Hyndburn gift shop could become one bed studio flats

The premises at the rear of a property in Mill Street, Church, would become studio flats.

Nazia Shah from The Urban Future Planning Consultancy has applied to Hyndburn Council for planning permission for the conversion of the former Gift Tree shop and provision of associated off-street parking.

The premises are close to the former Express Gifts complex in the Church Bridge Works, where a planning application for a private hire wedding and function hall was withdrawn shortly before it was debated by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee, with an officer’s recommendation to refuse it.

A supporting statement with the gift shop conversion application says: “The subject site comprises a two-storey building of stone construction, which previously housed a gift shop.

“The building has been vacant for some time; given the chronic undersupply of homes both locally and nationally, the applicant seeks to put it to effective use through a high-quality conversion into flats.

“The site is located within a sustainable location with excellent public transport links.

“It’s reuse for residential will bring about notable regeneration benefits.

“The application site comprises a two-storey L-shaped building. The site features a sizeable parking area to the side and rear,

“Consent is sought for the conversion of the two-storey building into eight self-contained flats, each comprising of bedroom.

“Some minimal external alterations are proposed, namely, the insertion of some new windows and doorways as well as the installation of an external staircase.

“A studio flat development is considered wholly suitable for the location.

“The proposal would bring to fruition self-contained units which are to be available on the open market either for sale or to let.

“The proposed dwelling type/tenure is considered wholly appropriate insofar as there is significant demand for one-bedroom units both locally and nationally.

“One-person households are now the second most common type of household in the country, accounting for almost one in three UK households in 2022.

“The rise in single-person households - young professionals, and couples without children - is also bolstering the demand for smaller living spaces.

“As the population continues to evolve and lifestyle preferences change, the demand for apartments is likely to remain strong, particularly as first-time buyers return to the UK market.

“While this does not spell the end for larger homes, it does suggest a more diverse and flexible housing market in the UK.”