Retail units and shared housing at Adlington Post Office, Adlington, Chorley

The site today

The vacant former post office has residential accommodation, a rear garden and access providing one parking space.

“The application relates to an existing building at 18-20 Market place, Adlington. The property has most recently been used as a Post Office with residential accommodation to the rear and first floor, however the post office use has recently ceased trading and the unit is currently unoccupied.”

“The property is located within Adlington District Centre as defined within the Chorley Local Pla 2012-2026 and the living accommodation has been extended by means of a rear conservatory. The property benefits from a sizeable rear garden and access to the rear that can provide for one parking space.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The site history records a 1987 application for offices over the shop and a 1963 box sign application.

“Ref: 87/00470/FUL Decision: PERFPP Decision Date: 4 August 1987 Description: Conversion of first and second floor areas over shop to form office accommodation…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the proposal acceptable in principle with no unacceptable effects on the area, amenity or highway safety.

“The proposed development is acceptable in principle and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of the existing site or the surrounding area. The lack of parking provision is considered to be acceptable in this instance given the highly sustainable location of the property and there are no concerns regarding highway safety, capacity or amenity as a result of the proposal.”

Officer report

What residents said

Fourteen objections raised concerns about parking, density, privacy, amenity, noise, refuse, community effects and highway safety.

“Conflict with Policy BNE1 as this requires a high standard of design and maintenance of amenity. • The density of development would be too high. • Greater frequency of window use resulting in overlooking and lack of privacy. • If the property lacks outdoor amenity space and unsightly number of bins. • Increased demand for parking as a space will be required per tenant with more cars on street parking creating a risk to highway safety.”

“They are trying to maximise ret at the expense of living standards. • Single storey rear extension reduces the amenity space for residents. • Changes to retail space limit options going forward • Comings and goings would be out of keeping with the area. • Are the room sizes acceptable for living in/ • Potential for antisocial behaviour • Motorists already park on the pavements near this unit. • Where would the bins be emptied from.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The public speakers were a ward councillor and the applicant.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously resolved to refuse planning permission after a proposal and seconding motion.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Arjun Singh, seconded by Councillor Russ Green and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that planning permission be refused for the following reason:”

Minutes