A NEW eaterie has been proposed for one of Bury's most prominent junctions.

Oldham-based businessman Brendan McCarthy has unveiled plans to convert a former bookmakers at The Rock into a restaurant,

Formerly trading as Corals, the curved premises looks out onto Market Place.

Mr McCarthy, in a heritage statement submitted to the borough council's planning department, said: "There is no proposal to change the internal structural walls of the building.

There is no proposal to change the external façade of the building."

The restaurant would provide 44 covers, with a commercial kitchen being installed to the rear of the property and toilets in the basement.

He contends that there would be no material change to the conservation area in which the property is located.

Mr McCarthy added: "The question that goes to the heart of this proposal, is does (it) change the use of this building adversely alter the character of the building when taken as a whole, and secondly does it adversely affect the character of the conservation area.

"There is no simple test of this, the question, is whether, the change of use from a former bookmaker to a restaurant represents a change of character or not. The proposal before the council represents no change to the exterior of the building or to the interior of the building."

Work is currently ongoing to overhaul some of the offices, at first and second floor level, at the adjacent Derby Chambers.