A WINE bar is bidding to expand in Whalley on the site of a former bank, if plans are given the green light.

The Whalley Wine Shop in King Street has submitted an application to Ribble Valley Council to transform its neighbouring premises - the former Barclays Bank - into an extended shop, wine bar and cafe.

In the statement to planners, agents Sunderland Peacock and Associates Ltd said: “This change of use application proposed by the applicant will allow a thriving and popular local business to expand as well as provide a quality new venue for the area.

“It is a successful company which continues to support the local economy of Whalley and be an important feature within the village commercial landscape.

“The proposal will have a minimal impact on the external appearance on King Street and the conservation area while allowing the company to utilise the premises’ position.

“The proposal will have a minimal impact on the surrounding area which is in the heart of the village and boundaries a number of drinking establishments.”

The planned developments include amended ramp access and seats outside.

Inside, there will be a new front bay window in the place of the former cash machine.

There will be new signage and lighting at the front.

The outside seating area will be restricted to 11pm out of respect to neighbouring properties.

Also in the plans, it is mentioned that a noise impact assessment is being submitted for the outside use.

In October 2019, Whalley Wine Shop was named winner of the Decanter Award for Best Wine Shop by the industry magazine Decanter.

“It is the pinnacle in our industry and I am so proud of the whole team,” Mr Jones said at the time.

The Barclays branch was the rural village’s last remaining bank when it shut in May 2018.

Cllr Mark Hindley, who represents the Whalley area, said: “When I talk to people in Whalley there is a lot of positivity about Whalley Wine Shop as a nice place to go to have a drink.

“I will be quite supportive of the plan and as long as it carries on doing what it is doing then I would welcome them bringing the former bank back into use,” he added.