Plans to demolish Westhoughton church to build luxury homes

The Independent Methodist Church, in Dicconson Lane, near the Westhoughton and Aspull border, has fallen into disrepair after lying empty and unused since 2015.

A planning application to demolish the derelict building and build two houses with a minimum of four-bedrooms each has been submitted to Bolton Council.

The church was used by worshippers from Westhoughton and Aspull for many years prior to its closure. A church building has stood at the site since 1893.

Previous similar plans to build three homes at the site were turned down by Bolton Council in 2018 after concerns about the effect the development would have on the green belt.

A subsequent appeal was lodged by applicant Craig Davies but the original decision was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

An appeal decision notice stated that the development would have a "harmful effect to the character and appearance of the appeal site or surrounding area".

Another application for two houses at the site was refused by Bolton Council last July.

Their reasons for refusal cited "the siting, design, scale and massing, would not contribute to good urban design".

That application received the backing of Westhoughton Town Council.

This month’s new application has been submitted by applicant Ian Horrocks for ‘demolition of existing buildings and erection of two dwellings with associated car parking’ at the site.

The plans include parking for six vehicles at the site.

The previous application said vehicle access to the site would be off the un-named lane at the side of the site leading to the rear where there would be three car spaces for each home.

Access to each house would be by a gate leading across the rear garden area to the house.

Neighbours on Dicconson Lane are being consulted about the new plans and comments from any party on the application will be received by the council until November 12.

A decision on the plans will be made at a date to be decided.