Hindley shop gets approval to be turned into three flats

The property, located at 140 Atherton Road, Hindley, will be transformed into two two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat.

Proposals submitted by Mr. Matt Mitchell aimed to utilise the unused two-storey corner-plot building at the junction of Atherton Road and Wenlock Street.

Standing currently empty, the building was previously granted approval for conversion into two flats on the first floor in 2020.

Then, in 2025, plans to turn the vacant building into four apartments were granted.

However, new plans were put forward for the whole property to become three multi-storey flats—each unit to spread across both ground and first floor.

The development promises a substantially renovated exterior, with the existing shopfront to be replaced with residential windows and doors.

New windows and doors at both ground and first floor levels are also part of the proposal.

Plans also include the transformation of the rear yard into a bin and cycle store, together with a small communal area for residents.

The building was previously in Class E use as a fresh fruit and vegetable shop.

The agent handling the application was Bill Schafer of Schafer Associates.

The Housing Enabling Team at Wigan Council responded positively to the proposal, noting that there is a growing demand for residential development within town centres.

While the plans do not reach the threshold that requires affordable housing provision, they offer a mix of housing types, conforming with the local policy directive.

The meeting national space standards, the flats are planned as 70.2sqm and 70.6sqm for the two-bedroom units, while the three-bedroom flat will be 94.9sqm.

The change of use is expected to reduce the number of vehicle movements compared to its current permitted Class E uses.

The Transport Policy Officers had no objections to the change of use considering the site stands in a highly sustainable location close to the town centre.

Despite the lack of designated in-curtilage parking, on-street options are believed to cover all requirements.

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