WHITCHURCH could be getting a new wine bar and hotel which supporters say could help tourism and make use of a disused building in the town.

Mark Vaughan has applied to Shropshire Council to turn Lowcross House in Green End into a wine bar on the ground floor and into hotel accommodation on floors one to three.

The application was validated on Wednesday, June 22 and currently Shropshire Council has not decided as to whether they approve the plan.

Many people in Whitchurch have spoken of the need for more accommodation for visitors in the town and resident Simon Lyon said he supported the plan.

Mr Lyon added: "I fully support this planning application.

"It brings back into use an historic building in a way which will be very positive in supporting the town centre.

"Accommodation is very lacking in Whitchurch and these plans will be very welcome in helping to bring more tourists into town which in turn will support other local businesses."

Another resident Julian Pitcher said he supported the development but had concerns about emergency fire access for patrons of the hotel.

Mr Pitcher explained: "I am the tenant of the second floor flat No 2 Green End above the travel shop and am very interested by the local history of the building being detailed in this planning application and actually have learnt a lot in reading the proposal.

"So, thank you for sharing this information.

"My only concern would be emergency fire access for the patrons of the hotel.

"At the moment there is rear access into a yard which is shared by the travel shop.

"This leads into the car park beyond the fence and there is an alleyway leading to a wooden door (we always leave unlocked) into a corridor where I have my own mountain and road bike storage along with all our individual property gas meters."

Mr Pitcher added: "We, therefore as good neighbours, would obviously have to keep this area clean and clear at all times to provide emergency exits.

"So, my own personal interest is 'are we compliant on all fire regulations?'

"Otherwise, you have my full support in bringing a disused building back to life and I strongly believe promoting business in Whitchurch has to be a good thing for us all.

"I will follow the development with a keen interest and wish the owner and his builders good luck."