Smithills Coaching House will become homes
8:00am Friday 14th December 2012 in News
Smithills Coaching House will become homes
CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform Smithills Coaching House into homes have been approved.
Planning bosses have given the go-ahead for the Grade II listed building to be converted into eight homes.
A further 21 homes will be built on greenbelt land — in a bid to save the historic building.
The decision to transform the former restaurant, which closed in August, was taken at a special planning meeting yesterday.
But those against the plans say the fight to save the site from development is not over because the final decision lies with the Secretary of State.
Developers Jones Homes put forward the proposals.
There has been widespread public opposition to the plans, as well as from the Civic Trust, English Heritage and councillors.
More than 30 letters of objections were sent to Bolton Council, with one describing the site as a “sacred historic place”.
Bolton Council’s planning department recommended the application be approved, claiming the proposal would save a piece of Bolton’s history and, without it, the building could fall in disrepair.
It has already been targeted by vandals and thieves.
Planning officer John Berry said the plans provided “ an opportunity to secure the future of the Coaching House now” and added the proposals were considered to be a “sympathetic conversion”.
Cllr Roger Hayes spoke against the planning application. He said: “A major argument put in favour of the application is that this is the only way to save Smithills Coaching House and the public interest of doing this outweighs any damage that would be done. This is not the only way to save the Coaching House.
“The applicant is using the implied threat that if this is not allowed, the Coaching House will rot.
“English Heritage recommends that, if the building deteriorates whilst vacant, the council should consider service of an Urgent Works notice.
English Heritage is prepared to consider underwriting risks and costs.”
He added that he had been approached by three other potential buyers and a leisure use would be better suited, which would “provide employment to replace the 30 jobs lost when the restaurant closed”.
Bradshaw councillor Mudasir Dean described the decision as a “very sad day for the heritage in Bolton”. He added: “I don’t believe this was the right way forward for the Coaching House.”
But other councillors argued the development was the only option of saving the Coaching House — despite calls by members to see if other potential buyers for the site would come forward.
Cllr Linda Thomas said: “I think the development is the only means of keeping the Coaching House sustainable and it would a big gamble to refuse or defer it.”
Cllr Andy Morgan added: “It is quite clear that the Coaching House is deteriorating as we speak.
I think the Coaching House is at risk now. We need to make a decision now. If we do nothing, we lose the Coaching House.”
Comments(22)
Crazy 38
says...
1:41pm Fri 14 Dec 12
J_Walsh83
says...
1:50pm Fri 14 Dec 12
I'd have loved developers to have taken over Lord Leverhulmes property in Rivington rather than it being destroyed.
kieth57
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2:39pm Fri 14 Dec 12
PMW35/7
says...
3:21pm Fri 14 Dec 12
malcome
says...
3:43pm Fri 14 Dec 12
It might have not been 3 star Michelin...But it was reasonable grub at a reasonable price, in a great setting.
Just another Bolton institution that's disappeared.....Some might call this nostalgia, but others might realize that money, profit and greed are bringing this once great town to its knees.....Next to go will be "Ye Olde Pastie Shop"
malcome
says...
3:46pm Fri 14 Dec 12
boltonnut wrote:A very cynical comment.....But probably true and from the heart !
I've just seen a photo of the disgusting state of Smithhills' coaching house,Bolton council should hang their head in shame.It was their responsibility for maintaining the condition of the property until a decision was made as to its future.Maybe this was planned,let it go to wrack and ruin then its of no use,might as well build some houses,perhaps afew bob for me and thee in it fellow counciior,wink, wink.I do not live in Bolton now but I visit quite often,I hope on my next visit I don't find (affordable housing) adorning the site of Samuel Crompton's museum.
malcome
says...
3:48pm Fri 14 Dec 12
kieth57 wrote:Here, Here.... Couldn't agree more
The picture is like our council DISGUSTING.
Boltontoday
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4:44pm Fri 14 Dec 12
Wigan Trotter
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5:34pm Fri 14 Dec 12
Andyroost
says...
6:09pm Fri 14 Dec 12
DouglasMills
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6:34pm Fri 14 Dec 12
Boff
says...
7:11pm Fri 14 Dec 12
Remember, the only occupants able to dwell here will be bloated millionaires who don't give a stuff about the countryside. How long will it be before they complain from the noise of the nearby farm and other country smells!
Bendix
says...
6:16am Sat 15 Dec 12
stantheman133
says...
2:43pm Sat 15 Dec 12
It might have not been 3 star Michelin...But it was reasonable grub at a reasonable price, in a great setting.
Just another Bolton institution that's disappeared.....Some might call this nostalgia, but others might realize that money, profit and greed are bringing this once great town to its knees.....Next to go will be "Ye Olde Pastie Shop
I remember all this as well, my late wife loved the place glad she is not here to see it go.
sallyupsteps
says...
10:36pm Sat 15 Dec 12
Bendix wrote:Last time I knew the Clark family bought iit at a discount due to the fact that they were sitting tenants. Therefore they got a huge reduction. Could the fact that Alan was Mayor at the time and brother Donald have anything to do with it? Cyril Morris was only the doorman at this time..
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
sallyupsteps
says...
10:38pm Sat 15 Dec 12
sallyupsteps wrote:Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris
Bendix wrote:Last time I knew the Clark family bought iit at a discount due to the fact that they were sitting tenants. Therefore they got a huge reduction. Could the fact that Alan was Mayor at the time and brother Donald have anything to do with it? Cyril Morris was only the doorman at this time..
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
hoboh2o
says...
7:43am Sun 16 Dec 12
DouglasMills
says...
12:09pm Sun 16 Dec 12
sallyupsteps wrote:He was not mayor at the time you liar. Before the Clarke's took over the Coaching House it was in a completely dilapidated and derelict state - just as it would be if it was left to rot, as the commenters here seem to advocate.
sallyupsteps wrote:Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris
Bendix wrote:Last time I knew the Clark family bought iit at a discount due to the fact that they were sitting tenants. Therefore they got a huge reduction. Could the fact that Alan was Mayor at the time and brother Donald have anything to do with it? Cyril Morris was only the doorman at this time..
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
Ernagy2
says...
4:55pm Tue 18 Dec 12
I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax.
Ernagy2
says...
4:56pm Tue 18 Dec 12
I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax.
Rocket_Scientist
says...
9:10pm Tue 18 Dec 12
boltonnut says...
1:32pm Fri 14 Dec 12