A STALYBRIDGE shop would be converted into a ‘drinking establishment’ with two flats above it if planning permission is granted.
Bower Property Developments has applied to Tameside Council to change what was Just 4U Superstore, on Market Street.
As well as the flats, an ancillary function room/events space, a dual rear roof dormer and a rear roof terrace would be added, while a new shop front would be installed.
And documents stare the building’s new owners are, ‘wishing to invest significant resources into renovating and improving the condition of the building so it can be utilised to its full potential.’
If approved, the bar – for which ‘the applicant would like to operate opening hours that are consistent with other small business in the town centre’ and ‘would involve later opening hours and weekends and bank holidays’ – would be on the ground floor, with the ancillary room in the basement and flats on the first and second floors.
The applicant insists the new shop front will be ‘traditional style’ with a recessed, centralised main front door.
Matching doorways on each corner would provide access to the basement and the flats – one two-bedroomed with access to the roof terrace and one one-bedroomed – through internal stairs.
Documents state: “The provision of an internal lift would unfortunately be difficult to provide and make the project financially unviable.”
No parking or bin storage is put forward, with the applicant proposing ‘to use the shared waste facility that has recently been introduced on Market Street by the council.’
And paperwork states: “The applicant has engaged with Caroline Lindsay, project manager of Stalybridge High Street Heritage Action Zone, regarding his ability to use this facility for the mixed-use project.”
However, this site is several yards from where that is situated, along the Heritage Walkway and past several other businesses.
Despite that, documents supporting the scheme continue: “This sizeable commercial building has suffered from a lack of investment for many years, and the proposal would deliver and ideal mixed-use scheme, introducing new commercial and residential uses along with significant aesthetic improvements to the external appearance.
“The proposed use of the premises as a bar would contribute to the vitality and viability of Stalybridge town centre and its daytime and evening economy.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning committee, or officers, will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.