Plans to build an extension to a pharmacy and create two flats above it have been approved.

A Bolton Council planning committee approved the building of an extension to the rear of the pharmacy on Church Street, Blackrod.

The flats will be built above Speaks Pharmacy, with a two-storey rear extension to be built to accommodate additional retail space for the existing ground floor units and a stairwell for access to the apartments above.

An existing extension on the land will be demolished to make way for the new extension.

The Bolton News: Speaks Pharmacy on Church Street, BlackrodSpeaks Pharmacy on Church Street, Blackrod (Image: Google Maps)

Council officers decided that the new extension would not  be out of keeping with the site.

They recommended the plans for approval, subject to certain conditions.

The conditions included the replacement of any trees or shrubs that die or are removed, ‘a secure front door operated via a video intercom system, CCTV cameras, security lighting, and a peep hole in the front door of the apartments’ and cycle parking amidst other smaller considerations.

The Bolton News: The plot of land on Church StreetThe plot of land on Church Street (Image: Bolton Council)

Mr Musa, an estate agent, spoke in support of the plans at the planning meeting.

He said: “As it stands we’ve removed the application of a proposed flat on the ground floor, and have left it as a retail unit as recommended by the planning officers.

“Highways are happy with the proposal. Local residents agreed to extra parking spaces at the rear.”

The council members present at the committee voted to approve the application, subject to the conditions stipulated by the officers.