Westhoughton: Market Street shoe shop could become cafe and flats

Under plans a shoe shop on Market Street, Westhoughton, could be transformed into a cafe with three flats on the first and second floors.

The shop  until now was James Tonge Footwear.

The plans were lodged on December 21 and if approved, the new café will feature a seating area, a serving counter, a prep area, toilets, along with a rear yard and backrooms.

The upper first floor has a proposed two flats each with their own bathrooms, and a kitchen for shared use.

Ewe Bar & Restaurant officially opening in Westhoughton

New restaurants that opened in Bolton in 2022

On the proposed second floor there will be another flat.

The premises was the former James Tonge Footwear (Image: Google)

The proposed plans also include the erection of a single storey rear extension and alterations to the external elevations.

If the café gets the go ahead, it will be proposed to be open from 8am to 6pm each day including weekends and bank holidays with three full time employees and three part time employee positions available.

Cllr David Wilkinson, ward councillor for Westhoughton South, said: “It is difficult to provide a comment as I am on planning committee but I will be asking officers a number of questions about this application to seek clarification on planning matters.

Read more: Campaign to stop Breightmet bus routes closing

Read more: Happy Valley: Bolton Amico Cafe gets starring role

Read more: Inside Greenmount’s very own castle home with its turret garden

“I know a lot of people have said oh too many cafes or not enough cafes but those are all commercial related matters.

“And you can’t say there is enough because if the planning application meets the planning regulations, under planning law the application should be approved.

“My concern in relation to the planning application, this is what I will be asking officers for clarification, is in fact the flats.

Proposed plans at 19 Market Street (Image: ADA PLANS AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES LTD)

“If you look at the plans it seems to be quite limited space and I will be asking officers about the flat application side of it, in relation to space and facilities for residents.

“It appears to be quite small and quite limited, and I think if we are going to have flats in the town, they should be of a reasonable quality so we do not end up with basically bed sits and that would be my concern, not only as a ward member but also as a member of the planning committee.”

Residents can comment on the plans on the Bolton council website, the planning application reference number is 15222/22.

Westhoughton is home to a number of new restaurants and bars, including Ewe, making it a popular food and drink destination.