Plan to turn working men's club into flats approved

Plans to convert an old working men's club into 13 flats have been approved by the planning inspectorate.

The building in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, has been vacant since September 2022 and will now be redeveloped.

Developer Fortress Eight Limited made the appeal after North Northamptonshire Council failed to issue a decision within the timeframe.

It was successful despite a substantial number of concerns from residents around parking and highways.

The plans will see the site, which fronts Scarborough Street, converted into eight two-bedroom apartments and five one-bedroom apartments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The site does not have parking which been the subject of complaints from nearby residents, who said the new flats could cause major road issues.

Many objectors said these issues were compounded by Irthlingborough Junior School being across the road, with the infant school further down Scarborough Street.

In its report, the planning inspectorate said whether it was used for flats or a working men's club there would be a need for parking.

It added the Victorian building was in an accessible and sustainable location due to its proximity to nearby bus stops and cycle storage facilities, which "may also help to minimise any additional parking demand created".

The council told the planning inspectorate it was also minded to approve the application and did not seek to defend the appeal.

As part of the works, the applicant has also agreed to provide financial contributions to the town's libraries.

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