Permission now given for retail extension

PLANS have been approved for extensions to the buildings at Housing Units retail site in Failsworth.

Wednesday's planning committee backed the proposals which will see the extension of retail space at the site off Wickentree Lane as well as the reconfiguration of the car park.

There will be a two-storey extension to link the western detached building, known as The Crescent, and the eastern side of the central building, The Emporium.

The extension will also wrap around part of the southern section of the central building.

It also proposes to build a two-storey front extension to the eastern face of the central building and the infill sections of the building line along the northern face of the central building.

It would be integrated with the roof of the existing building and create a new entrance and frontage for the retail unit.

The frontage is designed with facing brick contrasting rainscreen cladding and detailed with recessed fenestration and metal cladding and a first floor balcony along with a retractable awning would occupy part of the Western elevation.

As part of the proposal, part of the car park would be reconfigured and provide 49 spaces, an increase of three, with the total for the entire site being 274 spaces.

Hollie Barton,on behalf of the applicant, said: "Housing Units is Manchester's biggest and best furniture store. The proposed development brings economic, financial and natural sustainability."

The proposal was passed unanimously by councillors.