A BANK which closed two years is to be given a new lease of life.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has greenlit plans to convert and extend the former TSB bank in Winsford.

The ground floor will be divided into two retail units while the upper floor will be transformed into two one-bedroom apartments, complete with a rear extension.

In a report suggesting the plans be approved, case officer Coco Sheung wrote: “The proposal would result in a small economic benefit, by bringing the vacant units back into use, within a sustainable location.

“The proposal would not result in a significant adverse impact upon the residential amenity of the occupiers of existing properties or future occupiers of the proposed development, visual amenity, highway safety or biodiversity.”

The TSB branch was closed in June 2022 The TSB branch was closed in June 2022 (Image: Google Maps)

The former TSB was marketed by estate agents BJB Commercial following a strategic review by the bank which led to the High Street branch being identified for closure.

The branch shut down in June 2022 and was purchased by the applicant, M&I Properties, in December of that year.

In March 2023, an application was submitted by J10 Planning on behalf of the building’s new owner.

“This proposal will serve to re-purpose a former vacant use with a new use that will bring a viable and vital use back into the town centre area,” the application read.

The plans were formally approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council on Tuesday (July 23), subject to six conditions.

These include ensuring the units are designed and constructed to meet the higher National Housing Standard in order to minimise water consumption.

Additionally, before anyone moves in a scheme for the provision of bat and bird boxes must be approved by the council.