Cafe plans for old shoe shop

The former shoe shop on Market Street

A few weeks ago, a planning application was submitted for the former shoe shop on Market Street for a cafe and 3 flats.

At the time some residents said great another cafe that’s good news, others said too many cafes and this would affect existing businesses.

That’s a commercial decision, not a planning issue under planning regulations.

What was unacceptable was the 3 flats, the size of them, conditions, access, noise and bin storage amongst the issues against 3 flats.

Liberal Democrat councillors at Westhoughton Town Council said NO to the 3 flats, but Tory councillors said yes to these poor flats which were described as being sub-standard.

Bolton planning officers said to the applicant that they were not good - you can withdraw the application or it will be refused because of the conditions of the 3 flats.

The applicant withdrew and has submitted a new application for a cafe and 1 flat with improved living conditions.