Plans for 16-bed home prompts resident backlash

Plans to turn the former working men's club into a house in multiple occupation have proved controversial

Plans to turn a former working men’s club into a 16-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) have prompted a number of objections from residents.

Concerns have been expressed that the proposed development for the building on Market Street, Whitworth, would not be suitable for the area.

Among the reasons cited for the objections are the pressure on "already stretched" local health services, and the potential impact on parking, noise and waste collection services.

The plans have been submitted to Rossendale Council by the building's owner, William Buckley.

'Services already stretched'

Mr Buckley states in the application that the building was last used in October 2023.

One objector said: "Whitworth is not the place for a HMO, having seen recently on the local news the problems they have brought. I am very much against this.”

Another resident said "local facilities such as doctors and dentists are already stretched", with people having to wait for appointments.

A further objection said the location was "not fit for purpose because it is on the corner of an already over-used, narrow main road and a narrower side-road that is difficult to access".

The resultant problems from additional traffic, parking, waste collection and noise would be disastrous, they added.

Another complainant wrote: "Our beautiful small village is being ruined and totally forgotten about.”

Meanwhile, another resident said "one-bed occupancy isn’t what is required", adding that what was needed was more affordable housing for families.

Rossendale Council is currently considering the application.

It has not yet been scheduled for discussion at a meeting of the Development Control Committee.