occur into the late night or early morning would be covered under licensing regulations in consultation with the police.”