AN independent family-run brewery has applied for permission for a taproom at a former mill in Macclesfield.

Bollington Brewing Co. is moving its brewery into Brook Mill on Parker Street later this month and has applied for planning permission to open a taproom on site to allow people to sample the beers at their source.

The building, which dates back to the 1900s, is understood to have originally been built as a bakery, then became a textile factory before being used most recently by a textile printer.

The proposed change of use, in addition to the brewery, will bring Brook Mill back into use after being vacant for 18 months.

A planning statement submitted by Urban Imprint on behalf of Bollington Brewing states: "Internally, the taproom will operate separately from the brewery, though it will be linked operationally in terms of consumption of the beer produced in the brewery.

“The main taproom will operate as the drinking establishment with a bar, with the existing eastern walled courtyard proposed to be used as outdoor seating when weather permits.”

Bollington Brewing is an independent family-owned brewery that has been brewing beer and running pubs for 18 years.

An operating statement submitted with the planning application states: “The taproom would be in a separate part of Brook Mill and be self-contained although there will be a view from the taproom through glass doors into the brewery.

“The taproom will have seating for 50 people in the main room and 30 people outside in the courtyard. There will be a small commercial kitchen.”

It will serve Bollington Brewing real ale and keg beer, and a selection of independent beer from local and nationwide craft breweries as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including coffee.

The application, number 24/1147M, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.

The closing date for comments is April 24 and the application is due to be determined by a planning officer under delegated authority.