Plans to make changes to a historic bank building in the heart of Bolton town centre have been given the go-ahead.

This will see two cashpoints at the front of the Grade II listed NatWest building on Deansgate upgraded with newer models and fascia surroundings.

The upgrades come as part of a plan by NatWest to improve ATM machines all over the country.

A Bolton Council report said: “Officers are satisfied that the works would not represent an alteration which would affect the character of 24 Deansgate as a building of special architectural or historic interest.”

It added: “The use of the building will remain as a bank with only minor modifications to the surrounding fascia to house the new ATMs. 

A block plan of the buildingA block plan of the building (Image: Tate Stevenson Architects)

“The replacement of the ATM will visually be similar to the existing. 

“With the prescribed controls in place the proposal will not detract from the character, appearance, settings or historic fabric of the Grade II listed building and is therefore recommended for approval.”

The plans were put to Bolton Council on Monday September 23 this year and aim to improve the functionality and design of the cashpoint machines, with updated signage.

As part of the bid, the architects said that the height, scale and landscaping of the historic bank building itself will remain unchanged after the works are finished.

ALSO READ: 'High quality' changes proposed to historic town centre bank building

ALSO READ: High street bank confirms closure date of last branch in town

ALSO READ: Banking hub opens in borough town which lost all its branches

A design and access statement from Tate Stevenson Architects said: “The intention of the design was to be sensitive and respectful to the character of the surroundings and not to dominate the existing or adjoining listed buildings.

“The vision for the design is to provide a high-quality replacement ATM’s installation that is sensitive to the site location and a built form, which integrates into context whilst implementing the bank’s requirement to improve its customer experience and brand.

It added: “The existing ATM’s will be disconnected, the face plate removed, and the machine slid backwards through the ATM Rooms and banking hall, out via the existing door into the branch/vestibule and then off site.”

Bolton Council planning officials announced on Tuesday November 5 that they had approved the plan subject to conditions.