Office space to be turned into town centre flats

Vacant offices above shops and a takeaway will be converted into flats in Middleton town centre.

M Mogami applied to Rochdale Council to create three flats above a takeaway and shop, next to the remains of the Grade II Listed Providence United Reform Church.

The plans will see the first and second floors of 27-31 Market Place converted from light industrial/office space to the self-contained flats, and a warehouse at the rear demolished.

A planning statement submitted to the council said the application “will help to supply a high demand for domestic rentals in the thriving community of Middleton and surrounding areas.

“By increasing residential units close to the town centre, increases footfall and thus, a knock-on effect for the requirement of services in and around the town centre business infrastructure.

“The existing building layout at ground floor, will allow a separate self-contained entrance to the apartments, taken off the main frontage.

“The upper floor will be remodelled and internal renovated to modern standards whilst, retaining the external features of the building.

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“The area to the north, is currently un-used. This will be fenced, gated and a bin storage area will be created for both the ground floor use and the residential units.

“The proposal landscaped the area to the rear to provide green space and to provide a secure yard.”

A planning officer’s report said: “The site is well served by public transport and is located within easy walking distance of shops, services and community facilities.

“Officers consider that the proposed external alterations would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would not adversely affect the setting of the adjacent listed building.

“The proposal would bring vacant upper-floor accommodation back into beneficial use, provide three additional dwellings within a highly sustainable town centre location, make effective use of previously developed land and contribute towards the vitality and viability of Middleton town centre.

“The scheme would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, would not adversely affect the setting of nearby listed buildings, would provide acceptable living conditions subject to conditions and would not adversely affect protected species.”

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