A PLANNING application has been lodged to turn the car park of a former council depot into storage for a car sales business.

KK Motorz, Deane Road, Bolton, wishes to convert an area at the front of the former Monton Street Depot for the storage of vehicles.

The site is an existing car park  serving a nearby prayer, teaching and community building. The surrounding area is predominantly terraced housing.

The site will serve to store vehicles for KK Motorz and the only movement would be to restock the garage due to sales of vehicles at the Deane Road site.

The application proposes a two-year temporary permission at the north eastern corner of the site. Eight parking spaces and two disabled parking spaces will remain.

A report to planners states: " Due to recent Covid 19 rules the building is underused and therefore parking is no longer needed, therefore this proposal is considered to make efficient use of vacant land.

"Whilst the main centre is a voluntary organisation, the amount of funds that can be raised by activities, services and contributions has declined and the part letting of the car park for storage will provide an income stream whilst Covid restrictions apply.

"The essence of this proposal is to re-use a large vacant area that is no longer needed for the foreseeable future.

"The application does not propose a permanent change and only seeks a two year permission whilst the present pandemic restricts its use.

"The proposed use is actually a lesser use than either the original council depot or the proposed community centre.

"It is considered that the proposal will result in no additional impact on the amenity of the nearest residential properties and in fact may lead to a reduction in disturbance.

"The use of the site for storage is similar to a previous use by the local authority."