Bolton council has granted retrospective planning permission for a hairdressing salon built without consent in a residential back garden on Higher Drake Meadow, Westhoughton.
The application, considered by the council's planning committee, covered the newly built outbuilding, a two metre high fence and an additional parking space to the front of the property.
Small-scale business plans
Councillors heard the proposal would accommodate a 'small-scale business' operating between 10am and 6pm Monday to Saturday by appointment only.
The council received 13 letters of objection and six letters of support. Objections raised concerns about parking, highway safety, amenity and visual impact.
Applicant's response
Addressing the committee, applicant Martin Foster said although the salon was built and equipped it had not yet been used for commercial purposes pending the outcome of the application.
He said: “I appreciate that some neighbours have raised concerns, particularly around parking, traffic noise, and the residential character of the area.
“I have listened carefully and made practical changes to address them.
“This application is for a small home-based hairdressing salon and is not intended to become a large commercial salon with multiple staff or numerous customers.
“In response, I’ve converted my driveway into a double width driveway, so clients can park safely off the road.
“The council’s highways engineers have reviewed the proposal and raised no objection, even before the proposal of a double driveway.
“We’re a young family trying to build a small home-based business to support our family and provide for our young children while working around family life.
“Higher Drake Meadow is not simply where we want to operate our business; it is our home and our community, and we are proud to live there.
“We have no intention of creating something that negatively affects the neighbourhood in which we are raising our family.
“We simply want the opportunity to earn a living through a modest business whilst remaining considerate and responsible neighbours.”
Objectors' concerns
Anna-Marie Watters spoke on behalf of objectors living on the housing estate. She said: “Our objection is based primarily on the concerns regarding the accuracy of the description of the existing building, the nature of the proposed use and resulting impact on the residential character and amenity of the surrounding area.
“Parking is a premium, with many homes having to park on the side of the roads, already leaving inadequate space for any emergency vehicles to get through.”
The committee voted unanimously to approve the retrospective application for the building.
