A PUB company has returned with another bid to convert a former newsagent into a micro-pub – just weeks have its original plan was refused.

Four County Inns (Properties) Ltd has submitted a further application to Wiltshire Council to change the use of the old Kaiwal News shop, in Andover Road.

But the proposal was rejected by planning chiefs who said the company had not submitted a floor plan to show the layout of the building to indicate how it would function “within the very limited floor area of the subject building”.

The council raised concerns about the distance of the micro-pub to nearby houses.

And in the latest application the developers have sought to alleviate fears by including a floor plan of how the establishment will be laid out.

Four County Inns said: “The size of the site has been reduced from the previous application. As a result, the larger part of the rear yard is not part of this change of use application.

“The internal layout has been amended to allow building regulations-compliant independent fire escape access for the flat and the bar area will be located as to achieve full surveillance of the largely open-plan licensed premises“A very limited smoking area is indicated at the rear of the site.”

But the plan has once again sparked criticism from neighbours concerned about the clientele the micro-pub could bring.

In a letter to the council Emma Pryce-Jones said: “I’m slightly concerned that adding another drinking establishment will increase the already very loud and antisocial behaviour we experience outside our house.

“We have lived here just over a year and have experienced fights outside our house, people sitting on our step smoking, leaning against and banging on our front door, people shouting and swearing through our living room window and even a few urinations against our wall.”

And Karen Holbrook said: “It does sound a very nice idea but I live a few doors away from this building. Can you say that people’s property/shops and cars would be safe from the fights that may occur?

“The shops windows could easily get broken which then causes stress on the retailer/residents/home owners to get sorted out etc.”

The shop has remained closed since the newsagents ceased trading in February 2017. The unit was put on the market but, the company say before it was then sold at auction in March for £125,000.

To view the application and have a say by Wednesday, October 9, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-applications-search and search 19/08556/FUL.