Retail unit and gym at Former Audi Car Dealership, Hyde

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the former dealership into a convenience supermarket and gym, with parking, electric vehicle charging, servicing and associated facilities.

“Class E(d)). The existing building would be retained and would be subdivided into the two separate units. The unit on the north-western side is proposed be converted into a small convenience supermarket, with the unit to the south-eastern side converted into a gym/leisure facility. The proposal also includes alterations to the car parking, and would include EV charging points, a carwash bay, delivery/collection lockers, servicing areas and associated works.”

“The existing building is proposed to be retained, with minor external alterations. Each unit will have new external doors within the south-west facing front elevation. The car wash area will be sited adjacent to the north-western boundary of the site. EV charging points shall be sited close to the main vehicle access point towards the Stockport Road frontage. Parcel lockers would be sited along the south-eastern side elevation of the building.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant site contains a former dealership showroom, hardstanding, servicing areas and a wash bay, with homes and open land nearby.

“The submitted red line boundary covers an area of approximately 0.3 hectares. The site currently contains the former car dealership showroom building which sits to the northern corner of the site, with hardstanding around the main building, fronting Stockport Road and along the South Western side of the site, which served as parking areas and car display areas.”

“The internal layout of the building currently contains car showroom areas, along with office space, customer lounge and reception area. MOT and servicing areas, together with service workshops are located to the rear of the site, along with a valeting/wash bay.”

Officer report

Planning history

A related advertisement application for illuminated signs and parking signs was undetermined.

“25/00936/ADV - Advertisement consent for the installation of one internally illuminated fascia sign, one internally illuminated projecting sign, one internally illuminated totem sign, one ATM surround and two car parking signs. Currently undetermined.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would regenerate a vacant site, create employment, reuse the building and provide acceptable amenity and highway arrangements.

“The proposed development would result in the regeneration of a vacant site, provide additional employment opportunities compared to the former use, and deliver economic and community benefits to the surrounding area. Limited external alterations mean the proposal would respect the character and appearance of the existing building and wider streetscene, in accordance with UDP policy C1, PfE policy JP-P1 and the design objectives of the NPPF.”

“Highway safety, access and parking arrangements are acceptable. The Local Highway Authority has confirmed that the development would not result in severe residual cumulative impacts on the highway network, in line with paragraph 111 of the NPPF.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, subject to conditions and a legal agreement covering matters including environmental health, ecology, security, highways and drainage.

“Environmental Health – No objection, subject to conditions.”

“Local Highway Authority (LHA) – No objections, subject to conditions and S106 to secure contributions for Highways Improvements.”

Officer report

Public views

Sixteen representations were received: ten supporting, five objecting and one neutral, with objections focused on noise, traffic, deliveries, parking and local amenity.

“There have been 16 letters of representation received to the application. 10 letters of support, 5 letters of objection and 1 neutral comment have been received. The points raised are summarised as follows:”

“In objection • Noise will be increased • Additional traffic causing problems • Issues with additional vehicles exiting Apethorn Lane - people may park on Apethorn Lane • No need for a Sainsburys in Gee Cross as we already have a Tesco • Impact on visual amenity looking at a big supermarket • Early morning or late-night operation, deliveries, staff arrival and vehicle movements would result in noise issues and impact residential amenity • The area is not suited to…”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] addressed the Panel in support of the application.

The decision

“– That planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.”

Minutes, 11 Feb 2026