Verdict in on plans to create flat above funeral home

Plans to turn the upstairs area of a long-established funeral home into a flat with up to three bedrooms have been approved.

A planning application was lodged with Wyre Council proposing a change of use from a funeral care home to a dwellinghouse.

However, the change of use at TH Fenton Funeral Directors , at 27-28 Rossall Road in Cleveleys, is for the first floor area only.

A Design and Access Planning Statement on behalf of the applicant, listed as Jay Rostill, says: “The proposal seeks to separate the existing unit into two distinct areas: a residential dwelling on the first floor and a funeral home on the ground floor.

“This change of use aligns with the typical property arrangements found on Rossall Road and is intended to ensure minimal disruption to both the building structure and its surrounding environment.

Current use

“The property currently serves as a residential space utilised as accommodation by staff.

“The proposal will not significantly alter its use but will separate the functions between the ground floor and first floor, ensuring that the first floor becomes a standalone residential unit.

“The first-floor unit will be converted into a 2/3-bedroom property, made suitable for introduction into the sales market.

“The ground floor will retain its current function as a funeral home, ensuring continuity of the business operations in the property.

“The proposal will retain the existing arrangements for parking and waste collection. The plans will indicate the provision of two parking spaces, which are sufficient for the intended use and consistent with the property’s current setup. “

It adds: “ No external alterations are required as part of the proposed changes. The property’s external appearance will remain consistent with its current state, ensuring that its aesthetic and structural integrity are preserved.”

A report from the planning officer concluded: “The proposed change of use of the first floor of this building to a dwelling is considered to be acceptable.

“There are no concerns with regards to visual impact and, subject to a condition requiring the ground floor rear window to be obscure glazed and for the development to be carried out in line with the noise mitigation proposals, the proposal would not result in harm to neighbouring amenity.

“All other planning considerations have been assessed to be acceptable.”