Plans revealed including for former Blackpool police station

An application has been lodged with the council seeking planning permission to convert the former South Shore police station in Montague Street into offices which would be used by a local charity.

The station closed in 2018 with officers relocated to the new police headquarters on Clifton Road in Marton before the building was put up for sale by auction in July 2019.

Also under consideration by town hall planners is a scheme to convert a former Co-op store on Whitegate Drive into a bar.

Applicant Craig Allen wants to make alterations to the shop front to create a drinking establishment with outside seating at the front of the property.

A design document says: “There are existing licensed premises within the immediate locality, but the proposal would offer an alternative and different type of experience to the established local bars.

“The proposal would bring vibrancy and vitality to the area and regeneration, with use of an existing vacant site and a direct benefit to the locality.”

Meanwhile planners have given the go ahead to a bid to use an empty guesthouse as a Church of England vicarage.

The scheme will see improvements made to the former Carlee Hotel on Park Road which is currently empty.

Church chiefs said they had carried out extensive searches in the area for a property which was suitable for use as a vicarage for Christ Church with All Saints Church on Palatine Road.

Currently temporary premises outside the parish were being used, but with a new vicar now in position the diocese wanted a property within the parish and had bought the former guesthouse.

A statement accompanying the application says: “The Diocesan Property Committee hope that the provision of a good vicarage, with excellent facilities, will be seen as a sign of their long term commitment to Blackpool in general and this needy part of the town in particular.”

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