PLANS to turn a derelict Radcliffe pub into a vets surgery have been given the green light.

Bury Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the application for the change of use of the Swan Hotel in Stand Lane last week.

The plans for the pub, which closed in 2013, also include the removal of the existing cellar and an animal yard at the rear of the building to be used for exercise purposes.

The application was made by Alcock Veterinary Services, who run Beech House Veterinary Surgery in Stopes Road, Radcliffe.

However, the proposal has generated objections from a local resident who expressed concern about animals being housed overnight and the impact this would have in terms of noise.

An objection was also made by Louise Bentley from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds citing the proximity of a swift colony.

It read: “Swifts are an endangered species of bird and they are entirely dependent upon the built environment for their nest spaces. They have been severely impacted upon in this area by the roofing renovation of many of the houses nearby.

“During the alterations to this property there is an ideal opportunity to include some internal swift bricks. This would provide further homes for the declining colony of swifts in Radcliffe, it would help increase biodiversity in the borough and the cost would be very minimal.”

No one from Alcock Veterinary Services was available for comment.