Plans for Blackpool holiday accommodation approved with strict noise controls

Friday, 5 July 2024 11:38

By Shelagh Parkinson - Local Democracy Reporting Service

The conversion of a former hotel in Blackpool’s holiday heartland into single-use holiday accommodation has been approved – with strict conditions to control potential noise nuisance.

The property on York Street has been granted planning permission to operate as a seven-bedroom holiday home after a retrospective application was made to the council.

Town hall officers agreed to the scheme using their delegated powers, with documents saying the changes had already been made to the premises which are within the Foxhall Holiday Accommodation Area.

A report setting out the decision acknowledges there are concerns about such conversions creating ‘party houses’.

But it adds: “The property is in a protected holiday accommodation area which is expected to experience a higher level of background noise compared to residential areas notably from the coming and going of tourists.

“Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that with no owner/manager present on

site, there could be potential for noise disturbance and anti-social behaviour for neighbours including other hotels and guesthouses. ”

As a result, the council has demanded noise surveys and management plans “to ensure there would be no impact on neighbouring amenity from noise and disturbance.”

Conditions include provision of soundproofing and restrictions to ensure occupancy levels do not exceed the number of bed spaces in the accommodation. A contact number for management must be displayed on the outside of the property and outdoor areas must not be used as unsociable times.

The report adds: “As such, it is not considered that there would be any unacceptable impact on amenity by way of noise and disturbance with the above-mentioned conditions and EP (Environmental Protection) have raised no objections with the documentation submitted.”