A former pub in Boarshaw could be given a new lease of life as a convenience store after its owner applied for retrospective planning permission.
Ashraf Bilal has applied to Rochdale Council to change the use of the former Cotton Tree Inn in Middleton into a convenience store.
The pub closed in August last year and was later purchased by Mr Bilal, who owns other convenience stores across the North West.
Planning documents submitted by Northern Design Oldham state that operating the building as a pub was no longer sustainable.
The statement says “Several public houses in the area have already been converted to different uses in Middleton and surrounding areas.
“The premises has had several tenants all have tried to make a success, but this was not possible due to economic factors, the change of habits and the high cost of living, energy and inflation.
“The above reason are a factor of the current economic situation within the country at present.
“The owners, J W Lees, have been trying for some time to find a buyer for the property, working with commercial agents.
“The advertising was done via local community contacts to try to get the community involvement, but this was not taken up.
“Therefore, potential purchasers where contacted to purchase for potential change of use.
“The justification for the change of use is that the pub is no longer sustainable and there are existing public houses within the area that meet the community use closer to the town centre of Middleton.
Mr Bilal is seeking permission to open the proposed store from 7am to 2am daily, including weekends and bank holidays.
The planning statement adds “The owner has other community outlets in the area and employs staff for these outlets. The new facility will require a full time manager and three part time staff and these will be new jobs created.
“The proposal is a sustainable conversion of a public house that has been proved has no longer useful to the community.”
The application also includes proposals for four external illuminated signs, one illuminated projecting sign and eight internally illuminated board signs to the front and side of the building, along with consent to display an advertisement.
The application will be considered by Rochdale Council in due course.
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