Major apartments and commercial scheme set to move forward

A major mixed-use development featuring apartments and commercial uses has been lined up for approval by Bolton planning officers.Applicant Empire Property Concepts has submitted outline plans for a scheme comprising up to 269 apartments together with ground floor commercial floorspace on land at Bradshawgate.Car parking and ancillary facilities are also included included in the proposals.The application also proposes new public realm improvements to the surrounding roads and a public square.Matters relating to appearance, means of access, landscaping, layout and sale are reserved for subsequent application and consideration. The council’s planning committee will be asked to determine it is satisfied that the land in question can, in principle, be used for residential purposes. It will also consider whether the site can accommodate a development of a scale consistent with the number of apartments proposed.Bolton planning officers have now made a recommendation to approve the plans subject to conditions.In an executive summary in a report set to be considered by planners, officials said the number of apartments could reasonably be accommodated on the site.It also adds that the project has the potential to make a “significant contribution” to the council’s housing supply shortfall at a time of continuing undersupply.Bolton’s planning committee will decide the fate of the application next Thursday (3 February).