Building dates back to the 19th century

PLANS to turn a disused town centre pub into flats and shops have been approved.

- Phil Corrigan

Caldmore Residential Ltd requested permission to convert The Barrel, in Tower Square, Tunstall, into four apartments, two retails units and an office.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has now granted planning permission for the scheme, subject to conditions.

The Barrel was formerly known as the Crown and Anchor and dates back to the 19th century.

But according to the planning application, the building has been 'much altered' over the years and now has 'very limited heritage significance.' The pub has been closed for a while and was sold at auction last year.