A scheme to transform a showroom and flat into a shared house has been given the go-ahead.

The plan to transform the building, which was once an independent living centre, on Higher Market Street, Farnworth was first put before Bolton Council in May this year.

This aimed to transform it into a house in multiple occupation with four bedrooms and a shared kitchen and communal area.

A Bolton Council report said: “The application property is an end terraced property along Higher Market Street.

“The only external works proposed are the insertion of a window and rooflights to the rear.

The plans have now been approved The plans have now been approved (Image: RJS Architecture)

“The proposals would retain the retail frontage and use at ground floor, in keeping with the character and appearance of the street scene.

“The increase of two bedrooms and proposed use would not unduly alter the existing character of the property.

“It was noted on the officer site visit and as illustrated on the submitted plans there is storage to the rear, and bin storage was to the rear along the unadopted road.

“It is considered that this arrangement would not change as a result of the conversion.”

The growth of houses in multiple occupation is has been controversial across Bolton in recent months with concerns often raised about space and the pressures put on infrastructure.

Concerns have also been raised about the loss of normal family housing around the borough.

But in this case, council officers concluded that the living spaces met their recommended room size.

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The report said: “Although no external amenity is provided, as is the case for the existing flat, it is offset by a suitable internal shared lounge space and the sustainable location and access to public parks is such that on balance refusal is not warranted on such grounds in this instance.

“The proposals are amended from the previous refusal such that a window providing an outlook and natural light to the kitchen/lounge is provided within the rear elevation, along with two rooflights.

“On balance it is considered that this would provide an acceptable living standard for future occupiers.”

Bolton Council announced that they had approved the plan on Tuesday July 2.