THE owners of a Macclesfield pub have re-applied for permission to convert it into a house saying the business is not viable.

A previous application for The British Flag Inn and the flat above to become a single dwelling was refused by Cheshire East at the beginning of this year.

The council's planners said there was insufficient evidence regarding the community value of the pub, its viability as a business and the absence of recent marketing efforts.

This latest application, from owner Lloyd Roberts, provides the requested information.

A planning statement from Smashbox Architecture, on behalf of the applicants, states: “While the pub once served as a popular venue for sporting events and social gatherings, changing consumer habits, increased competition from cafés and pop-up bars and the advent of at-home entertainment have contributed to its decline.”

The document provides a detailed financial breakdown for the council and states: “The British Flag is no longer a viable business.”

It also states that when the Coare Street pub was marketed as a business there were no viewings or offers.

The planning document says: “Mr and Mrs Roberts have taken every reasonable step to continue operating The British Flag as a public house.

“However, the financial and practical realities they face make its continued operation unsustainable.”

The application, number 24/3247M, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.

The last date for submitting comments is October 21 and the application is due to be determined by a planning officer under delegated authority.