Blackrod: Ruling on Church Street flat conversion plans

The plan to create the new flats on Church Street, Blackrod was debated at a meeting of Bolton Council just last week.

Blackrod Town Council had already objected to the scheme as had 13 people living nearby.

Cllr David Grant, who represents Horwich South and Blackrod, said: “I agree with a lot of what objectors say, it is overdevelopment.

“The bins have to be brought forward not for any other reason than that the bin lorry can’t get down a road that narrow.”

The proposal was debated at a planning committee meeting last week (Image: Bolton Council)

“I appreciate its not a planning consideration but there are disputes over who actually owns the land to access the car parking.

“I mention it because this application is based on their being three car parking spaces at the back.”

But he added that he was aware that Bolton Council had previously endorsed approval.

The works will include the demolition of an existing ground floor extension at the back and the building of a new single part two story extension.

This will include a change of use of the first floor to make space for the two flats.

Many of the letters of objection had centred around concerns about the loss of parking, loss of privacy for the surrounding area, fire safety issues and the general over development of the site.

Blackrod Town Council had heard from some of these residents and had themselves objected to the planning committee again citing parking spaces and congestion in the area.

They also said that they were worried about the impact on other nearby houses.

Cllr Debbie Newall also said she was concerned about their being “very little amenity space.”

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She said: “It’s just a little area that’s stuck behind one of the buildings, it’s not as big as the three car parking spaces.”

But Bolton Council officers had looked at the issue of bin storage and recommended the scheme be approved.

A report said: “To avoid this having an undue impact on the outlook of neighbouring dwellings or obstructing the highway, the applicant has advised that they will either be left at the front of the retail unit or collected privately from the rear.”

Ultimately the committee members voted to give the scheme the green light.