Heightened fears over store plan

THE existing SCS store, which could be replaced by a three-storey building

FURIOUS residents in Royton fear a planned three-storey shop will tower over their homes.

British Land, which owns the Centre Retail Park at Elk Mill, Broadway, has submitted a planning application to demolish the existing two-storey SCS furniture store and replace it with the higher building.

The firm has already revamped a number of stores on the retail park, which it took over more than 18 months ago.

The new building will be around 7ft (2m) higher than the neighbouring JJB sports shop.

Barry Deaville (65), of Cotswold Drive, Royton, who was speaking for a number of residents, said: “Most people are alarmed by the fact that this building will be quite high. It will also attract more customers and further exacerbate traffic problems.

“It will not only encroach on their privacy but will be in their view constantly and tower over their homes.

“I have been able to see construction work on other units from my back yard, but I don’t have a problem with it because it is around 100 yards away from my garden.”

The retired aircraft fitter added: “My only concern is that I didn’t get a consultation letter in the post informing me about the plan.

“The other problem is that if the applicant is able to increase the size of this unit then they will do the same to others.”

Royton North councillor Bernard Judge slammed the council’s planning department for consulting with only 11 out of 50 local residents who could be affected by the plan.

He said: “Although these 11 houses can be considered as the nearest immediate properties to the proposed development, there are many more that will be affected by the increase in height.

“I want planning to consider extending the consultation to affected properties on sections of Alpine Drive, Hamilton Avenue, and Stottfield.”

Oldham Council’s head of planning, Geoff Willerton, said: “The planning application proposes the demolition of the existing unit and its replacement by a new building with a smaller footprint.

“This will free up space at the rear for delivery vehicles to manoeuvre more easily.

“In order to maintain the inner floor space, the unit is proposed to be higher than the existing unit by approximately 13ft (4m), and would be approximately 7ft (2m) higher than the adjoining units, which are currently occupied by JJB.

“As part of the publicity for the application, the 10 nearest homes were notified by letter when the application was first received.

“Following a site visit by the case officer, a further 14 letters were sent to properties on Alpine Drive, Cotswold Drive and Mendip Close.”