Plans have been submitted to create a 15-bed care home in a former town centre church in Farnworth. Josephs Care Home is behind the proposals for the Victorian Wesley Mission building on Hardman Street.
Site History and Previous Applications
The site is currently vacant, with its last use being a photographic studio. Previous applications from another applicant sought to convert the building into flats and later a 24-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO), both of which were refused.
Bolton Council refused the HMO plans in late 2025, and the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal of that decision in April 2026. A design and access report supporting the care home plans has now been published.
Details of the Care Home Proposal
The report states: “The decision has been taken to look at an alternative option, with the submission of an application for a residential care home. It is proposed that the building will be converted over the two existing floors, with 15 care rooms and relevant administration requirements, in accordance with the guidance and standards of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).”
The plans include three care rooms on the ground floor, including an end-of-life room, and 12 care rooms on the first floor. The ground floor will also feature a lounge, dining room, and TV lounge, with necessary infrastructure on the remaining floors.
Room Facilities and Layout
Four of the care rooms will have en-suite facilities, while the others will have assisted bathroom, shower, and toilet facilities. The layout will be contained within the existing structure. If approved, the existing staircases will be removed and replaced with two new staircases, and a lift will be installed.
Parking and Highways
Addressing parking concerns, the report notes: “The area is predominantly on street parking and the streets surrounding the building have no parking restrictions. It is considered that for a use as a residential care home that there will be adequate on street parking for visitors and staff.”
Bolton Council planners will decide on the application in the coming weeks.
