PLANS to turn a house into six self-contained apartments have been approved by councillors despite resident objections.

An application proposing the change of use of the dwellinghouse, located at 4 Haydock Park Gardens, Newton-le-Willows, to six self-contained apartments went before the planning committee at the town hall on May 21.

The plans also proposed the construction of a single-storey side extension, changes to roof lights, construction of a first-floor terrace area, new windows to side elevations, removal of rear dormers and construction of new rear dormer, other external alterations to the front, side and rear elevations and the construction of a front parking area.

The application form highlights that the proposals comprise the subdivision of one large, existing house into six ‘luxury’ apartments, with on site parking.

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The design and access statement in the plans said the proposal ‘takes advantage of the large existing floor space creating generously sized luxury apartments, and retaining much of the existing structure were possible’.

It adds: “Each apartment is offered with generous amounts of amenity space without the need for altering the existing landscaping on the site.

“The proposal presents a unique opportunity to provide a set of new apartment dwellings that both improve the quality of the existing building while also improving its environmental impact.”

The committee heard about objections raised to the plans, which included concerns over increased traffic.

Committee chair Derek Long said: "Whilst clearly there is going to be more traffic, it's not material enough to actually make it a viable issue in terms of rejecting the planning application."

Councillors on the committee voted unanimously to approve the application.