Farnworth Rejects Bank-to-Home Conversion

0:00On April 30, planners in Farnworth rejected plans to convert the historic NatWest Bank on Market Street into a seven-bedroom shared house. The building sat vacant since the branch closed on May 15, 2025. And this week, council officers said no way. The applicant, add colon validity, push for the change to bring homes into a mostly commercial spot and revive the empty property. They highlighted its prime location and argued it wouldn't harm the neighborhood vibe. Locals chairs the Victorian gym built in 1877 as a bank of Bolton branch by architect George Woodhouse. Farnworth, Bolton's second largest town with about 29,000 folks, lost its last high street bank when Lloyd's shut down just two weeks later. The rejection boils down to subpar living conditions, no decent outlook for one bedroom, a cramped kitchen dining area, zero outdoor space plus skimpy. Details on heritage and energy impacts, officers call that a major red flag.

1:00For now, the building holds its ground, sparking questions on balancing history with housing needs in towns like this.