Plans to turn ex-video store into shared housing

PLANS have been lodged to turn the old Blockbuster video store in Widnes into a controversial shared accommodation property, just over a year after a similar scheme was thrown out.

- BY MARK SMITH, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

An application for a 12-room house in multiple occupation (HMO) on Salisbury Street has been lodged with Halton Borough Council.

HMOs are defined as buildings with individual rooms but some shared facilities, such as kitchens and/or bathrooms.

A similar scheme at the same location was thrown out last February after council planning chiefs said it ‘would not ensure a high standard’ for future residents, while also raising concerns over a lack of parking.