Retail, offices, café and HMO at Lost, 5-7 5 - 7 Fazakerley Street, Chorley

What was proposed

The application proposed commercial uses at ground-floor level, a 14-bedroom HMO above, a rear dormer, new windows, roof lights and frontage changes.

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of nos. 5 to 7 Fazakerley Street from a drinking establishment to a retail unit, offices and restaurant/cafe at ground floor level, and to a 14no. bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) above.”

“Planning permission is also sought for the erection of a rear roof dormer extension to facilitate the provision of living accommodation at third floor level, the installation of rear elevation windows and roof lights to the front roof slope, with elevational alterations involving the removal of cladding above the front entrance.”

Officer report

The site

The three-storey mid-terrace building is in Chorley Town Centre’s primary shopping area on a pedestrianised street, with properties and an alley behind.

“The application site is located on the northern side of Fazakerley Street in Chorley Town Centre and is within the primary shopping area as defined by Policy EP6 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 -2026. The existing building is a three storey, mid terrace, red brick property od traditional appearance positioned centrally along Fazakerley Street, which is a pedestrianised thoroughfare within Chorley Town Centre.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three representations objected on grounds including the area’s character, access, bedroom numbers, waste, parking, noise, drainage and anti-social behaviour.

“Three representations have been received citing the following grounds of objection to the proposed development –”

“Impact on the character of the area • Poor access – entrance to the HMO is unsuitable as it is from a back alley • There would be too many bedrooms • Waste management will be an issue • Bicycle store will be difficult to access • Overconcentration of HMOs in Chorley Town Centre • Transient population as result of HMOs undermines community cohesion • Parking • Conflict with nearby licensed premises – noise • Noise and agent of change principle • Drainage • Anti-social…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers were an objector, a ward councillor and the applicant.

The committee vote

Members voted six to four, with one abstention, to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alan Whittaker and seconded by Councillor Gordon France to refuse the application. It was proposed by Councillor Craige Southern, seconded by Councillor Lowe and subsequently resolved: (6 for, 4 against and 1 abstain) that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.”

Minutes