THE conversion of a vacant salon into a flat has been given the official go-ahead as council planners ruled prior approval was not needed.

Proposals were sent to council planners for a unit on West End Road, Haydock. 

Prior approval was sought by applicant Paula Rothwell for change of use from a vacant ground floor hairdressers to a residential self-contained flat.

In an application form a description of the proposals states: "305 West End Road is a former residential mid-terraced property which had, over 20 years ago, been converted to a shop downstairs and a two-bedroom flat upstairs.

"This application is (to) gain approval to convert the shop (currently occupying the ground floor) into a one-bedroom residential flat".

It added proposed layout changes are as to move the existing stud wall for the bathroom to create a larger bathroom area including a shower and to create a new stud wall to split the former shop area into a living room and a bedroom.

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In a report, planning officer Alex Ball said: "This part of West End Road is becoming more residential in nature, on either side of the building are residential properties.

"The council’s Noise officer has been consulted and raises no objection to the proposal."

Mr Ball added: "It is considered that the proposed development complies with the requirements of Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

"On this basis it is considered that the prior approval of details is not required."