Plans to extend Wigan bar premises are approved

Plans to convert a former betting shop into a drinking establishment have been approved by a planning committee.

Proposals had been submitted ato the council to convert a vacant former bookmakers into a bar, at the Winstanley Centre shopping precinct in Holmes House Avenue.

A report filed by a planning officer said the new venture would “merge with the neighbouring unit to effectively form an extension of the existing drinking establishment”, which is Real Ale Revolution.

The report said: “The site adjoins an existing drinking establishment and there is a further bar and hot food takeaway establishments within the centre, as well as shops with later opening hours. As such there is existing evening/late night activity within the centre.

“The site maintains an acceptable relationship with neighbouring dwellings, which are largely screened by the units opposite, and the enlarged bar will still be of a relatively modest size and the proposals are not likely to generate significant additional amenity impacts over the existing uses within the centre.”

The planning officer went on: “In this instance I am satisfied that the proposed expansion of the existing drinking establishment will remain of an appropriate scale and character for the wider shopping centre, it maintains an acceptable relationship with neighbouring residential uses, and does not have any road safety impacts.

“The site is sustainably located with good access both on foot from the neighbouring community, and on public transport via bus services along Holmes House Avenue.

“The proposals will also bring a vacant unit back into use, will increase footfall in the area and provide further evening activity/natural surveillance in the area.”

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