Smithills Coaching House will become homes

8:00am Friday 14th December 2012 in Local

Smithills Coaching House will become homes 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)

1:32pm Fri 14 Dec 12

boltonnut says...

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.
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. boltonnut

1:41pm Fri 14 Dec 12

Crazy 38 says...

Just like the builders who wanted to build on the former pub in horwich..the greenwood arms.....if they don't get their own way...they will probably get someone to set fire to it until it becomes an "unsafe" ...then they will get the land in the end....I think the greenwood arms should be rebuilt or sold to someone else other than the ppl who have been fighting for it...coz I think they have been fighting dirty for it...
Just like the builders who wanted to build on the former pub in horwich..the greenwood arms.....if they don't get their own way...they will probably get someone to set fire to it until it becomes an "unsafe" ...then they will get the land in the end....I think the greenwood arms should be rebuilt or sold to someone else other than the ppl who have been fighting for it...coz I think they have been fighting dirty for it... Crazy 38

1:50pm Fri 14 Dec 12

J_Walsh83 says...

It's a shame it will become homes but if I think about old historic buildings that were knocked down instead of restored, it seems a good idea.
I'd have loved developers to have taken over Lord Leverhulmes property in Rivington rather than it being destroyed.
It's a shame it will become homes but if I think about old historic buildings that were knocked down instead of restored, it seems a good idea. I'd have loved developers to have taken over Lord Leverhulmes property in Rivington rather than it being destroyed. J_Walsh83

2:39pm Fri 14 Dec 12

kieth57 says...

The picture is like our council DISGUSTING.
The picture is like our council DISGUSTING. kieth57

3:21pm Fri 14 Dec 12

PMW35/7 says...

This picture looks almost as bad as the swill they unenthusiastically plonked on my table last time I visited. Good riddance!
This picture looks almost as bad as the swill they unenthusiastically plonked on my table last time I visited. Good riddance! PMW35/7

3:43pm Fri 14 Dec 12

malcome says...

What an absolute shame....Spent many happy hours there ordering "Joe the Fat boy" meal and the "Desert Surprise" with the sparklers.
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"
What an absolute shame....Spent many happy hours there ordering "Joe the Fat boy" meal and the "Desert Surprise" with the sparklers. 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

3:46pm Fri 14 Dec 12

malcome says...

boltonnut wrote:
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.
A very cynical comment.....But probably true and from the heart !
[quote][p][bold]boltonnut[/bold] wrote: 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.[/p][/quote]A very cynical comment.....But probably true and from the heart ! malcome

3:48pm Fri 14 Dec 12

malcome says...

kieth57 wrote:
The picture is like our council DISGUSTING.
Here, Here.... Couldn't agree more
[quote][p][bold]kieth57[/bold] wrote: The picture is like our council DISGUSTING.[/p][/quote]Here, Here.... Couldn't agree more malcome

4:44pm Fri 14 Dec 12

Boltontoday says...

Remember the building is not owned by the council so how is it their responsibility to maintain it?
Remember the building is not owned by the council so how is it their responsibility to maintain it? Boltontoday

5:34pm Fri 14 Dec 12

Wigan Trotter says...

Surely it should be a listed building and not allowed to be a housing site. Bolton Council should hang their heads in shame over their diabolical decision.
Surely it should be a listed building and not allowed to be a housing site. Bolton Council should hang their heads in shame over their diabolical decision. Wigan Trotter

6:09pm Fri 14 Dec 12

Andyroost says...

Money Talks, Watch for the next Head of Planning to leave with a big handout, funny how his/her bank doesnt ballance, only saying what everyone is thinking, corrupt!
Money Talks, Watch for the next Head of Planning to leave with a big handout, funny how his/her bank doesnt ballance, only saying what everyone is thinking, corrupt! Andyroost

6:34pm Fri 14 Dec 12

DouglasMills says...

Idiotic comments
Idiotic comments DouglasMills

7:11pm Fri 14 Dec 12

Boff says...

Complete and utter contempt. Whilst those in power are now rubbing their hands after the dirt from the backhanders has dimished, the entire council should resign and donate their pensions to friends of the Earth. Never in my whole life have I seen such a whitewash.

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!
Complete and utter contempt. Whilst those in power are now rubbing their hands after the dirt from the backhanders has dimished, the entire council should resign and donate their pensions to friends of the Earth. Never in my whole life have I seen such a whitewash. 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! Boff

6:16am Sat 15 Dec 12

Bendix says...

Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest? Bendix

2:43pm Sat 15 Dec 12

stantheman133 says...

What an absolute shame....Spent many happy hours there ordering "Joe the Fat boy" meal and the "Desert Surprise" with the sparklers.
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.
What an absolute shame....Spent many happy hours there ordering "Joe the Fat boy" meal and the "Desert Surprise" with the sparklers. 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. stantheman133

10:36pm Sat 15 Dec 12

sallyupsteps says...

Bendix wrote:
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
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..
[quote][p][bold]Bendix[/bold] wrote: Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?[/p][/quote]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.. sallyupsteps

10:38pm Sat 15 Dec 12

sallyupsteps says...

sallyupsteps wrote:
Bendix wrote:
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
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..
Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris
[quote][p][bold]sallyupsteps[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Bendix[/bold] wrote: Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?[/p][/quote]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..[/p][/quote]Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris sallyupsteps

7:43am Sun 16 Dec 12

hoboh2o says...

Cliff Morris a doorman to leader of Bolton council? Sonds more like Phoenix nights and Brian Potter every day!
Cliff Morris a doorman to leader of Bolton council? Sonds more like Phoenix nights and Brian Potter every day! hoboh2o

12:09pm Sun 16 Dec 12

DouglasMills says...

sallyupsteps wrote:
sallyupsteps wrote:
Bendix wrote:
Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?
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..
Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris
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.
[quote][p][bold]sallyupsteps[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sallyupsteps[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Bendix[/bold] wrote: Who owns the site? Does cliff Morris still have an interest?[/p][/quote]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..[/p][/quote]Amendment>> Not Cyril Morris it was Cliff Morris[/p][/quote]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. DouglasMills

4:55pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Ernagy2 says...

The fire station (marsden road), the odeon cinema. and now Smithills coaching house. A council that has no backbone, and doesn't appreciate heritage. What's new.

I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax.
The fire station (marsden road), the odeon cinema. and now Smithills coaching house. A council that has no backbone, and doesn't appreciate heritage. What's new. I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax. Ernagy2

4:56pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Ernagy2 says...

The fire station (marsden road), the odeon cinema. and now Smithills coaching house. A council that has no backbone, and doesn't appreciate heritage. What's new.

I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax.
The fire station (marsden road), the odeon cinema. and now Smithills coaching house. A council that has no backbone, and doesn't appreciate heritage. What's new. I hope the council appreciate the 30 pieces of silver they'll get from the extra Council tax. Ernagy2

9:10pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Rocket_Scientist says...

It is sad that Smithills coaching house is no more but another example of our heritage disappearing and being pulled down - change happens but people in power do not
It is sad that Smithills coaching house is no more but another example of our heritage disappearing and being pulled down - change happens but people in power do not Rocket_Scientist

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