PART of what was a familiar Ashton-under-Lyne landmark will be turned into two apartments of planning permission is granted.
But Network Rail has asked for strict conditions before it will agree to the final conversion of the former Irish National Institute, on Wellington Road.
Prital Sachdev, of Leicester-based Sachdev Properties, has applied to Tameside Council to transform the building, which has stood empty since 2013.
It always used to attract comments as it stood opposite the Prince of Orange pub.
The plan would see the first floor extended then converted into the two-bedroomed properties.
Documents supporting it state: “The project is intended to enhance the use of the building, bring a vacant property back into active use, provide much needed housing in the area and remove an
existing flat roof area that is currently a security risk.
“The National Irish Club closed in 2013. That same year the ground floor of the property was
converted to a shop that is still active today, with the first floor retained as a drinking
establishment.
“However, the property has remained vacant except for a short period where The Alexander was
temporarily relocated into the unit while its purpose built facility was erected a short distance
away.
“This long period of vacancy demonstrates the lack of viability the property has as a drinking
establishment.”
Network Rail, however, has stated its concerns – particularly ove5 the fact the first floo would be extended.
The building stands close to the railway and Ashton’s railway station and in its submission to Tameside Council, the agency stated what can and cannit happen.
It says: “The operational railway presents risks/issues that are different/unique to the risks posed by works taking place adjacent to non-railway undertaker land.
“Works on this site therefore must be undertaken with supervision to ensure the works on site do not impact the safe operation, stability, integrity of the railway and its boundary.
“Properties adjoining or in the vicinity of the railway are frequently the subject of obligations, rights, exceptions and reservations for the benefit of Network Rail’s land and railway.
“The applicant must review the title to their property to see whether any such obligations etc exist. If the proposed development would not comply with or would breach any of the terms of the conveyance, the developer must revise his proposals.
“Network Rail would need to be re-assured the works on site follow safe methods of working and have also taken into consideration any potential impact on Network Rail land and the existing operational railway infrastructure.
“Builder to ensure that no dust or debris is allowed to contaminate Network Rail land as the outside party would be liable for any clean-up costs.
“The developer/applicant must ensure that their proposal, both during construction, and after completion of works on site, does not affect the safety, operation or integrity of the operational railway, Network Rail land and its infrastructure or undermine or damage or adversely affect any railway land and structures.
“Scaffolding which is to be constructed within 10 metres of the Network Rail/railway boundary must be erected in such a manner that at no time will any poles over-sail the railway and protective netting around such scaffolding must be installed.
“The applicant will agree all excavation and earthworks within 10 metres of the railway boundary with Network Rail.
“Network Rail REQUIRES that the developer includes a minimum three metres gap between the
buildings and structures on site and the railway boundary.
“Less than three metres from the railway boundary to the edge of structures could result in construction and future maintenance works being undertaken on Network Rail land.
“As the proposal includes works which could impact the existing operational railway and in
order to facilitate the above, a BAPA (Basic Asset Protection Agreement) will need to be
agreed between the developer and Network Rail.
“The developer will be liable for all costs incurred by Network Rail in facilitating this proposal. The BAPA will be in addition to any planning consent.”
Planning permission will be granted or refused by Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee.