Plans for Vulnerable Mothers and Children at Former Video Store in Widnes Rejected
Halton Borough Council has rejected plans to convert a former Blockbuster video store in Widnes into a home for vulnerable mothers and children.
By Runcorn & Widnes World
Halton Borough Council has rejected an application to transform the former Blockbuster store on Salisbury Street in Widnes into a facility for vulnerable mothers and children. The proposal included plans for eight bedrooms and three commercial units on the ground floor.
The council's children's services department stated that the provider had not consulted with them regarding the 'sufficiency needs' of the area. They noted that the proposal did not consider the borough's plans for children and young people, nor the impact of the home on local objectives and outcomes for children.
The planning report indicated that the proposal would result in an 'unacceptable standard' of residential amenity for future occupants. It highlighted that the development failed to demonstrate a safe, accessible, and inclusive living environment, and lacked adequate amenity space necessary for specialist housing.
The application proposed a single secure access point off Salisbury Street, with a reception area restricting access to the upper floor. The design included eight en-suite bedrooms, a staff sleeping and monitoring room, a communal room, and living and kitchen areas.
Concerns were also raised regarding parking in the town centre. The report stated that the proposed change of use would intensify the site’s usage, necessitating additional off-street parking, which was not adequately addressed in the application. This could lead to overflow parking onto adjacent roads, impacting highway safety.
The site, previously occupied by Blockbuster, has seen various businesses since the video rental chain went into administration in 2013. Earlier plans to convert the site into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) with 12 rooms were also rejected due to similar parking concerns.