Horwich Conservative Club is in line for a total transformation into eight apartments after the approval of an application to Bolton Council.

The applicant, Graham Eaton, asked for planning permission for the club close to the junction of Bridge Street and Church Street this year.

Horwich Conservative Club shut in 2020, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and it was on sale for offers over £200,000.

Mr Eaton asked for planning permission for eight apartments across four floors including in the basement. All of them are to be one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments from 56 square metres to 72 square metres with a kitchen area and a living area.

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There were three objections to the application from residents about issues ranging from access and parking problems to light pollution and noise pollution, but there was no objection to the application at the meeting last month of Horwich Town Council.

The town council asked for the work to be in keeping with the conservation area.

And on August 30 Bolton Council approved the application subject to conditions.

A report said: "The development would convert an existing building within the Horwich Town Centre into eight, one-bedroom apartments. This is consistent with the aims of Core Strategy and Places for Everyone. 

"Whilst the development would cause the loss of a community facility there are other community facilities including next door at the Bridge Hotel."

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On August 8 there was a fire at the building attended by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

There was not believed to be a lot of damage as a result of the fire at the building involving "a quantity of rubbish".

At the time a GMFRS spokesperson said: "On August 8 two fire engines from Horwich Community Fire Station and Bolton Community Fire Station were called to reports of a fire at a building on Church Street. 

"The fire involved a quantity of rubbish on the fourth floor of the building."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.