Eight flats at 21 Union Street, Accrington

What was proposed

The application sought prior approval for changing part of a commercial and office building into eight flats.

“The application seeks determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required for the partial change of use of the application building to eight flats (Use Class C3) under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (GPDO 2015).”

Officer report

The site

The site was a two-storey mid-terrace building in the town centre, with a commercial ground floor and office above.

“Union Street is a two-storey mid-terrace building within Accrington Town Centre. It comprises a commercial unit at ground floor with office above (both Use Class E).”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier application for new first-floor side and rear windows was approved with conditions in June 2025.

“11/25/0136 - Full: New windows at the first floor on the side and rear elevations to facilitate new office space - Approved with conditions: June 2025.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended granting prior approval because the proposal met the relevant criteria, subject to windows and noise conditions.

“The proposal meets the above criteria to be classed as permitted development.”

“In conclusion, the proposal accords with the relevant limitations. While prior approval should be required with regard to noise and the provision of natural light, it should be granted subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health identified possible noise and odour sources and recommended assessment of them, while no highways response had arrived when the report was written.

“Lancashire County Council Highways – No response received at the time of writing (responses due by 27 August 2025). However, any response subsequently received shall be reported to members during the Planning Committee.”

“While they would not see the above as a barrier to development, they recommend that the above sources of noise and odour are assessed, which could be dealt with by condition.”

Officer report

Public views

Neighbour notification letters were sent, but no responses had been received when the report was written.

“Neighbour notification letters were sent to the adjacent and opposite properties. No response received at the time of writing (responses due by 27 August 2025). However, any responses subsequently received shall be reported to members during the Planning Committee.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Manager presented the application and explained the limited matters that could be considered for prior approval.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the windows, layout, bringing the building back into use, transport access and the limited impact of nearby parking.

“Members discussed the conditions in the report, noting the requirement of additional windows and the proposed site layout. Members commented that the site was not occupied and seeing the building brought back into use would be a positive addition to the town centre. The accessibility of the property to local transport links was also deemed a positive of the application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with the conditions in the report, or amendments agreed by the Chief Planning and Transportation Officer.

“Resolved – The application was approved with the conditions listed in the report, or as amended to the satisfaction of the Chief Planning and Transportation Officer.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions required approved windows before occupation and an approved noise assessment with any necessary mitigation before the flats were occupied.

“Prior to first occupation of the flats, a noise impact assessment shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. It shall demonstrate that the following standards would be met:”

“Any mitigation measures necessary to achieve the required standards shall be carried out prior to first occupation of the flats and retained as such thereafter.”

Officer report