Rishton flats refused over empty homes fears

12:38pm Thursday 28th August 2008

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COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to convert a single terrace house into flats over fears it would lead to a ‘plethora’ of empty properties in the Hyndburn borough.

Members of the planning committee opposed to the scheme argued that the area was in desperate need of three-bedroom properties not flats.

One said: “We are drowning in a deluge of flats, but there is a shortage of three-bedroom houses in the borough.

“We have to turn them into something that will be used in the borough.”

Coun Marlene Haworth said that allowing the property to be converted into flats would set a precedent for similar proposals in Hyndburn and would lead to an increase in unsold premises.

Plans had been submitted to convert a terrace house in Lord Street, Rishton, from a three-bedroom property into two one-bedroom flats.

The planning committee rejected the plans at a meeting held yesterday afternoon.

Residents in the street had also objected to plans over fears that the conversion of flats would be detrimental to the area, that it would create parking and noise problems.

Coun Haworth, who represents St Oswalds ward, said: “There are loads of houses in the borough that are for sale that aren’t selling.

“If we give permission to convert one property into flats we will end up with 1,001 flats that are not selling in the area.

“I am very concerned that by approving this planning application we would setting a precedent for others.”

Coun Miles Parkinson, Labour councillor for Altham ward, said: “This would be detrimental to the street and to the area.

“This could lead to a plethora of people making such applications and would create and overspill of flats in the borough.”

However Coun Dave Parkins said: “It would bring the building back into use.

“If the house is not converted into flats it will be left to get into a state of disrepair and it still would be left unsold.”