PLANS have been submitted to transform a former bank in Bewdley into a real ale pub.

Maple Design, on behalf of Black Country Ales, has submitted a planning application to Wyre Forest District Council to transform the site of the former Barclays Bank, in Load Street, into a real ale pub stocking beers from their brewery in Lower Gornal.

The application states: "The property is located on Load Street in the centre of Bewdley and was formerly owned and operated by Barclays Bank. The property closed as a bank many months ago and has remained unoccupied since that closure.

"We are aware that the property was built and used as a residential property prior to conversion into a bank.

"Our clients are a successful real ale pub company and carry out renovations to run down/closed public houses throughout the Black Country.

"Our clients believe that the conversion to a public house would breath life back into the building and ensure that it would continue to be maintained at a high level."

A spokesman for Black Country Ales told the Shuttle in March: "If successful in obtaining a premises licence the building will be converted into a traditional pub with an old fashioned feel. It will serve beers from the historic Black Country Ales brewery, in Lower Gornal, and also a wide range of ever-changing guest beers from around the UK."

The spokesman added: "The proposed pub is currently unnamed and the company will seek a name that reflects the traditional feel of the pub and the locality - suggestions are welcome.

"Licensees with a keen passion for real ales and customer service will also need to be appointed."

The Barclays Bank branch in Bewdley closed its doors in August 2014.

A consultation period for the application will run until May 25, before the application will be up for discussion at the council’s planning committee at a later date.

Residents can view and comment on the application on the council's planning website via the reference number 17/0232/FULL.