Plans in for Burnley resi

Developer Cheshire Homes wants to build 32 apartments in the town centre.

Designed by Didsbury-based architect Spazio, the project involves the conversion of the first-floor space above the ground-floor retail and the addition of new floors at the building, located at the junction of Croft Street and Yorkshire Street.

All but one of the ground floor units are currently occupied at the site, which is part two and part three storeys.

The one-and two-bedroom apartments would be accessed from Croft Street, via the former Greenwoods unit. The existing stairs to upper levels would be retained, and a lift inserted accessing all floors.

The mix of buildings in the area is mostly two- and three-storey, with some at six to seven floors. Although there is no parking on-site, the site is described as sustainable due to its proximity to the bus interchange.

Spazio’s design & access statement said that the buildings are tired and in need of reimagining, adding that “the owner is keen to upgrade the buildings and make it a more attractive offer to retain commercial tenants, and to introduce a residential use to make the site a viable development overall”.

The plans were validated in June. SK Transport is also on the professional team.

The improvement of existing town centre stock should sit well with other developments inching forward in the Lancashire town. Burnley College has this year submitted £12.5m plans in its latest expansion project, while the long-awaited Pioneer Place has again gone before planners following a redesign.