PLANS for the redevelopment of the Grand Hotel in Leigh have been approved – and work is set to start before Christmas.

Yesterday, the council’s development control committee overwhelmingly voted in favour of the multi-million pound plan, 15 to two.

The upmarket proposal for the iconic building, off Leigh’s Broadway, includes a wine bar, health club and a restaurant, plus 18 luxury flats, with 19 parking space. There will be nine commercial parking spaces too.

Owner Mick Norcross, 54, who fought for five years to get planning permission, is eager to get going.

Following the decision, he exclusively told the Echo: “It’s a relief, and now it’s onward and upwards. 

“We aim to start work before Christmas with an 18-month programme and hopefully within the next two years we will be occupying.”

David Dadds, Mr Norcross’s legal representation at the committee, was also very positive.

He said: “We are satisfied with the decision of the councillors, and the recommendation of the professional officers.

“We are delighted and thankful to the local residents too for their support.”

Former TV star Mr Norcross added: “I would like to thank mainly Amelia Slocombe who helped mobilise the petition and David Dadds who got us over the line.”

Plans for the landmark building have repeatedly been knocked back by the council, and this time around Mr Norcross worked extra closely with the authority to make sure all the pieces were in place.

The application was previously refused in August, mainly due to a large penthouse on the top of building as well as elaborate work to the roof which the committee did not deem acceptable. 

In the aftermath, Mr Norcross ditched the penthouse plan and instead introduced a roof-top balcony.

He also reduced the size of the roof.

After the changes were made to the application, Charlotte Galforg, the area planning officer told the committee chairman, Floyd Waterworth: “Due to the changes that have been made, the council do not have any objections.”

As part of the application, Mr Norcross has also agreed to pay £9,607 to Belfairs High School as part of a special section 106 agreement to improve education in the area.

The brasserie and restaurant will seat up to 144 people.