Altham 'blight on landscape' set for new commercial units

The proposal would see the demolition of the existing Coach Centre in Altham's Moorfield Industrial Estate and the redevelopment of the site.

Details of the transformation are set out in a planning application to Hyndburn Council.

An accompanying Planning, Design and Access Statement prepared by the Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd says: "The application site comprises a single-storey commercial premises of brick construction which is dated and in a poor condition.

"The applicant seeks to redevelop the site to bring to fruition modern commercial units which are suitable for the 21st-century economy and which are more environmentally sustainable.

"The proposal will result in job creation and positive supply chain effects, particularly during the construction phases.

How the units would look "It will provide good quality business accommodation to a local business, which is in short supply.

"The application site is located within a wholly commercial locality and within an established industrial estate which is also an allocated employment area.

"Consent is sought for the demolition of the existing commercial unit at The Coach Centre, Moorfield Drive and the redevelopment of the plot for a block of ten units each accessed by roller shutters with associated parking.

"The scheme will clearly deliver beneficial sustainable development that should be granted planning permission and it will not result in any adverse impacts.

How the site currently looks "The current building on site is dated and is falling into a state of disrepair. In its current form, it blights the local landscape.

"The applicant is keen to utilise high-quality building materials and sustainable modes of construction in order to bring the scheme to fruition.

"The site is not located within a Conservation Area nor is it in proximity to a listed building.

"The replacement units would be aesthetically in keeping with an industrial estate and of similar design to adjacent buildings.

"The proposed works also provide the opportunity to increase the sustainability and energy efficiency of the site.

"The application site is located within a readily accessible location and the site’s access/egress is characterised by good visibility onto the highway and would be maintained.

"The site would continue to be served by the existing access/egress arrangements and the plans show that larger vehicles can enter and exit the site as the existing situation."