Seaside town's Art Deco building to become flats

On of Blackpool's finest Art Deco buildings, which formerly housed Woolworths and Pricebusters, is to be turned into flats.

A scheme for 32 apartments has been approved by town planners, for the third, fourth and fifth floors of the building, which has a tiled facade and striking clock tower.

Twenty-four flats had already been approved on lower floors of the building which has a JD Wetherspoon pub, The Albert and the Lion, on the ground floor.

The approval is subject to developers making contributions to the development of a new GP surgery, and a public, open space.

The building, which opens on to both Bank Hey Street and the Promenade, was first opened as one of the UK's largest Woolworths in 1938.

The latest decision means it will house almost 60 one and two-bedroom apartments.

Conditions imposed relate to residential standards, security measures and nesting birds.

A report by the head of Blackpool Council's Development Management said "current indications" were that the local authority could not "demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land".

"This application proposes 32 new dwellings which would make a significant contribution towards meeting the borough's identified housing needs," it said.

"This carries significant weight in the planning balance."

It said the scheme was considered to represent "sustainable development" and "on this basis, planning permission should be approved, subject to a number of conditions".

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants, Nottingham firm ALB Group, said: "The applicant is an experienced developer who would commit to creating a quality development that reflects its prominent position within Blackpool."

It said the properties would be on the open market for rent and purchase and "would be perfectly suited to all ages - young working people, small families, retirees, those in need of more affordable accommodation within walking distance of amenities".

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