Former Clitheroe antique shop could become tanning salon

The application seeks permission to change the use of The Old Coach House from commercial premises into a leisure and wellbeing business offering sunbeds, beauty treatments and advanced skin therapies.

Planning documents say the building, in Waddington Road, has stood vacant for several years following the departure of an antiques business and has deteriorated during that time.

The property was previously home to Pedal Power cycle shop for more than 40 years and has a long commercial history stretching back to at least 1980.

This building in Clitheroe could become a tanning salon under new plans (Image: Aw and A Architects)

The proposed business would occupy around 260 square metres of floor space and include tanning facilities, beauty treatment rooms, reception areas, and staff facilities.

Most of the work would take place inside the existing building, with no significant extension planned.

According to the planning statement, the salon would be fully staffed and operated on an appointment basis, with tanning customers typically visiting for around 15 to 20 minutes.

No person under the age of 18 would be allowed to use the sunbeds.

The applicant says the scheme would bring a vacant commercial building back into use and provide an established business with a permanent base in the town.

If approved, the salon could open from 8.30am to 9pm on weekdays, 9am to 8pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.

Planning papers state the proposal would involve the refurbishment of the building, including new electrical, heating, ventilation and plumbing systems, while retaining its existing structure.

The application follows the refusal of a lawful development certificate earlier this month, after council officers concluded that planning permission would be required for the proposed use.

Ribble Valley Council will decide the application at a later date.