Temporary living accommodation at Liberata, Chorley

What was proposed

The application proposed converting former offices into temporary accommodation for vulnerable families, with three units, shared facilities and external works.

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of nos. 17 to 23 Gillibrand Street from offices to living accommodation which would provide temporary living arrangements for vulnerable families supported by the Council. The building would contain living accommodation over two floors including 2no. three-bedroom residential units and 1no. two-bedroom unit.”

“Planning permission is also sought for various external works including the installation of new windows and the erection of boundary fencing, a pedestrian gate into the site leading from Gillibrand Street and a sliding vehicle access gate from Avondale Road. The existing…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey building lies within Chorley town centre, in a built-up area near homes and commercial uses, with mature hedging around it.

“The application is located in the settlement area of Chorley within the Town Centre boundary as defined by the Chorley Local Plan 2012-2026 on the southern side of Gillibrand Street. The site contains a rectangular, two-storey building which previously accommodated offices. Boundaries to all sides of the site are delineated by mature hedging.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal met relevant policies and would not cause significant harm to the area, neighbours, highways or ecology.

“The proposed development is acceptable in principle and would not result in any significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing site or the surrounding area, nor would it cause any significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents, highway safety or ecology. It is, therefore, considered that the development accords with policy 10 of the Central Lancashire Core Strategy 2012 and policies BNE1, BNE9, and BNE11 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 – 2026.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental health, ecology and highways consultees raised no objections, with ecology support and highways advice subject to relevant requirements.

“Chorley Council’s Environmental Health Officer – Have stated that they have no objections in principle to the proposed development.”

“Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) – Have stated that they have no objections to the proposed development, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Objections received

Four representations objected on grounds including notification, security, community safety, parking, traffic and highway safety.

“4no. representations have been received citing the following grounds of objection to the proposed development:”

“The proposal for housing on Gillibrand Street is a disgrace • Nobody has been notified apart from a notice on a lamp post • Security concerns • Impacts on safety of residents – particularly children, elderly individuals and vulnerable members of the community • Parking, traffic and highway safety…”

Officer report

Who spoke

[the objector] spoke as an objector.

The committee vote

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which was resolved by seven votes to none, with two abstentions.

“Public speakers: [the objector] (Objector).”

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alex Hilton, seconded by Councillor Craige Southern and subsequently Resolved (7:0:2)”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the change of use, subject to conditions.

“That change of use planning permission is granted, subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered completion, materials, approved plans and boundary treatment details before first occupation.

“Condition Trigger 1 Timescale for completion of development Compliance 2 Materials Compliance 3 List of approved plans Compliance 4 Details of boundary treatments First Occupation…”

Officer report