Learning centre’s bedsit and flats plans rejected over standard of living

The application outlined blueprints to transform the two-storey Community Learning Centre on the corner of Bridge Street and York Street into 18 small dwellings.

But the council’s planning department said eight of the proposed flats are too close to foliage from a nearby railway embankment leading to insufficient natural light.

The application also attracted two letters of objections from people who raised concerns over the loss of the learning centre and parking for the flats, which are just yards from Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre.

But the planners said those concerns would not have necessarily led to a rejection of the plans, citing that the they were turning it down on the inadequate light issue.