Double blow for plan to turn optician's into pub after 'public nuisance' concerns

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Plans to transform a former optician’s building into a pub in the Ashton-in-Makerfield area of Wigan have been dealt a second blow.

A planning application to convert the ‘Simply Eyes’ premises has been turned down just a week after Wigan’s licensing sub-committee refused to grant a licence on the grounds there a risk of ‘public nuisance’.

It followed strong protests from nearby residents fearing disturbances in Downall Green Road, Bryn. Applicant Tony Duffy wanted to alter the building internally to install a bar counter and toilets with part of the building to be used as an office and storeroom.

The plan has been refused without even being discussed by the town’s planning committee. There were eight objections which included fears that the pub - which would be known as The Colliery - would ‘impact on the amenity of surrounding neighbours because of noise’. Bid to open new pub in Greater Manchester town REJECTED after heated row “It may cause anti-social behaviour,” one said. “This has been the case in the past with a pub previously on Downall Green Road.” Another said there was a lack of space for vehicles and taxis to park on the site and it could increase demand for on-street parking. “The proposed drinking establishment would not benefit the local community,” one objector said.