PLANS to convert a former office block into accommodation for eight people have been rejected.

The proposals were for Atlas House, in Manchester Road, Kearsley to become an eight bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The plans were submitted by Atlas House Project Ltd.

Speaking at a public meeting at St John Fisher church, company director Paul T Lajszczak said that the building would be ‘Airbnb’ style accommodation, aimed at “tourists”.

He said: “There was a misunderstanding about the nature of the property. It isn’t for asylum seekers, it’s to be an Airbnb style property, of which we already have a few.

“It will primarily be for tourists”.

In the Planning Decision Notice, signed by Bolton Council’s Director of Place Gerry Brough, a number of reasons were given for the rejection including insufficient information about exits, space and storage for refuse bins, problems with neighbouring businesses and a problem with one of the bedrooms.

It read: “It is considered that the layout of the proposed HMO represents poor design and would have a serious detrimental impact on the future occupiers by reason of odour and general disturbance, resulting in substandard living conditions.

“The proposal would not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area nor does it comply with the development plan and therefore does not comprise sustainable development.

“There were no amendments to the scheme, or conditions which could reasonably have been imposed, which could have made the development acceptable and it was therefore not possible to approve the application. The Local Planning Authority has therefore implemented the requirement in Paragraph 38 of the NPPF.

At the public meeting, further concerns were raised about parking space and the intentions behind the plans, with a number of local residents concerned about the number of bathrooms and displaying disbelief that Kearsley was being suggested as a tourist location.

However, Mr Lajszczak said they would be appealing the decision.

He added: “There will be eight ensuite bathrooms and there are free spaces at the front for parking.

“Of course we’re going to appeal.”

UKIP Councillor for Kearsley Mark Cunningham had previously spoken of his concerns about the plans, suggesting they could “massively change the character of the area.”

Speaking at the public meeting, Labour Councillor Liam Irving added: “The application has been turned down.They can appeal the decision as is their right but I very much doubt it’s going to be happening.”