A block of former council offices in Burnley’s town centre are set to become 18 flats. Burnley Council’s development control committee has been recommended to approve the conversion of the terrace of buildings on Nicholas Street it once used for administration into 18 apartments.
The planning application for 18 to 24 Nicholas Street was brought before a planning meeting on Thursday, January 9 for decision as it constitutes the council’s own development to be delivered under the Housing Joint Venture Partnership with Barnfield Investment. An officer’s report recommends approval of both planning permission and listed building consent with 25 conditions.
It says: “This application relates to the vacant former council offices at Nos 18 to 20 and 22 to 24 Nicholas Street which forms part of a terrace of historic buildings on the south-eastern side of the street. The property was originally two separate buildings dating from 1866 to 69 including the Poor Law Union (18 to 20); hotel and warehouse (22 to 24) which were both later converted and altered to form offices.
“The buildings are noted for their Florentine revival style, a bold design characteristic of higher status town centre buildings of its time. Collectively, they are notable as a good example of late C19 architecture.
“The property has been vacant since 2013 and despite essential maintenance it is showing signs of significant deterioration. The application property is a heritage asset of high significance, reflected in its Grade II listing
“The property is also considered to be of high communal interest for its role in the civic governance of the town and connections to the friendly societies movement which has a long history within Burnley. It has group value with the wider terrace as a cohesive architectural composition built to the designs of notable local architect William Waddington.
“This application seeks planning permission to change the use of the building from office use to 18 self-contained residential apartments – 12 one bedroom apartments and six two bedroom. All apartments will be provided as affordable rent housing tenure.
“The building was marketed for sale during the period 2013-2020 without any serious interest from office users It is seen to be preferable to have the listed building occupied than to keep it vacant in the seemingly unlikely chance that it may be occupied by an office user in the future.
“It is considered that the proposal would secure the future conservation of the long-term vacant heritage asset.”
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