Planners make decision over the future of the former DWP civil service offices at Mexford House

A bid to convert former civil service offices into flats has got the go-ahead despite not conforming with town hall housing policies.

But Blackpool Council’s Planning Committee approved an application to use Mexford House in North Shore as apartments after hearing residential development was nevertheless appropriate for the site.

Proposals to convert the property on Mexford Avenue into 78 flats made up of six one-bed units, and 72 two-bed units, were given the go-ahead after town hall planners had recommended approval of the scheme.

The application did not meet with council policies in relation to the preferred housing mix, or size of the units. However it was accepted the former office block was difficult to convert, and residential development would fit in with the character of the surrounding area.

A council planning report setting out the recommendation for approval said: “Mexford House has been vacant for some time and no longer offers the kind of high-quality, modern office space that businesses look for.

“In addition and in accordance with the council’s strategy, new office development on this kind of scale would be directed to the town centre or the Enterprise Zone.”

It adds: “Housing would be the most appropriate use in the context and would also deliver a more dispersed pattern of vehicle movements in comparison to an office use. This would reduce traffic and inconvenience to residents in the immediate area.”

Planners said the scheme would also contribute to the town’s housing needs and “bring a long vacant and increasingly derelict building and site back into beneficial use.” The total of 78 flats is a reduction on the original application which sought permission for 87 flats.

Planning permission had previously been granted in April 2019 for the redevelopment of the building into 92 flats, but the approval was never acted upon and had since expired. Mexford House was home to around 250 staff from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but has been closed since 2009.

The full planning application includes external alterations such as the installation of new windows to various elevations, removal of existing entrance and demolition of existing outbuildings, with associated parking, cycle store, access and landscaping.