Permission for 3 flats above former Nelson fireplace shop

An application to change the use of the first and second floors above the former Mann’s Fireplaces in Scotland Road, Nelson, was lodged with Pendle Council in May.

The plans, submitted by Mr Fida Hussain of Hampstead Drive, Whitefield, also include external alterations to the building, and re-instating one ground floor shop unit to two separate units with access.

A report to the planning committee on December 21 read: “The application seeks planning permission to change the use of the first and second floors to three flats, with external alterations to the frontage including a new shop front to create an additional entrance door to the flats above.

“There is also to be an entrance door to the flats to the rear of the building onto the back street.

“The proposed external alteration comprises a change to the shop front which currently has one entrance at number 98.

“The proposed development would result in the new shop frontage having two doors, with the access to the shop still being at number 98 but with a narrower set of shopfront windows to accommodate an additional door to the right hand side of number 96, when viewed from Scotland Road.

“The proposal is to keep signage above the shops, stone stall risers, rounded windows to the top with vertical timber detailing.

“The new shop frontage is to be constructed of softwood timber.

“The proposed access to the flat is to be a panelled door with a central letterbox and a fan light above.

“The proposed development also includes an entrance doorway to the rear, onto the backstreet.

“There is an existing opening to this elevation. As such, there would not be any unacceptable effect in design terms.”

Each of the flats will include one bedroom and a separate living and kitchen area.

No objections were raised in relation to the plans, although there were minor concerns over adequate car parking spaces.

The plans were approved by the council’s planning committee on December 21.