Convenience store at United Reformed Church, Darwen

“Proposed development: Full Planning Application for: Demolition of existing church building (Class F1) and erection of a convenience store (Class E, (a)) with associated parking provision.”

“Full planning permission is sought for: demolition of existing church building (Class F1) and erection of a convenience store (Class E, (a)) with associated parking provision.”

“The application site (the site) measures 1090 square metres. It hosts the vacant United Reform Church at the junction of Bolton Road, Northcote Street and Ashliegh Street, within the urban boundary of Darwen. The church has been closed since October 2019, since when the site has remained vacant.”

“The church is single storey scale of brick construction with a flat roof. The site frontage and the Northcote Street boundary are defined by a low-rise stone wall. The Ashleigh Street boundary is defined by a palisade fence.”

“The proposal is in the form of a minor, full planning application at a site in private ownership. The application is reported to Committee due to the receipt of 26 objections and at the request of the Chair. This is in accordance with the Council’s adopted Scheme of Delegation.”

“Assessment of the application finds that the proposal would deliver a high- quality retail development with dedicated on-plot parking provision, which will assist in widening the retail offer in the borough. This is in accordance with the Council’s strategic aims and objectives for economic growth and expansion of public facilities and services, without prejudice to existing retail provision in the borough’s retails centres.”

“Decision under the Town and Country Planning Acts and Regulations –”

“Approved subject to the conditions highlighted in the Directors Report.”