The credit crunch and the smoking ban are the main reasons why the owner of a Leysdown pub has put in a planning permission to change it into flats.

Doug Walton, who own Corrigans in Leysdown Road, has applied to change the venue into three flats. There are already three flats above the two bars and a restaurant.

Corrigans is a former bowling alley and has had several name changes but it has always been known as Corrigans.

In a statement to Swale Borough Council, Mr Walton said: “The reasoning behind the change of use is because the profitability of the premises has been severely affected by the present economic climate and the recent legislation which prevents smoking inside.

“Both have had an adverse effect on most premises like ours. As a result we are left with no alternative but to look for other uses for the premises.

“The existing structure is steel-framed and divided into three distinct areas, enabling the conversion to be completed without any requirement for major structural works.

The current layout will not be extended, with the only changes to the external appearance being new windows and doors to the Leysdown Road elevation together with new parking areas, complete with separating walls and landscaped gardens to each of the proposed new flats.”

Across the road from Corrigans, big changes are afoot with Seasons newsagents which is under new ownership. It is to be called Newbie News and as well as selling newspapers, it will become an art gallery and an internet cafe.