Flats plan for former bank building where windows will need to remain closed in hot weather due to traffic noise

The former RBS bank building in Radcliffe is set to be converted into flats. Plans have been lodged with Bury Council this week to convert the building, on Blackburn Street, into three apartments with the shop front retail space retained.

Prestwich based Ad Coelum Ltd has applied to change the use of the building from retail to flats and retail.

Royal Bank of Scotland announced the closure of the Radcliffe branch, along with a further 53 branches across the country in September, 2018. The lender said the move was linked to not having sold its Williams & Glyn business resulting in branches in close proximity to each other.

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At the time that decision was described by unions as ‘a hammer blow’ to the disabled and elderly who wished to continue banking in person at a branch close to home. The building was later used as a hot food takeaway.

The property, which has four on site parking spaces, was last year marketed for sale on property websites with offers in excess of £85,000 considered.

The application contains a noise assessment report which states that measure would be needed to comply with the noise standards because the building is close to a busy road. The report said they included enhanced background ventilation to all bedrooms and living rooms to stop the need to open windows in hot weather and sound insulation for the façade and ceilings of the building.

A statement in support of the plans, said: “It is proposed to convert the ancillary elements to the shop into three apartments while retaining the existing shop front from the already existing retail space. There are at present a number of parking spaces on site and therefore, no additional