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Search the Public Notice PortalA controversial bid to turn the former Express Gifts site into a private hire venue has been pulled at the eleventh hour.
The backdated planning application for the conversion of the former Express Gifts premises in the Church Bridge Works in Mill Street, Church, into a private hire function hall has been withdrawn.
The retrospective proposal was made by the proprietor of The Ivy Function venue located on Newton Street, Blackburn.
The application was due to be debated by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee on Wednesday afternoon, with a recommendation to refuse it.
But at the last minute, the applicant withdrew it and is now expected to submit a revised proposal to planners.
The application had generated 33 public objections on grounds including the noise generated by weddings, light, the application site is in the centre of a residential area, traffic, noise and light from the rooftop garden, fireworks being set off past 11pm, and anti-social behaviour including cars speeding through the area, revving engines, and performing dangerous stunts such as "donuts" in the car park late at night.
A report to the committee by the council’s chief planning and transportation officer, Adam Birkett said that in August 2025, the Council received ten separate noise complaints relating to a function held at the premises.
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It also said the proposal failed to demonstrate that the proposed use could operate without giving rise to significant adverse impacts on the amenity of nearby residents, sought to redevelop an existing good quality employment site and raised significant concerns regarding the impacts on the living conditions of nearby occupants and highway safety with particular regard to parking provision.
Mr Birkett’s report highlighted an inadequate noise assessment submitted with the application, lack of detail about the previous marketing of the building for employment use, and insufficient information about the function hall’s impact on parking at the site.
The Lancashire Telegraph understands that the new application will provide evidence on the information shortfalls identified in the committee report and that if it is not submitted in a reasonable time, the council will take enforcement action over the premises' unauthorised use as a function hall.
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