Six one-bedroom apartments at 6-8 Thomas Street, Oswaldtwistle

What was proposed

The application proposed six one-bedroom apartments, a rear infill extension, external alterations and one parking space.

“The application seeks consent to convert the building into 6no. 1-bedroom apartments and various external alterations including a single storey infill extension to the rear.”

Officer report

The site

The former public house occupies a corner site surrounded mainly by homes, with some commercial uses and retirement housing nearby.

“A planning application has been submitted at the former Lord Longworth Public House on 6 – 8 Thomas Street in Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3LA. The site measures approximately 0.06 ha and includes the two-storey former public house building which sits on the junction of Thomas Street and Peel Street. The building has a single storey rear outrigger and adjoins land previously used as part of the public house for outdoor seating.”

“The site is generally surrounded by residential dwellings on all sides with some commercial uses (take-away, chemist and bar for example) to the south off Union Road. To the rear (north east) of the building off Peel Street/ Cooper Close is a retirement housing complex. Immediately opposite the site, on Thomas Street, are residential dwellings.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission in principle had allowed demolition of the public house and up to nine apartments, while several earlier extension applications had been approved or refused.

“11/24/0313 – Permission in Principle: Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Order 2017, Demolition of Existing Public House and Erection of up to 9 Apartments – Approved: 24/09/2024”

“94/0128 – Erection of extension to from beerstore 1st floor kitchen extension and formation of car park. Approved: 26/04/1994.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the housing use acceptable because the site was sustainable, the pub loss was justified and no harmful effects were identified.

“The proposed development will lead to the loss of a public house. However, in line with Policy DM8, it has been demonstrated that the public house has been marketed for unsuccessfully previously and also benefits from fallback position which would allow the demolition of the public house. Suitable alternative local pub provision is available in the vicinity. Therefore, alternative uses at the site are considered acceptable in this instance.”

“The site is located within the urban boundary and no site-specific designation within the Development Plan which would restrict the proposed use has been identified. The site is located within a sustainable location and is within an area outlined for development and growth within the development strategy set out in the CS Policy BD1 and Emerging LP Policy SP1.”

Officer report

Public comments

One objection raised concerns about potential tenants and suggested they should be vetted because of nearby schools and children.

“Neighbour Consultation: The application was advertised via neighbour letter to surrounding properties. A single objection was received at the time of writing this report and can be summarised as below: - Concerned about the potential tenants of the flats, stating that potential tenants should be vetted prior to moving in due to nearby school and kids in the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Stephen Smithson spoke against the application, while [name withheld] spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed bringing the building back into use but were concerned that one parking space would not meet existing demand from six homes.

“Members discussed the application and agreed that bringing the building back into use was a positive, especially considering there are other local pubs close by. However, the lack of parking provided in the plans raised concerns as members were aware of the existing demand on parking without the addition of 6 new properties.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members voted to approve the officer recommendation and grant planning permission subject to the listed conditions.

“Resolved – Members voted to approve the officer recommendation and grant planning permission subject to the conditions noted in the report.”

Minutes