A PLANNING application to demolish and replace a day centre that caters for those in need due to health, disability and loneliness issues with an upgraded facility has been withdrawn.

Proposals for the creation of a replacement building at the Pilkington Welfare building, at the site of Ruskin Leisure, in Dentons Green, were submitted.

A planning statement by RJG Architecture Ltd on behalf of The Pilkington Family Trust, said the application is "for the demolition of the existing building (Pilkington Pensioner’s Club) and the proposed erection of a new activity / day centre with meeting rooms at (the) first-floor level, which will cater for past employees, residents of Ruskin Lodge and members of the wider community who have dementia."

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It added: "The Pilkington Family Trust is a registered charity which was originally founded to support Pilkington employees in retirement and used to relieve financial need.

"Today it is used to benefit the wider community and support people who are in need because of health, disability, and loneliness. The trust provides support and care services along with ‘activity leisure’ and social groups to provide a sense of wellbeing and assist members of the community who suffer with dementia to live independently as well as providing support to their care providers".

The application says the building at Ruskin Drive "is currently used for a wide variety of activities".

Explaining why plans seek to flatten the current premises, the statement adds: "The building has asbestos and as such it is considered no longer fit for purpose, the demolition of the current building is a more feasible and safer option than to carry out extensive refurbishment.

"The proposed new building will be within the current site footprint and is proposed to be a two-storey building with a ground floor open plan space for the day centre and dining area with a partition so the room can be separate.

"There will also be a kitchen, store, and welfare area with vending machines along with WCs and a small office for staff".

Meanwhile, the first floor will have "two meeting rooms and a staff room with lift access from the ground floor. The first-floor rooms will be utilised to have days where carers providers of those living with dementia can have some respite".

Plans add: "The design of the building will be in keeping with the surrounding area, will be of architectural merit and there will be no overlooking aspect to the residential buildings nearby".

A decision notice on the council's planning portal confirmed that the application has been withdrawn.

A reason for the withdrawal was not cited in this but a correspondence from planning officers to the applicant suggested that if they intend to resubmit the proposals to first speak to the case officer to discuss any amendments or revisions.