Revised plans for a substantial 28-bedroom shared house have been released for consideration at a former glass showroom. This proposal aims to transform the former Finefit premises on Church Street West, Radcliffe, into a sizable HMO with single occupancy. The extensive 516 square foot building is conveniently located 50 meters from Radcliffe’s Metrolink stop and within walking distance of the town center.
In January, Bury Council dismissed similar proposals for the building, which outlined a 35-bed HMO with potential double occupancy. These plans encountered opposition from numerous neighbors and were ultimately rejected. The council cited concerns about the development, including its potential to negatively impact the residential well-being of nearby occupants due to noise, disturbance, and general activity.
A lack of designated off-street parking and insufficient individual and shared accommodation space, as indicated by the density and layout of the proposed design, were additional factors contributing to the refusal.
The revised application, submitted by Stephen Kerfoot, seeks to address the reasons behind the previous disapproval. A statement accompanying the planning application states that the number of bedrooms has been reduced from 35 to 28, each with an en-suite bathroom.
Additionally, the application includes more extensive communal areas, both inside and outside the property. The communal spaces will be situated at the rear of the building, away from the main road, minimizing noise disturbances for the occupants. Both the front and rear of the property will provide pedestrian access, while the main parking area will be located at the rear, along with bin storage.
Bury Council received 56 letters of objection to the earlier plans, expressing concerns that the proposals were incompatible with the surrounding area. Many objections cited increased demand on local services, infrastructure, and parking.
A design and access statement supporting the revised plans asserts that the scale of the development is consistent with neighboring properties. The appearance of the building will complement the surrounding environment in terms of color and texture of materials. The statement emphasizes that the development proposal maintains a positive relationship with its surroundings and is appropriate for the context and character of the area.
