Retail shop at Hyndburn Road Showroom, Accrington

What was proposed

The application sought to change a bathroom showroom and its site to a Class E retail use, without external alterations.

“The applicant is seeking to change the use of the existing building and site from a bathroom showroom to retail (Use Class E). The applicant has stated that the property is to be occupied by East Lancashire Hospice Shops Ltd. The proposal would not include any external alterations.”

Officer report

The site

The commercial property is within Accrington’s urban boundary and is surrounded mainly by commercial premises, including shops, restaurants and drive-throughs.

“The application site consists of a commercial property located on Hyndburn Road within the urban boundary of Accrington. The surrounding properties are mainly commercial and include Costa Coffee drive thru, Lidl supermarket, The Acorn drinking establishment/restaurant and a KFC drive thru.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A 2022 change-of-use application was refused, while earlier applications included an approved bathroom showroom and a previous car showroom.

“11/22/0194 - Full: Change of use of existing building and site from A1 - Showroom to Class E – Refused: 20.10.2022.”

“11/19/0015 - Change of use from commercial unit (b1) to bathroom showroom (A1) – Approved: 07.03.2019.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because no suitable sequentially preferable site was found and the proposal was acceptable for amenity and highway safety.

“The application was accompanied by a Sequential Assessment, which considered a range of alternative sites within Accrington Town Centre and edge of centre defined areas. The assessment demonstrates that the majority of sites identified were either too small or significantly larger than the application proposal.”

“The shortfall of one parking space against the Car Parking Standard is considered acceptable on balance as this minor shortfall would likely generate no impacts for the site in terms of parking and highway safety. LCC Highways are of the opinion that the parking provision is suitable for the use.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Highways raised no objection subject to restrictions, environmental protection gave no response, and no public representation letters were received.

“Hyndburn Borough Council Environmental Protection: No response received.”

“Public Consultation: A site notice was placed in the area and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter spoke about the hospice’s work, recycling, employment, volunteering and the site’s suitability for deliveries.

Members’ discussion

Members considered that the previous retail use had not caused parking problems and that bringing the visible site into use would be beneficial.

“Members discussed the application site and noted that its previous retail use did not cause any adverse parking issues and so shouldn’t cause any issues for nearby residents.”

“Similarly, members agreed that it would be a benefit to see the site in use due to its visible location along a major road.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in line with the officer recommendation and the conditions set out for the development.

“Resolved – The application was approved as per the officer recommendation with the subsequent conditions noted in the report.”

Minutes