Last month, Property Mart Ltd submitted a planning application to transform the former Acorn Print Services building into five self-contained apartments.
Acorn Print Services had been a long-time occupier of the Leigh Road building, just outside of Leigh town centre, with the upper floor previously occupied by a hairdressing salon.
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Initially, the applicant sought pre-application advice about turning the property into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), which are properties with shared bathroom, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
However, the planning advice was that a HMO would not be suitable due to concerns over an over-concentration in the area.
If approved, the plans will see a two bedroom and one bedroom apartment constructed on the ground floor of the building.
The upper floors are intended to be converted into two one-bedroom studio flats, as well as an additional two-bedroom flat.
Each unit will be designed to maximise natural light, provide storage space, and ensure a comfortable living environment, the applicant states.
The applicant also believes that the properties will provide “high quality” and “much needed” affordable accommodation in the area, with new windows and residential doors also planned to be installed.
In a design and access statement, the applicant said: “The proposed scheme will provide suitable and affordable accommodation that will help alleviate the community’s housing crisis by increasing the availability of much-needed residential units in the area.
“This will offer affordable housing options to individuals and families, contributing to addressing local housing needs and supporting the community’s growth and stability.”
