News that a craft beer pub could be opening in Petersfield has been met with both cheers and fears from the community.

Chichester-based Escapist Brew Co. wants to develop the former SureFix Home Improvements premises in Chapel Street into an independent micro-pub.

The business will be located just around the corner from The Square Brewery in Petersfield.

In its planning application, Escapist Brew Co. said: “This proposal will be of positive impact to the town’s environment and will remove one vacant unit from the street.”

Petersfield Town Council has raised no objections but has recommended that adequate soundproofing be installed to mitigate noise. The Petersfield Society shared similar concerns, particularly regarding late-night noise disturbing nearby residents.

A business owner on Chapel Street, who did not wish to be named, said: “There's always concerns about whatever goes in there. At the end of the day, my priority is for the units to be used and it makes me happy that someone wants to use it.”