Tyldesley building to be turned into flats despite objections

The building on Johnson Street, Tyldesley, will be transformed into four self-contained flats following a decision by Wigan Council.

The planning application was initially submitted on May 19 by a developer seeking to change the use of the now-vacant two-storey building.

Located just outside Tyldesley town centre, the building is accessed via a gated alleyway and is surrounded by residential properties.

However, the application faced significant backlash from residents who raised concerns about parking, noise, safety, and the impact on local services.

One resident commented: "Tyldesley centre is already overcrowded and bottlenecked with traffic, this will only add to the day-to-day issues of everyday people."

Another said: "This area already struggles with parking, and people have to park further away from their homes, which is a problem when you're carrying a baby or bringing in your shopping."

Concerns were also raised about the potential for the flats to be rented out to multiple unrelated tenants, leading to further congestion and noise.

Residents also expressed worries about the impact on local services, such as GP appointments, which they say are already stretched.

Despite these objections, the council granted prior approval for the development.

The decision notice stated that the development must be commenced within three years and the local planning authority must be informed of its completion as soon as reasonably practicable after.

One said: "There are too many risk factors against this plan. I understand that there is a housing problem and a high number of homeless people in our country, but this isn't the answer."

"This is someone trying to earn as much rental yield as they can in a small space."

Another added: "Tyldesley is already vastly overwhelmed with new flats, rented properties, we do not have the services available for this, and already people are struggling to get GP appointments, dentists, and clinic appointments for our young and elderly community."

The building, which is set behind a row of terraced houses, was previously used for commercial purposes.

It is not directly accessible from the free public car park at the rear of the site.

The developer has been given three years to start the project.

The council has requested that the local planning authority be notified upon completion of the development as soon as reasonably practicable after.