THE final pint appears to have been poured at The Roebuck Inn after planning chiefs agreed to convert it into houses.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has called time on the building's use as a pub, giving the green light to transform the site into four homes, in Witton Street.

The decision sailed through the planning process, with no residents objecting to the loss of the site being used as a public house, despite it being Northwich's second-oldest pub – dating back to the 1700s.

In recommending the the planning application for approval Katie Richardson, CWAC planning officer, said: "The pub has been vacant for more than 12 months, in which time it has been marketed for sale unsuccessfully.

"The pub is not a designated asset of community value and there has been no registered opposition to the scheme as a result of the consultation period in terms of the loss of the pub.

"It is considered unlikely that it would come back into its former use. The proposal would support the vitality and viability of the [town] centre.

"The proposal also has the benefit of securing a long-term use for an undesignated heritage asset."

The scheme, which was submitted by Bury-based Heywood Estates, will see the building retain the flat above the old pub, while the pub will be divided into three cottages.

The developer claims that using the building as a pub is 'no longer viable', and that historically the site attracted 'social disruption and disorder'.

Several Guardian readers felt the pub would be missed when the scheme was first reported in September – despite it closing in 2016.

Commenting on the Guardian's Facebook page, Stephanie Blowers said: "As much as it's a little sad, I'm glad they can reuse the buildings instead of knocking them down.

"At least we all still get to see history even though it's not in its original purpose."

Former landlord Ian Bates said: "I was the last landlord there when [former owner] Punch Taverns sold the building.

"It was a sad day for me when I had to hand over the keys."

John Bennion added: "Another great pub bites the dust.

"Costs now influence the licensed trade – not enough punters are able to pay the high prices."