A discount warehouse operating without planning permission in Rochdale town centre is expected to be approved by councillors this week, despite receiving 13 public objections.
Megaretailer Ltd is seeking retrospective permission to change the use of its large premises at Princess House, Princess Street, from general warehouse and office use to retail sales. The company, which already operates from the site, sells discounted food, cleaning products, household goods and seasonal items, including products past their best-before dates.
The application will go before Rochdale Council’s planning committee on Thursday, where officers have recommended approval with conditions, including limits on opening hours and restrictions on future changes of use.
Because the application has drawn more than ten objections and is recommended for approval, it must be decided by the committee rather than by planning officers.
Concerns raised by residents and businesses include a lack of parking, staff parking on surrounding streets, congestion, and general highway safety. However, the council’s highways officer is satisfied with the site’s 24 parking spaces and its arrangements for deliveries to take place outside of opening hours.
Planning documents confirm that no external changes to the building are planned, although existing signage has been installed without consent. A separate application for advertisement consent has been submitted.
A planning officer’s report said some objections were unrelated to planning policy, including concerns about unfair competition with other retailers. These, it said, fall under the remit of trading standards or other regulatory bodies.
The officer added that although the business has operated without permission, this does not affect the outcome of the application. If it is refused, the council would still have the option of taking enforcement action.
A condition is expected to be added to the approval to limit the use to retail only, preventing the premises from switching to other uses allowed under Class E planning rules, such as offices or indoor sport facilities, without further permission.
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