By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter
A NEW food hall underneath 21 proposed apartments is one step closer to becoming a reality for Hyde town centre.
Applicants Copperleaf Group Ltd submitted an outline application for the food hall on the old Woolworths site which would be 710 sqm in size with the first floor cut back to create a large mezzanine for diners across two storeys.
The hall would support a variety of small, medium and large stalls arranged around a central seating area within the building off Market Place.
A commercial kitchen and toilet block would be provided on a mezzanine area, in addition to seating which overlooks the main entrance – just as it does in Mackie Mayor in Manchester city centre.
Above the food hall would sit the apartment complex, comprising 21 homes. The applicant hopes this will be the catalyst for greater social enterprise in the town centre, to draw those who might not otherwise come to Hyde.
However, Mrs Hartley, representing objectors Mr Flynn and Mr Bateman, described the proposals as “ill thought out” and “overdevelopment”.
She questioned why a 21-home plan could be submitted with no parking provision and where the construction vehicles would go when building work commences – given the close proximity to Market Place which is largely pedestrianised.
The representative also highlighted that this development, quoting council papers, would enclose on a neighbouring residential property. Mark Whylie, managing director at Copperleaf Group Ltd, said there is a plan for the construction vehicles during the building phase.
This plan would be made clear at a later stage of the application process which would again have to go through the planning panel.
Mr Whylie added: “This will help boost footfall in the area and raise the profile of the town. The development does signify change and will attract further investment.
“A total of 35 full-time equivalent jobs within the food hall itself.”
He went on to say that this would also create more jobs during the construction phase of development for the local economy.
Hi I would like to address the matter of the( outlined planning application ) still objectable people of Hyde.
Pound Stretcher as shop will go , the entire building is being redeveloped 12 staff with families will lose the jobs. It is not unused office space as reported.
Once Pound Stretcher goes we will be left only with Farmfoods , until the decline of footfall even more with most lightly end up with they pulling out of Hyde.
Even though everyone on our street objected against it and our solicitor pulled the plans to bits despite the people making the decision being not familiar with area it was past ( I know pretty amazing ). Planning had been point blanc refused some weeks ago, I was told don`t worry it is highly unlikely it will get past on appeal. It did, maybe it had something to do with the change of planning officer.
If this planning goes ahead my property at the back will lose at least 60% of my light and enclose me in. It will also over look my property where I will not be able to open my curtains or my 10yrs son bedroom curtains who is also on a SEN plan for emotional trauma. did that make a difference no , as money talks we all know that.
Im shocked and please from the support we are now getting for local businesses who only found out what was happening on the day the plans were past.
21 flats no parking spaces , would you leave you car on any of Hyde car parks over night and with £9 per day cost.
There are plenty of other building that could be developed, what about above NatWest market street ideal. why not Astoria bingo near the bus station . Instead of it being set on fire every few weeks do something with that.
There is things going in Hyde which we only seem to find out when its too late to do anything about it , this needs to change.
look what our Council did to our market Hyde will soon be more of a ghost town than what it is now.
Sorry for spelling mistakes I did not check it before posting I know I`m idiot!
I totally agree.
There are numerous properties in Hyde that can accommodate this, which at present serve no purpose apart from being an eyesore and health and safety risk.
Hyde is not opposed to change.
Hyde needs change but this change is questionable.
Do we really need another eatery?