Bolton council has refused plans to convert a commercial property opposite Bolton railway station into a block of flats. The decision, issued on October 19, follows concerns about noise and lighting for future residents.
Proposal Details
The application, submitted by Mohammed Sarwar, sought to change the use of a double-fronted, three-storey mid-terrace commercial building on Newport Street, near its junction with Trinity Street. The plan involved converting the rear ground floor and the first, second, and third floors into six flats. The space had previously been used for offices, with the delivery yard for the nearby large Morrisons store located at the rear of the premises.
A planning statement supporting the scheme said: "The scheme will deliver six self-contained apartments that make efficient use of the existing building, provide comfortable modern accommodation for single occupants and contribute positively to the local housing stock." The statement also highlighted the site's accessibility by public transport and its proximity to everyday services, reducing reliance on the private car.
Reasons for Refusal
Bolton council planners said the noise impact report submitted with the plans was "not considered to be adequate." They noted that the report lacked detail on noise transfer from the Piggy Banks bar next door and the nearby York Hotel pub, and had not considered potential delivery noise from the Morrisons delivery yard.
The planning report stated: "It is not considered that sufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that future occupiers will not be harmed by noise nuisance." Planners also concluded that "it is not considered that adequate lighting would reach the key living spaces" in one of the proposed flats.
Decision Issued
A decision notice refusing the plans, stating the reasons above, was issued by Bolton council on October 19.
