Discount food store at Lidl Food Store, Manchester

What was proposed

A single-storey Lidl food store was proposed, with 91 parking spaces, landscaping and access from Wilmslow Road.

“The site measures approximately 0.66 hectares in area and is enclosed by a combination of metal railings and hedgerow. The site incorporates two vehicular access points off Wilmslow Road and is bounded to the north by an area of hard- standing following the demolition of Hardys Well public house; the main arterial route of Wilmslow Road to the west, two-storey dwellinghouses to the east and to the south by a multi-storey apartment block (Platt Court) and its associated…”

“The proposed development relates to the erection of a single storey, retail food store (Use Class E), intended to be operated by Lidl. The store has a gross internal area of 1962 sqm with a net sales area of 1334 sqm and includes car parking for 91 vehicles, landscaping and ancillary development. Vehicular access would be taken from an existing access off Wilmslow Road.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The cleared brownfield site occupies an edge-of-centre location beside Rusholme district centre, near homes, Platt Court and Platt Fields Park.

“The proposal relates to a cleared site, mainly comprising hard standing, following the recent demolition of the former Rusholme bus depot. The site is situated along the eastern side of Wilmslow Road, opposite the junction with Platt Lane and Platt Fields Park.”

“The site occupies an edge of centre location, immediately adjoining the southern boundary of Rusholme district centre and is not located within a conservation area and does not contain and listed buildings or protected trees.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal an efficient use of cleared land that would improve retail choice, create jobs and avoid significant harm to centres, neighbours or highways.

“The proposed development is considered a sustainable and efficient use of previously developed, cleared site. It would enhance retail provision for the local community and contribute positively to the local economy through the creation of employment opportunities.”

“The proposal would improve the visual quality of a currently cleared site that detracts from the character of the area. It is not anticipated to cause any significant harm to the residential amenity of neighbouring properties or to the safe and efficient operation of the local highway network.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, transport, ecology, arboriculture and drainage consultees raised no fundamental objection, while requesting conditions and highway improvements.

“-A condition should be included to require various offsite highway works including TRO refreshment and new TROs, raised kerbs at the bus stops to aid boarding and alighting, the provision of tactile paving to the access, SCOOT control and signalised pedestrian green to the traffic signals and the resurfacing of the footway adjacent to the development and junction improvements.”

“The proposed drainage scheme is acceptable in principle. The drainage for the scheme should be carried out in accordance with principles set out in the submitted Foul and Surface Water Drainage Design. It is also recommended that a condition relating to SuDS management and maintenance is included.”

Officer report

What people said

Nine responses supported the store, one was neutral and 36 objected, mainly citing excessive parking, car-focused design and risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

“-The current plans fail to support a safe and sustainable environment for pedestrians and cyclists and undermine the principles of good urban design.”

“-There is an overprovision of parking in a well-connected area, given the site's excellent access to public transport, walking and cycling routes. The volume of parking proposed is excessive, unjustified and there are concerns for safety for cyclists.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the scheme, highlighting local investment, transport acceptability, design, environmental matters and 40 jobs; no objector attended.

Committee discussion

Councillor Lovecy welcomed the redevelopment and pedestrian access but noted existing traffic concerns and the proposed junction upgrade before moving approval.

“The Committee were invited to ask questions or make comments.”

“Councillor Lovecy commented that it was pleasing to see this site being developed adding that it would be accessed by many on foot. She noted that she had concerns about existing traffic at the staggered crossroads but noted that this would be upgraded to allow a right hand turn where this had previously been prohibited. Councillor Lovecy then moved the Officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Councillor S Ali seconded the motion, and the committee approved the application subject to the conditions in the report.

“The Committee resolved to Approve the application subject to conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes