Retail warehouse conversion at Princess House Princess St Rochdale

“2 Proposal 2.1 This is a retrospective application for the change of use of the building from B8 (storage and distribution) to Class E (commercial, business and service). The application states the use would fall into Class E(a) ‘for the display or retail sale of goods other than hot food, principally to visiting members of the public’.”

“The building has a gross internal floor area of 1033m2 and is occupied by Megaretailer Ltd. The supporting Sequential Test Report states Megaretailer Ltd are a bulk retail store carrying a range of branded goods at discounted prices including food, drink, cleaning products, homeware and seasonal stock. The business offers full shelf life, short shelf life and past ‘best before end’ date goods.”

“The site relates to a large, detached brick building on the corner of Princess Street, Bunyan Street and Haynes Street. Folley Walk separates the site from the neighbouring building to the (east) side.”

“The site falls within the Defined Urban Area (G/D/1), a Physical Regeneration Area (G/R/1) and a Mixed Employment Zone (EC/3) as identified in the saved UDP. The site is also within a Key Route Network and an SSSI Impact Risk Zone.”

“- Insufficient parking in the area and staff parking on surrounding streets, leading to congestion and highway safety issues; - There is no need for proposal as there are existing similar stores nearby; - The proposal will negatively impact other retailers; - Disputing the numebr of staff to be employed onsite which could be much greater than that stated in the application - Work has already started despite not having planning permission, this is unacceptable and council…”

“With respect of the fact that the application is submitted retrospectively, this is carried out at risk and does not influence the determination of the application. In cases of unauthorised works, it is standard practice for an application to be submitted to seek regularisation of any development activity which has occurred. Should such an application be unsuccessful, the council remains in a position in which it can choose to take enforcement action.”

“The application site is within an edge of centre location and a Sequential Test Report (v3) has been submitted. The Sequential Test Report has demonstrated that a survey has been undertaken and this has revealed that there are no suitable sites available within the centre that meet the operational requirements needed. The Sequential Test Report has set a reasonable expectation for the site requirements and shwon flexibility in assessing other available premises.”

“Comments have been raised in respect of discrepancies in the application stating that there will be more staff than stated and that staff have been told to park on the side streets. These questions have been put to the applicant’s agent who has advised that there is a total of 8 members of staff (3 Monday to Friday, 5 Saturday and 3 Sunday) and that 3 staff car parking spaces are proposed.”

“6 Consultation Responses Environmental Health (Noise) 6.1 No objection.”

“No objection subject to more specific requirements as to why the business requires a site and location like this.”

“It was MOVED and SECONDED that the application be approved.”

“On being put to the vote, it was UNANIMOUSLY cast IN FAVOUR of approval.”

“DECISION: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions as set out in the report.”