Restaurant and events building at Grimshaw Lane, Chadderton, Oldham

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a new two-storey multi-use commercial building comprising a buffet restaurant at ground floor level and a function and events space at first floor level.”

“The proposed building would occupy the north-western part of the site, broadly reflecting the position of the building approved under previous planning approval FUL/346977/21, with associated parking and servicing areas arranged around it. Access would be taken from Broadgate via a new vehicular entrance, with separate pedestrian access points also provided.”

“The site is located adjacent to the junction of Broadgate and Grimshaw Lane, close to Middleton junction station. The site is triangular, and is bounded by Broadgate to the west, Grimshaw Lane to the north, and the Rochdale Canal (which is Special Area of Conservation (“SAC”), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (“SSSI”), and a site of Special Biological Importance (“SBI”).”

“The proposal would redevelop a currently vacant parcel of land located within a Business and Employment Area (BEA). The site previously benefitted from planning permission under application FUL/346977/21 for a general industrial building with associated service yard, parking and access arrangements; however, that permission has not been implemented.”

“The development would deliver employment-generating commercial development to a site within a BEA that has been vacant for a significant period. Whilst the first-floor events space would not fall squarely within the individual use categories identified under Local Plan Policy 14, the building overall would operate as part of a single integrated commercial enterprise intrinsically linked to, and dependent upon, the ground-floor restaurant use.”

“The proposed layout, scale, appearance and landscaping are considered appropriate to the characteristics and constraints of the site. Subject to the recommended planning conditions, no objections have been raised in relation to highways, residential amenity, trees and landscaping, ecology, biodiversity net gain, flood risk and drainage, ground conditions, coal mining risk, or energy.”

“Greater Manchester Ecology Unit No objection subject to conditions relating to bat box provision, external lighting and precautionary methods of working. Comments are discussed…”

“TfGM has reviewed the submitted Transport Assessment and advises that the traffic impact of the development would be negligible, with junctions operating within capacity. No objection is raised, subject to the implementation of appropriate access, parking, active travel measures and a Travel Plan.”

“In accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, and the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement, the application has been advertised by way of site notices and a press notice. No representations have been received on the application.”

“In reaching its decision, the Committee took into consideration the information as set out in the Late List attached at Item 12.”

“It was MOVED by Councillor Iqbal and SECONDED by Councillor Harkness that the application be APPROVED.”

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.”