2 weeks Ago
Locals have expressed relief that a construction company has been ordered to tear down a “jarring” warehouse built without permission. Travis Perkins, a nationwide British builders’ merchant, applied for permission to build the warehouse on Bark Street in 2023. However, Bolton Council rejected it as “not compatible with the surrounding area”.
The company built the building despite the ruling, leading the council to take enforcement action to force its demolition. It was built to replace a warehouse that had previously stood there but was demolished after it was found to be in a “dangerous state”. Travis Perkins appealed the council’s decision to the Planning Inspectorate, but it was dismissed.
Inspector D Hartley said that the building was in “stark contrast” to the surrounding area, where most buildings were built from brick. They said: “Some of the surrounding buildings are very traditional in appearance. “There are some contemporary buildings in the wider area, including new build dwelling houses and apartments.
“These include the use of some, albeit limited, contrasting materials to brick.” The warehouse viewed from Bark Street (Image: Newsquest) Inspector Hartley said that it was “noteworthy” that the nearby Howden’s building used brown cladding on the upper section of the wall and roof. They said that the use of brick and muted tones of colour adds “positively and distinctively” to the character of the area.
Inspector Hartley said: “In context of the above, the unauthorised building is appreciated by passers-by as being in stark contrast to the brick-built buildings that surround it. “The cladding is very bright in colour and hence has a jarring impact when experienced from the surrounding streets. “This harm is also experienced in terms of the brightly coloured roof.
” They said that the most “harmful impact” was experienced on Chorley Street and the junction with St Helena Road where the building is seen on elevated land. Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.
co.uk Inspector Hartley said: “I recognise the business need for the building on the site and do not doubt that without it there would likely be adverse consequences in terms of supporting construction activity in the area. “However, this must be weighed against the very significant harm that has been caused to the character and appearance of the area.
” The inspector suggested that the company apply to build a different building on the site to ensure that the construction activity in the area could still be supported. READ MORE: Lostock bungalow owner loses appeal to build first floor bedroom READ MORE: Mosque car park could be built on 'village green' in Chew Moor READ MORE: New McDonald's approved for Logistics North, Bolton Travis Perkins must demolish the building within the next 90 days. Abigail, 26, a local resident said: “That’s good news! Honestly, it was absolute mayhem when they built it.
“Lorries would always come down this street to do a three-point turn – they would always do it at half 8 am and I had a five-month old baby at the time. “It was supposed to be a temporary build, but there’s nothing temporary about that.” Another local resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It doesn’t really bother me, but if they’ve put it up without permission, it should come down – shouldn’t it?” A spokesperson for Travis Perkins said: “We are currently reviewing the appeal decision and considering our next steps.
”.
