Key Points
- Bolton Council rejected plans to convert the former La Scala restaurant at 49 Chorley Road, Westhoughton, into a convenience store and office suites on 3 December 2025, with a vote of 8-2.
- The site, a popular Italian restaurant for over two decades, closed in 2025 and has remained vacant.
- Planning officers cited traffic congestion, inadequate parking (only 6 spaces proposed vs. 18 required), highway safety risks, loss of amenity space, and non-compliance with local policies like Policy GM.07.
- Applicant James Hargreaves of Westhoughton Properties Ltd proposed a Co-op style store with off-licence and four office units above, under reference 2025/0789/PLNG.
- Over 42 residents and Westhoughton Town Council objected, fearing litter, noise, anti-social behaviour, rats, and increased traffic on Church Street.
- Supporters argued for regeneration, job creation (12-15 jobs), and filling a retail gap.
- A prior application (21149/25) for similar Co-op conversion was submitted in October 2025.
- Possible appeal within 26 weeks or resubmission planned by Q2 2026.
Westhoughton (Bolton Today) April 21, 2026 - Bolton Council's planning committee has rejected a controversial proposal to transform the derelict former La Scala restaurant into a convenience store and office suites, prioritising traffic safety and community concerns amid fierce local opposition. The decision, reached on 3 December 2025 with an 8-2 vote, followed recommendations from planning officers and over 40 objections from residents worried about congestion on Church Street.
Why Did Bolton Council Reject the La Scala Redevelopment Plans?
Planning officers' report under reference 2025/0789/PLNG, as detailed on Bolton Council's portal, listed five key refusal reasons. First, the scheme provided only six parking spaces against a required 18 for the mixed-use development.
As stated by senior planning officer Rachel Patel in the committee report,
"The development would lead to increased vehicle movements on an already congested narrow road, contrary to Policy GM.07 of the Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Development Plan".
Second, highway safety was at risk due to the site's proximity to a busy junction near Westhoughton Parish Church, with no space for delivery vehicles to manoeuvre without blocking traffic. Third, the loss of open amenity space at the rear—previously used for outdoor seating—harmed neighbouring properties' privacy and light. Fourth, the design failed to preserve the 1930s building's historic character, a non-designated heritage asset.
Fifth, officers noted
"no robust evidence of need for additional convenience retail in Westhoughton, where existing stores like the Co-op on Manchester Road suffice".
Councillor Linda Thomas, chair of the planning committee, emphasised during the meeting that
"The site’s location in the heart of Westhoughton village makes it unsuitable for intensified retail use without major infrastructure upgrades".
As reported by Local Democracy Reporter Hannah Robinson of The Bolton News, the refusal aligned with Bolton Council's Core Strategy on sustainable transport and heritage protection.
What Were the Key Objections from Local Residents?
During the six-week consultation ending 15 November 2025, over 42 objections focused on practical impacts. Mrs Elaine Cartwright, a Church Street resident of 25 years, submitted:
"The La Scala site has sat empty, but turning it into a 24-hour off-licence style shop will bring anti-social behaviour, litter, and rat problems—we've seen it with similar stores elsewhere".
Local driver Paul Dickinson stated:
"No parking means shoppers will park on verges and double yellows, endangering schoolchildren walking to St Bartholomew's".
Retiree Margaret Poole highlighted:
"Offices above a shop? That means lights on late, slamming doors—peaceful Westhoughton doesn't need this".
The Westhoughton Residents' Association warned of "more HGVs squeezing through residential streets" and increased waste. Westhoughton Town Council's clerk David Marsden, wrote:
"This scheme prioritises profit over people, risking the village's livability".
How Did Traffic Concerns Dominate the Debate?
Church Street's narrow layout and peak-time struggles were central, with one submission noting "Church Street already struggles at peak times; this would make it gridlocked".
Who Supported the Proposal and What Were Their Arguments?
James Hargreaves, director of Westhoughton Properties Ltd, described it as "sympathetic regeneration" in his covering letter, proposing a 180sqm store with essentials, fresh produce, and a cashpoint, plus flexible offices.
"This breathes new life into a building vacant since 2018, boosting footfall to nearby independents,"
Hargreaves told the committee via agent Sarah Jenkins of Planning Prospects Ltd.
He claimed £250,000 investment, 12-15 jobs, and addressed a retail gap post-Brexit. Design included green roofing and bike racks. Councillor Paul Sobus, for Marsh Green ward, said:
"Empty buildings attract vandalism—approval supports Bolton's growth agenda under the new local plan".
Five supporters echoed revitalisation, but were outnumbered.
What Is the History of La Scala in Westhoughton?
La Scala at 49 Chorley Road was a well-known fixture for over two decades, popular for its Italian menu and family dining, as reported in Howfen Journal. It closed in 2025, leaving the red-brick property vacant on a busy road.
Plans submitted under 21149/25 in October 2025 proposed a modern shopfront, delivery yard, waste storage, and parking, with extensions for offices.
How Does This Fit Bolton's Broader Planning Policies?
The refusal supports Greater Manchester Combined Authority's 20-minute neighbourhoods, avoiding car dependency. Lead member Councillor Sean Butterworth remarked:
"We're protecting Westhoughton from overdevelopment while brownfield sites elsewhere in Bolton await viable schemes".
Heritage officer Mark Evans advised:
"La Scala's 1930s facade warrants retention, not retail facadism".
Comparisons to the approved 2024 Co-op extension on Leigh Road (with 25 spaces) were noted.
What Happens Next for the Former La Scala Site?
The applicant has 26 weeks to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Hargreaves hinted:
"We'll address parking via a traffic study and resubmit by Q2 2026".
Councillor Thomas urged housing or community use:
"Westhoughton needs family homes, not shops".
Residents like Cartwright vow vigilance:
"We've won this round, but monitoring continues".
Bolton Council may consider compulsory purchase if dereliction persists.
A separate April 2026 proposal for 15 office units (eight ground floor, seven first floor, with kitchenettes and restrooms) follows the rejection.