Plans to convert Leigh shop space into homes approved

The first and second floors at 48-50 Railway Road, Leigh, will be turned into three studio flats.

Railway Road Apartments Ltd submitted the plans, and approval was given on December 8.

These flats will be used as residential properties and will have windows in all habitable rooms that comply with national space standards, according to the planning documents.

The plans show no changes will be made to the outside of the building.

The applicant says that the impact on the character or sustainability of the conservation area will be low.

Part of a row of terraced properties in the area, the vacant shops are currently used for storage on their upper floors.

However, they will now be converted into three flats as per plans approved.

The site is on Railway Road, which offers good public transport options nearby, specifically Leigh bus station, providing a broad range of public services.

As per the current road layout, the building is on an area governed by a 30mph speed limit with arranged pedestrian access.

There is no provision for vehicle access, and the building lacks off-street parking due to constraints.

However, due to the location and the availability of public transport, the local highway network can safely accommodate the parking demand generated by the proposed flats.

A shared entrance will continue to serve both ground floor commercial unit users and the flat residents.

Bin storage will remain in the front of the building and within the site boundaries.

The flats will also have shared bin storage at the back following the developer’s provision plan.