THE BEER garden of a former Mossley pub will house 58 storage units, if planning permission is granted.
Michael Jackson has applied to Tameside Council to turn the area next to what was the Highland Laddie, on Market Street, into a facility aimed at ‘individuals and businesses who require storage but cannot commit to more expensive facilities in larger purpose-built warehouses.’
Planning permission does exist to build properties on the site, and it is the long-term aim to do so.
But documents supporting this application admit: “In the current economic climate it is simply not viable for the development to be carried out as building costs have doubled since its granting.”
And as an ‘interim use’, this scheme has been put forward, with green shipping container-type structures being placed next to a building converted into nine apartments.
Even though it is hoped access can be gained 24 hours a day, paperwork adds: “It is highly unlikely that tenants will visit the site out of normal working hours.”
The units, close to Mossley AFC’s Seel Park ground, would be laid out in four rows and accessible via two metal staircases, leading to metal platforms surrounded by a guard rail.
Documents continue: “The storage cabins will be available for rental to individuals and tradespeople who need cost-effective, convenient small-scale storage space for domestic purposes or in connection with a small business.
“There is a demand for clean, brand new self-storage space within the area. Other similar facilities available, further away, are older and not in good condition making them unsuitable and unattractive for tenants.
“The purpose of the proposed development is to provide small-scale storage facilities for small businesses, householder and community uses.
“The facility will provide flexible, affordable rental options for individuals and businesses who require storage but cannot commit to more expensive facilities in larger purpose-built warehouses.
“Such facilities are ideal for start-up local businesses and retailers who carry a limited inventory and enable a Just-in-Time storage practice which in turn helps cash flow.
“Some cabins may be accessed every day, for example by tradespeople collecting and dropping off tools and materials, whilst others may only be visited once a month or less depending on the nature of the items being stored.”
Conifer trees close to nearby homes will be retained as the applicants say this plan hopes to ‘contribute to economic activity without giving rise to unacceptable impacts.’
And the presence of Mossley AFC, plus the former use of the land, means it cannot be judged as being situated in a purely residential area.
A report states: “Whilst there is residential development within the surrounding area, the presence of the football club, together with the former use of the application site for commercial purposes, creates a mixed character and therefore the continued use of the site for the nature of employment related purpose proposed is considered acceptable.
“The proposed development will be visible from the windows within the western elevation of the former Highland Laddie.
“However, it will be seen against the existing backdrop of the football club which comprises various buildings and structures, including the telecommunications mast.
“Screening could be added to the western boundary to soften the visual impact from the windows within this elevation and the car park.
“The proposed self-storage facility represents an appropriate and sustainable interim use of a previously developed site within a mixed residential and commercial setting.
“The use will be low intensity in nature, generating limited noise and traffic, and will not harm residential amenity or highway safety.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee, or officers, will decide whether to grant or refuse permission.