AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE building familiar to many as a charity shop will be converted if planning permission is granted.
Mark Robinson, of locally-based Delamere Developments, has applied to Tameside Council to alter the Scope store, on Delamere Street.
If approval is given, the ground floor will remain as retail space with one apartment alongside but upstairs will be converted into two other one-bedroomed flats in £350,000 scheme.
The lower of the trio would be accessed via neighbouring Wood Steet and documents supporting the application state the belief it would improve the structure.
They say: “The current Delamere Street façade has been affected by deflection. This is to be rebuilt in brickwork to match the proposed rebuilding of the Delamere Elevation of 202 Stamford Street.
“Windows and doors are to match the development at 179-181 Stamford Street (completed by the same developer.)
“The retained retail element of the building is to be renovated and made available for letting, although at this time it is uncertain what type of use this might involve.
“Renovation of the commercial part of the building will ultimately provide opportunities for employment. In terms of the financial viability of the scheme the number of apartments and potential rental revenue is paramount to the scheme going forward.
“Although in a poor state of repair there is still an opportunity to renovate and bring back this building, albeit with a significant investment.
“Conversion of part of the building to residential use is considered a sustainable solution to the long-term viability of the building and conforms to local and national planning policy.
“The retention and repair of the front elevation will improve the visual amenity of Delamere Street and the renovation of the building will contribute towards the revitalisation of Ashton’s old town centre and contribute to the underlying principles of the Conservation Area.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.