Decision made on plans to transform former Poulton Masonic Hall into flats and bar

Ambitious proposals to bring one of Poulton’s grandest buildings back into use have got the go ahead.

Businessman Alex Beckett purchased the former Poulton Masonic Hall, in Market Place, last year with original plans to establish a cocktail bar and a fine-dining restaurant in the spacious redbrick building, which includes a grand hall upstairs.

It was originally constructed in the early 20th century, and its design features a characteristic blend of Edwardian architecture, with robust stonework and decorative detailing.

By the time a planning application was lodged in the summer, the proposals had been amended to include apartments upstairs and a bar on the ground floor.

Now, the planning officer has approved the current proposals by delegated powers, meaning the project has not had to go before a planning committee.

The application was for a change of use from Sui Generis and Class E(c) to Class E(a) and Class E(b) on the ground floor and residential flats on upper floors, formation of window openings to rear of the building and installation of replacement windows and shopfront to front elevations.

While Class E(c) has a broad use and includes banks, medical services and tanning shops, Class E(b) specifically refers to a flexible commercial use for the sale of food and drink primarily for consumption on the premises, like cafes and restaurants

The proposals include four residential flats on upper floors, formation of window openings to rear of the building and installation of replacement windows and shop front to front elevations. The Aftons Travel shop at the front is no longer operating there.

Although the proposals attracted some objections over lack of parking provision, concerns about bin storage, the ownership and potential use of a covered alleyway to the rear and the position of a fire escape, the plans were recommended for approval by the planning officer and granted permission.

An accompanying planning statement, by the Fox Planning Consultancy on behalf of the applicant, stated: “The application site is relatively in small-scale and the external alterations are not significant.

“The proposed conversion to a retail unit, bar/restaurant with residential units above, including the proposed alterations, will bring a disused building back in to use and represents an appropriate use within the town centre and conservation area that will complement other town centre uses.

“The development will have a minimal impact on the appearance of the existing building within the Conservation Area.

“The alterations have been carefully designed to enhance the building’s function and aesthetic while respecting the historical fabric and architectural character of both the Masonic Hall and the wider Poulton-le-Fylde Conservation Area.

“The proposal will enhance the social, economic and the environmental conditions of the town centre of Poulton-le-Fylde. “On this basis, it is in full accordance with the development plan and as a result ought to be supported .”