Plans for beauty salon in Earby Conservation Area submitted

The application proposes to transform an old workshop on the corner of Cemetery Road and Alder Hill Street in Earby into a new salon, and falls within the Earby Conservation Area.

However, Lancashire County Council has said it would object to the plans due to a lack of parking provision and the impact it may have on the roads.

In its current form, the building is an old workshop attached to a pair of cottages with a small yard area to the front.

The plans, submitted by Earby resident Matthew Holmes, propose to spruce up the building by cleaning its stone frontage and re-pointing as required, with the existing workshop door replaced with new frontage supporting the planned use as a beauty salon.

This includes a new insulated timber frame with timber-effect claddings, new strip windows to allow natural light into the premises, and a new access door.

How the site currently looks (Image: Google)

The yard area would be enclosed by a new two-foot tall natural stone wall, with a small access gate matching the planned timber cladding.

The application concedes the salon has no parking facilities besides the existing public car park opposite, and one public objection has been made with regards to parking.

If approved, the beauty salon would create three full-time jobs and two part-time roles, and be open from 8am to 7pm on weekdays, 9am to 7pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.

The application states: “The appearance of the new frontage and the new stone wall will tie in with the natural surroundings.

“The use of matching materials and wood will help to minimise any visual impact.

“The use of timber and glass will help to elevate the appearance of the new beauty salon use and help to frame the shop front bringing a contemporary addition to the natural setting.

“The smooth transition between the use of natural and contemporary elements help to complement the overall design, while preserving the character of the Conservation Area.”

The public objection states: “From the plans proposed it looks like there will be two treatment rooms.

“Parking would be the major objection as there could be a potential of at least four or five additional vehicles (staff and customers).

“Parking is a huge problem in the area, even though there is a car park directly opposite, which is often full.

"Illegal parking outside the Cemetery Road Library Apartments is a regular occurrence as well as at the bottom of Alder Hill Street and the junction of Cemetery Road.

“Often the road onto the Croft is narrowed by inconsiderate parking and emergency vehicles would struggle to access the estate.

“The junction at the bottom of Alder Hill Street with Cemetery Road is a blind corner and cars are parked all over the place causing a hazard.

“There have been numerous 'near misses' at the bottom of the hill and if the wall adjoining the current workshop was extended it would create even more of a danger to road users and pedestrians.”

Members of the public have until April 26 to comment on the plans, by visiting the Pendle Council planning website.