A TERRACED row is to be converted into an apartment block after planning chiefs gave proposals the green light.

The properties, in Wigan Road, Westhoughton, will provide eight one-bedroom flats following Bolton Council’s planning committee’s decision to grant planning permission.

The red brick terrace row, close to Westhoughton town centre, is currently vacant but was recently used for both retail and residential purposes.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington said the application was a reflection of how people’s lifestyles were changing.

She said: “At one time we were never have got a shop on a main road wanting to become a residential habitat, it just wouldn’t have happened but people now do not shop in that way .

We certainly don’t need as many shops on main roads as we used to. We are in a situation where people want to live close to the town centre and also live close to main roads.”

She added that she thought the car parking was adequate, despite there not being a space for each apartment.