A Victorian bank which stood empty for years has been given a new lease of life as a wine bar with space for up to 100 customers.

The former Lloyds Bank in Stony Stratford High Street is now home to The Winery after its change of use was granted retrospective planning permission.

The venue can seat up to 60 customers inside the Grade II-listed building and another 40 in its rear courtyard.

Dating from 1887, the prominent building stands within the Stony Stratford Conservation Area and retains its distinctive red-brick frontage and terracotta detailing.

Lloyds closed the branch in September 2021, leaving its ground floor vacant until the new wine bar moved in.

Although the planning application was submitted before The Winery opened, it became retrospective while Milton Keynes City Council considered it.

Documents describe The Winery as a “wine-led”, seating-only venue with background music and a calm environment.

Plans for the venue include a bar and preparation area, three toilets and acoustic features intended to reduce noise.

Separate permission has previously been granted for internal alterations, signs and air-conditioning equipment.

Two objections were submitted raising concerns about noise, late-night activity, inadequate parking and potential traffic problems around Church Street.

Council officers acknowledged that conversations, laughter and customers moving through the courtyard would be audible to neighbouring residents.

They concluded that some “intrusive” noise would remain even after mitigation but said the benefits of bringing the listed building back into use outweighed the harm.

The council’s environmental health and highways teams did not object to the plans.

The Winery has three parking spaces, compared with the 51 indicated by the council’s standards for a drinking establishment.

However, officers said customers could use public car parks in Stony Stratford and that many were likely to arrive by means other than a private car.

Council documents say the property was marketed for more than four years and attracted more than 20 enquiries, but no completed transaction or viable Class E occupier was secured.

Permission was granted subject to restrictions intended to protect nearby residents.

The premises can open to customers from noon until 11pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays.

The courtyard must close one hour earlier each day, while amplified music and speech are prohibited outside.

The premises must remain closed to customers on Mondays and Tuesdays.