Yahoo News Former Clitheroe Salvation Army shop to be converted to flats
A plan for three one-bedroom apartments at 16-18 Lowergate in Clitheroe, near the junction with King Lane, has been approved by councillors at the latest borough planning meeting.
The plan raised considerations including the loss of commercial and employment space in Clitheroe town centre, future car parking and upgrades to the building, which is in the Clitheroe conservation area. The application came from Mr A Atkinson of Branleigh Holdings (Lowergate) Ltd, based in Church Street, Clitheroe. He is working with agent Judith Douglas of Town Planning Ltd in West Bradford.
A Ribble Valley Council planning report stated the building is currently owned by the council but it has been marketed by estate agents. The proposed conversion includes removing the existing shop-front and fascia and creating new ground-floor windows and doors with associated surrounds, heads and sills.
READ MORE: £250k upgrades to Clitheroe Market given the go-ahead
All new windows will be made with timber to match existing ones. New or replacement doors will be of timber construction too. Render on the walls will be repaired or repainted and a roof-light window will go on a on rear roof slope.
Regarding the loss of employment opportunities linked to the shop space, the report stated: "The existing retail floorspace is extremely limited in size. Taking account of the potential loss of this floorspace, the measurable impacts on the economy from its loss would be negligible, particularly when taking account of the small-scale nature of the commercial operation that the building previously accommodated or could potentially accommodate in the future.
"The property has been marketed as mixed-use retail for in excess of the required six months. It has been marketed since January 2023 without any success or market interest in it, regarding the continued commercial mixed-use."
Regarding the loss of community space, the report adds the building includes an area once used as a ‘worship space on the ground floor and a prayer room and other accommodation on the first floor. But it is not a typical place of places of worship and creating three small flats there will bring other benefits for the community, planning officers said.
No dedicated car parking space is proposed. But planning officers said it is a good location with easy access to the town centre and public transport. The plan was approved by councillors. The Salvation Army now has another premises in Clitheroe.
