Five-person shared house at Whiskers, 60 Pall Mall, Chorley

“Proposal: Change of use from a mixed use of retail and residential to a 5 bed/5 person House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4)”

“The application seeks permission for a change of use from a mixed use of retail and residential to a 5 bed/5 person House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4).”

“The application relates to a modest, mid terraced property on Pall Mall, Chorley. The property has most recently been used as a hairdressers at ground floor, with first floor residential accommodation accessed through both the retail space and to the rear of the property.”

“The property is surrounded by a mix of commercial and residential properties, with many of the first floors of the commercial units being in residential use. The property is located within Pall Mall Local Centre as defined by Chorley Local Plan 2012-2026.”

“Policy EP7 states that planning permission will not be granted for non-retail uses within these defined centres unless it can be shown that there is no demand for retail or commercial use or the property was last occupied by a non-retail or commercial use. This should be demonstrated through an active 12-month marketing process showing that the property has been offered for sale on the open market for a realistic price and that no reasonable offers have been refused.”

“On balance, it is considered, therefore, that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that there is no longer a viable demand for retail or commercial use of the building. Although the loss of the commercial unit is regrettable, this reflects a general trend of such closures. It is considered that bringing the full building back into use would be of benefit to the local community and the character of the area.”

“Lancashire Highway Services (LCC Highway Services): initially objected to the proposal based upon a lack of cycle parking and bin storage provision being identified, however, following the receipt of amended plans, they removed their objection.”

“Regulatory Services - Environmental Health Officer – no comments received.”

“One letter of objection has been received raising the following issues:”

“Loss of privacy of residents using the back alley which goes behind neighbouring properties • There will be noise and trouble • The property would be overcrowded • It will be used to house drug addicts, homeless people and gangs…”

“After careful consideration it was proposed by Councillor Katie Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Chris Snow and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that planning permission be refused on the grounds that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that there is no demand for continued commercial use of the property. Therefore, the proposals are contrary to Policy EP7 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 – 2026.”