PLANS to convert a long-shuttered Crewe pub into flats are set to be refused because its owner failed to carry out a noise assessment.

The New Burton has lain empty for a number of years, adding to the dereliction of some of the upper part of Victoria Street. Plans to convert the first floor of the former public house into flats were previously approved, as was a plan to use the ground floor as a dental practice.

With the latter use failing to materialise the owner of the property, who is from Newcastle-under-Lyme, has applied to Cheshire East Council for a change of use of the ground floor to form three flats with internal alterations.

But Cheshire East Council's Environmental Health Team has objected to the plans because an acoustic assessment to evaluate noise transmission between the floors of the building has not been made.

Environmental Enforcement Officer Amy Chilver stated in a consultation document: "No measures to mitigate against the transmission of noise between these residential units has been provided to the local planning authority to ensure future issues are not encountered once residents take up occupancy of the units."

While they welcome the opportunity to finally make use of the empty building, Crewe town councillors say they support the grounds of refusal.

Cllr Marilyn Houston said: "If it is good accommodation and it does look quite nicely designed, then we want more residential development in the town centre to help the night-time economy."

But planning committee chairman John Rhodes noted: "They've not done sufficient work there. A lack of sound proofing could mean a loss of amenity [for future residents]."

• Town councillors have voiced concerns over the proliferation of gaming outlets in Crewe town centre. Plans have been submitted to convert the former H. Samuel jewellery story in Market Street into a gaming centre.

Cllr Kath Hogben pointed out: "We've already got two in Market Street and one in Delamere Street. Are there limits as to the number of these you can have slap bang in the middle of a town centre?"