Plans to turn old Jobcentre into aparthotel backed

Plans to convert Blackpool's former Jobcentre into an aparthotel have been approved by councillors.

The Queen Street building, which has lain empty for seven years, will be converted into 22 holiday accommodation units.

Blackpool Council's planning committee gave the development the go-ahead despite receiving 66 objections, including from the neighbouring Galleon Bar, which fears it may be hit with a noise abatement notice if people staying at the aparthotel complain.

There were also 77 representations in favour of the development, which will have a manager's office, laundry room and luggage store as well as a staffed reception area and 12 car parking spaces.

The meeting heard steps would be taken to reduce the impact of noise from the neighbouring bar, which has as licence to remain open until 04:00.

These measures include replacement glazing with special ventilation, meaning windows can remain closed while still allowing air to circulate.

Susan Parker, head of development management at Blackpool Council, also said the local authority would not pursue noise complaints from holiday guests in the same way as it would from permanent residents.

She told the planning committee: "Overall the scheme would bring a long-standing empty building in a prominent part of the town centre back into use."

While acknowledging the significant number of objections, committee chairman Councillor Dave Flanagan said that, on balance, the development should go ahead.

He said: "It will contribute to the vitality of the town centre, and provide the type of holiday accommodation people are looking for."

The building has not been used since 2018, when Jobcentre staff were relocated to the Town Hall.

Previous planning applications to convert the site into permanent flats were refused by the council.

The site was originally occupied by Christ Church, built in 1871, before the church was demolished in 1982 and replaced by the Jobcentre.

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