14 homes agreed to replace offices
ABID to demolish offices and replace them with a housing development has been given the green light.
Brilie Properties Ltd applied for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of 14 dwellings with parking and gardens at Wavell House, Holcombe Road, Helmshore.
Wavell House is currently used for B1 office purpose by debt enforcement firm Rossendales Ltd, and while the lease runs out this year the tenant expressed the interest in an earlier termination.
The application had received four objections citing reasons including access, traffic, neighbour amenity and flooding.
Planning officer Lauren Ashworth said the key issue was the land’s existing employment use and whether residential development was acceptable in principle.
She said no employment use had come forward “despite over 18 months of marketing”, adding: “Officers are now satisfied that the applicant has adequately marketed the site.”
Daniel Connolly, representing the applicant, told the recent development control committee that the proposal complied in every way with the Local Plan.
He told the meeting: “The applicant is actually a property company; they are not developers. They would prefer to take a new tenant, but there’s been absolutely no interest whatsoever.”
Coun Ann Kenyon warned that past experience in the area had suggested leaving employment buildings empty led to them becoming derelict and an eyesore.
She said: “It’s a good alternative to have a property that’s probably going to become derelict. I think this is a good proposal.”
Coun Andrea Fletcher said: “I think we are satisfied that there are no opportunities really for that building at the minute as regards employment.
“The principle of having a small number of houses on there is acceptable.”
Coun Jimmy Eaton added: “It’s been on the market for a very long time.”
The application was unanimously approved by the committee - subject to conditions. As part of the terms of the approval, a section 106 agreement will require a contribution of just over £19,000 to be made by the applicants towards public open spaces.