Big changes proposed over future of Chinese eatery in Thornton

Plans have been put forward to change the use of a long-standing Chinese takeaway in Thornton to a two-bedroom house.

The property in question is the China Lodge eatery on Rossendale Avenue North.

The proposal has been made in the form of a ‘prior approval’ application, in which the applicant must apply to the council to confirm that specific, localised impacts of the proposed development are acceptable before any work can begin.

This kind of consent sits between permitted development rights, which normally require no council oversight, and a full, comprehensive planning application.

A Planning Statement on behalf of the applicant, listed as Mr Gavin Brindle, says:“The proposal seeks to bring the property into beneficial residential use and provide a modest, self-contained family dwelling within an established residential area.

“The change of use would make efficient use of an existing building, reduce commercial activity within a predominantly residential street, and provide an additional dwelling without the need for significant new-build development.

“Rossendale Avenue North is characterised primarily by residential properties. The surrounding area contains established domestic dwellings of varying forms and ages, with the general character of the area being residential in nature.”

The statement adds: “The existing lawful use of the premises is understood to be as a Chinese takeaway. The existing use has the potential to generate customer visits, delivery activity, waste storage requirements, odour extraction, evening activity and associated comings and goings.

“Such impacts are materially different from those associated with a single dwellinghouse.

“The proposed change of use would remove the commercial takeaway activity and replace it with a low intensity residential use, more compatible with the surrounding residential area.”

The statement says the dwelling would include the necessary living, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom accommodation required for day-to-day occupation.

It concludes: “The development would not result in unacceptable impacts in relation to transport, highways, parking, contamination, flooding, noise, residential amenity, waste or design.

“The proposed residential use would be compatible with the character of the surrounding area and would contribute positively to local housing supply.

“For the reasons set out in this statement, the proposal is considered acceptable and prior approval should be granted. “