Storage facility at Land North Of Ellen Street, Oldham

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a new household and business storage facility (Use Class B8) and associated access, parking, and landscaping.”

“The proposed storage building would have five floors and cover an area of approximately 65m x 25m and would be approx. 19m in overall height. The total floor area to be created would be 8,078m². The proposals include the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the building’s flat roof.”

“Whilst the site which forms part of the larger retail outlet site had permission for bulky good non-food retail units, it has however only ever been used as part of the parking area serving the adjacent commercial units within the overall holding. This section of the parking area has been fenced off for some time as it was considered surplus to parking requirements.”

“The immediate area is characterised by commercial buildings of various designs, reflecting the business allocation within the Local Plan. To the east of the site is an existing Aldi Supermarket while to the west is B&M Home Store and Garden Centre. Access to the application site is provided off Ellen Street.”

“PA/058740/10 - Planning permission granted for proposed retail units and associated car parking/service yards, including demolition of existing Wickes building on 08 December 2011.”

“The application site forms part of land specifically allocated for business and employment uses within the Oldham Local Plan. As set out within Policy 14 (Supporting Oldham’s Economy) of the Oldham Local Plan, one of the uses that are acceptable in principle in such locations is storage or distribution uses falling within Use Class B8). The proposed storage building would therefore comply with the aims and objectives of this policy as an acceptable use of the land.”

“The proposal would result in an effective use of a redundant vehicle parking area, providing an opportunity for a local business to invest and expand and thereby creating employment opportunities in the area. It is considered that the proposal would help boost the local economy and be in accordance with Government’s objective of building a strong and competitive economy.”

“The proposed development includes the provision of 12 car parking spaces. Given the nature of the proposed use and the relatively low level of vehicle movements anticipated, the parking provision is considered sufficient to meet the operational needs of the development. As such, it is unlikely that the proposal would give rise to overspill parking on the surrounding highway network or create conditions that would compromise highway safety.”

“The Council's Highway Engineer has reviewed the submitted plans and supporting Transport Assessment and raises no objection to the proposal. In light of the submitted evidence and consultation response, it is considered that the development accords with the requirements of paragraphs 115 and 116 of the NPPF and would not give rise to any unacceptable highway safety or network capacity impacts having regard to the local plan policies referenced above.”

“CONSULTEE FORMAL RESPONSE Environmental Health Formal response received raising no objection to the proposal, subject to conditions relating to plant noise output and land contamination remediation strategy.”

“Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Formal comments received. No objection raised subject to condition requiring details of off-site biodiversity provision prior to commencement of development.”

“It was MOVED by Councillor Nasheen and SECONDED by Councillor Brooks that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote it was UNANIMOUSLY were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL.”

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report and the additional conditions recommended by the Lead Local Flood Authority contained in the Late List.”

“NOTES: In reaching its decision, the Committee took into consideration the information as set out in the Late List attached at Item 13.”