British Flag to close?

Owners of The British Flag on Coare Street, in Macclesfield, have re-applied for permission to close the business and convert the property into a house.

An earlier application, for pub to become a single dwelling, was refused by Cheshire East.

Council 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.

In his latest, the Flag’s owner, Lloyd Roberts, provided the requested information.

A planning statement 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 also states: “The British Flag is no longer a viable business.” Adding 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.