PROPOSALS to turn storage space above a town centre business into a home have been refused permission.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department seeking prior approval for 53 Sankey Street.

Applicant Thi Huyen Tran sought a change of use of the first and second floor from storage space to a residential flat.

However, the council ruled that prior approval is required and refused, citing concerns over natural light.

Plans state: “The development proposes changing the use of an underused first and second floor storage area to a residential flat, while protecting the ground floor retail element in this central location.

“Local and national policies permit the residential use of upper floors within towns to promote sustainable, mixed-use town centres, and this proposal is therefore believed to be acceptable in principle.

“The proposal to provide one new flat of a generous two-bedroom size, in this under used part of the building, will help in sustaining the present community facilities, including schools, shops and public transport.

“The present use is as ancillary storage to the ground floor retail but is now no longer required.

“The development of a new flat in this location will offer support to local businesses all year round in this area.”

In refusing permission, the council said: “Insufficient information has been submitted to determine the impacts of noise from commercial premises on the intended occupiers of the development.

“The proposal fails to provide a satisfactory level of residential amenity to the occupants of the proposed dwelling, by failing to provide an adequate level of natural light in all habitable rooms.

“The proposal fails to demonstrate that the site can provide acceptable refuse storage for a development of this type.”