A COMBINED off-licence and micro-brewery has been backed by councillors after the owners submitted an application for permanent planning permission.

Horwich Tap and Cork opened last year after taking over the former dubTap premises in Lee Lane.

And now the owners are seeking Bolton Council's permission to continue trading by gaining 'personal planning permission' as the current permission is in the name of the former owner.

A statement submitted with the application said: "The owners of family-run local engineering businesses, the Nabb family, bought the failing pub business from Dub Holdings and obtained a license in their name prior to signing a 10 year lease with the landlord.

"A relative, Mr Nabb, owner of Epicurus Brewery of Denton began supplying some of his and others products to the Tap and Cork. The brewery is in the process of transferring to premises in Bolton to consolidate their licensed interests and staff within Bolton."

The statement lists the aims of the business, which said: "To provide speciality beers and spirits from far and wide,for the pleasure of their customers, who in turn may bring friends to do the same. To provide hot/cold bar snacks,catering to varying tastes,within a small menu.

"We aim to remain within the existing licensed opening times, and to refuse 'lock-ins' as some public houses still do today.

"To try to keep the numbers of customers below 30 approximately, by for example offering a particular product to taste with a view to buying some to take away for home consumption.

"To provide a social atmosphere,in compact friendly surroundings,using unusual beers/spirits as catalysts to relaxation."

The statement added: "By obtaining a personal permission, as the previous applicant did, the family will control and shape the business over the coming 10 years, with outside influences and be lead by their customers tastes."

The application went before Horwich Town Council's planning committee at a meeting in the Public Hall on Thursday.

Cllr Steve Chadwick said: “I think it has grown to be a great local business and it’s doing something a little different.

“It has been a great success and long may it continue.”

Members voted to support the plans.