PLANS to transform a derelict pub in the heart of Leigh look set to get the go-ahead - at last.

A planning application to turn the Grand into 18 flats, a wine bar, health club and restaurant has finally been recommended for approval.

Mick Norcross, who bought the pub back in 2011, may have at last succeeded in working with town planners to make the scheme, turned down earlier this year, into an acceptable proposal.

Mr Norcross, 54, dropped plans for a penthouse flat and made the steep, 4-sided, curb roof smaller to counter objections by planning officers the building would have become “overbearing”.

Yesterday he was cautiously optimistic his plans for the much-loved landmark building off the Broadway would finally come to fruition.

He said: “I want to thank the council. I’m pleased I’ve been able to work with the council.

“My team has been able to work with them and make the amendments they suggested for the penthouse and mansard roof.

“We’ve also had great local support, with a petition signed by more than 500 in favour of our plans.”

Mr Norcross added: “I’m not taking anything for granted though at this stage, but fingers crossed it will be a positive result next week and we will have the building for another 100 years.”

The former star of The Only Way is Essex has also agreed to pay £9,607 to Belfairs High School as part of a section 106 agreement.

This is to provide a financial contribution towards secondary education provision in the town - and must be paid prior to work starting.

Mr Norcross said work would start immediately after the plans are passed - and the renovation is expected to take about 18 months.

The building will have wine bar and health club at basement level, a restaurant with external raised terrace at ground floor and 18 flats to the upper three floors. The work to the existing building will include rebuilding the current curb roof. There will be a roof top terrace in place of the former penthouse. A terrace to the front of the building will provide outside seating for the proposed 144 seat restaurant and brasserie.

The restaurant and wine bar will be open from 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday - and from 9am to 11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The health club will open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.