PLANS have been submitted to convert part of the former Atherton Library building into 12 apartments.

Applicant David Cassidy, of Atherton Properties Ltd, has issued ‘prior notification’ of the intention to carry out the change of use of the building on York Street.

This is the third application submitted by the applicant, with this submission also including two disabled bays and a large secure cycle facility on the site.

Atherton Library, on York Street, has been ‘abandoned’ and unused since 2018 when the library service was relocated to Atherton Town Hall.

Some public comments have been posted on the Wigan planning portal website.

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One said: “People need to stop objecting. This building needs to be sorted once and for all.

“I live directly in front I am sick of looking at it. Construction work will obviously cause dust but people need to stop being petty and let this go ahea.

“I’m all for it as long as its not an HMO [house of multiple occupation] and the residents who will be living in it are responsible and respectful.”

Another complained of ‘insufficient parking. They went on: “The area surrounding the former library already suffers from a severe lack of parking spaces. 

“Adding 12 new apartments will exacerbate this issue, leading to even fewer available spots for current residents and visitors. 

“This will result in increased parking difficulties and inconvenience for everyone in the community.”

They also said the apartments would increase the volume of traffic in an ‘already congested area’, adding: “This will not only cause further delays and inconvenience for local residents but also pose safety risks, particularly during peak hours when the streets are busiest.”