A vacant semi-detached home near the town centre could be used as a shared house for as many as 11 people.

The plans will see the three storey house on Bradford Street in the Haulgh, which had originally been built as a family home, used as a “house in multiple occupation.”

Though currently empty, the building has previously been used as a shared house in 1985.

A statement from Holme Planning Partnership said: “The site is well located for access to key local services and facilities including supermarkets, eating establishments, outdoor recreation spaces, as well as public transport connections, with the nearest bus stops located to the front of the application property.

“Overground rail services are also available locally from Bolton train station, a mere 10 minute walk from the property.”

A floor plan shows the layout of the bedroomsA floor plan shows the layout of the bedrooms (Image: Graham Lea Architecture)

It added that the site was historically split into an 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation with communal entrance area with living, kitchen and dining facilities with a garden area.

The statement said: “The site has been in such uninterrupted use for a period in excess of 10 years, having first been in use as a large HMO since at least 1985, and is therefore lawful by the passage of time.”

The house can be accessed from both Bradford Street and Back Bradford Street with a small garden at the back and an extra area of space at the front.

The application for a certificate of lawfulness to use the house as a HMO was made to Bolton Council on Monday September 16 this year.

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The developers say that it had already been used in this way for more than 10 years and that though currently vacant it would still be lawful to do so.

The statement said: “This application is supported with documentary evidence including historic tenancy agreements, HMO licences, emails from the HMO officer confirming the site history and other documentation.

“This Certificate seeks to demonstrate that the property was converted and has been in uninterrupted use as a large house in multiple occupation for no more than 11 persons for in excess of ten years.”

Bolton Council will aim to decide whether or not to approve the application by Monday November 11.