Blackpool town centre flats plan 'too close' to music bar

A planning application has been lodged with Blackpool Council seeking to convert the former job centre in Queen Street into residential accommodation.

But opponents says the investment would be out of keeping with the area and could lead to noise complaints.

Businessman Stephen Pierre, who owns the Galleon Bar on nearby Abingdon Street which has a 4am licence, is among those who have formally objected to the proposals.

In his submission to the council, he says: “We are in favour of investment in Blackpool, but don’t feel 25 permanent flats next to effectively a licensed premises operating with nightclub hours is feasible.”

He adds: “We purchased the freehold and developed this successful year round business on Abingdon Street because our immediate neighbour was an office block ( job centre ) operating daytime hours.”

Mr Pierre fears future residents could put his business at risk if they were to complain about late night noise.

The job centre closed around three years ago when the service relocated to the council’s Municipal Buildings on Corporation Street.

Blackpool Council had wanted to take over the building to use as a base for its children’s services department, but failed to agree a deal.

The developers say the site is suitable for residential use, and cite the close proximity of town centre facilities as a postive aspect of the scheme.

A design brief submitted with the application by Harrogate based Shaw and Jagger Architects says the site “lies within close and convenient walking distance of all facilities offered in Blackpool town centre”.

It adds: “The proposed conversion of this three storey office building to form 25 flats will provide a more efficient use of this previously developed site, without compromising spacious and attractive living accommodation within a safe environment.”

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