New look at museum plans for Fred’s home
A COUPLE who want to turn the former home of late TV steeplejack Fred Dibnah into a museum of his life’s work has been given a boost.
The plans of Leon Powsney and his wife Jan — who bought the house in Radcliffe Road earlier this year — took a knock when they were put on hold amid fears of potential parking problems.
Now they have linked up with the nearby Ukrainian Club to solve the issue – and propose to direct visitors to the attraction to park there.
The couple were hoping to get the green light for their plans to convert the 155-year-old property in Radcliffe Road into a heritage centre this afternoon. But the decision has now been put off until December 10.
Members of Bolton Council’s planning committee originally delayed making a decision at their meeting on October 29 after raising a number of concerns over parking provisions, opening times, the nature of the cafe on the site and the number of visitors.
But Mr Powsney has now addressed the issues and had hoped councillors would look favourable on his plans.
He said: “We have agreements with a number of different places around the house with regards to parking but now we have to wait until December 10.”
Neighbours had put forward objections to the plans based on parking problems, increased visitors to the area and invasion of privacy.
But the nearby Ukrainian Social Club, in Castle Street, has stepped in and said visitors to the centre can use its 20-vehicle car park.
The plans, which also include toilet facilities and an extension to Fred’s workshop, have received some high-profile support.
As part of a planning application to Bolton Council, Mr Powsney has included a letter from Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) backing the scheme.
Mr Powsney is also applying for permission to keep the pithead structure Fred was working on before he lost his battle with cancer in 2004.
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Let’s all hope that the plans get the green light on the 10th.
thinking of having a look round garden on my way up north in afew months time is this possible hope all is going well with your plans for house