Café and community venue at Rock Hall Moses Gate Country Park, Farnworth

“Template: DC/OfficerRptPage 2 of 22 Reproduction from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of H.M. Stationery Office. Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Crown Copyright and database rights 2018.”

“A separate application for Listed Building Consent has been made to secure permission for the works to the heritage asset planning ref. 00395/26. Members are recommended to approve the application, subject to conditions. Proposal 1.This application is for the change of use of a Grade II listed building to a café with exhibition, events, workshop and office spaces.”

“Site Characteristics 7.The application relates to Rock Hall which is a detached former dwelling located within Moses Gate Country Park in Farnworth. 8.Rock Hall was built in 1807 and is a two-storey brick building (with a basement) in a typically classical Georgian style, which stands in an elevated position within landscaped grounds commanding views of the park to the west.”

“Template: DC/OfficerRptPage 4 of 22 9.The building originally stood just south of the Farnworth Paper Mill (demolished in 1971), which was owned by the Crompton family, who were key figures in the development of industry and growth in Farnworth, with involvement in both the paper and cotton industries.”

“5.The application has been made following a pre application enquiry for a similar proposal, to which Planning Officers were broadly supportive. 6.A separate application for Listed Building Consent has been made to secure permission for the works to the heritage asset, planning ref. 00395/26.”

“Paragraph 153 of the NPPF states when considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the Green Belt, including harm to its openness. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.”

“126.With regard to the heritage impacts, the Council’s Conservation Officer has confirmed that the proposal would result in a less than substantial harm to the heritage asset and is satisfied that this harm would be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme. 127.Officers are satisfied that the proposal is capable of delivering the required 10% of Biodiversity Net Gain, which together with matters relating to trees and landscaping, can be secured by condition.”

“00394/26 Change of use of Grade II listed building to café with exhibition, events, workshop and office spaces together with demolition of existing two storey rear extension and erection of new three storey rear extension with roof terrace and basement, landscaping works and associated Approved, subject to conditions, as recommended in the report.”