Aim targets change of use for Offerton MOT centre
Plans have been lodged with Stockport Council to bring convenience retail to the Marple Road site.
Aim Capital, the Lancashire-based applicant, is working with advisor ADS Design on the scheme.
According to planning documents, the proposal is to demolish the exiting garage buildings on site and replace them with a store of around 3,600 sq ft, supported by 10 customer parking spaces. Indicative images show Asda Express branding.
A move into convenience retail has been a major trend since Asda was taken over by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers in 2021.
The first standalone store was opened in November 2022, and the brand has been rolled out at pace, with a 470-strong raft of former EG and Co-op convenience stores brought into the group.
Within a year of the maiden opening, 100 Express stores were operating, while February 2024 alone saw 110 convenience locations re-badged.
At Marple Road, around 1.5m from Stockport town centre, access by car will come from a widened entrance onto Marple Road.
In its design & access statement, ADS said: “The proposal will rejuvenate a derelict site and provide an additional level of amenity to the existing land off Marple Road. The design of the site has been carefully considered to maximise space and circulation.
“The proposed buildings represent a high quality, modern clean aesthetic. Principles of sustainability have been incorporated including safe pedestrian access and site planting.
“On balance we consider that the development would not give rise to any unacceptable consequences for the environment, community or other public interest and will contribute positively to the local area.”
Aim Capital is registered in Preston, with one of its listed directors Yousuf Bux, who holds a number of directorships, including Stoneygate Living.
The Marple Road plans can be viewed on Stockport Council’s planning portal with the reference DC/095317.
We do not need another greedy chain store opening in our Community. We have a fabulous family run convenience store on Hempshawe Lane, it has served our community for many years. We need these traditionally run businesses not another big giant.
By Laura Adams
This site isn’t in a centre so there shouldn’t be any retail. It’s a good site where housing could be provided. Retail should never be allowed out of centre if housing would be acceptable on the site
By and by
This site is too small for a convenience store and would cause chaos with staff parking, customer parking and HGV delivery vehicles. The site on a very busy road and is hemmed in by houses and apartments. Tthere are already ongoing parking problems next to the site caused by customers and delivery drivers parking along Marple road around JJ sandwich shop, often blocking residents drive ways and the bus stop. At busy times vehicles could easily have to queue on Marple road waiting to get into the store. The area already has Bakers grocery shop plus Aldi, Liddle and Co-op within walking distance. Compare the necessary parking at the Aldi and Liddle stores with what would be available on this proposed site. This site managed to operate as a garage but is completely unsuitable for busy customer retail premises.
By Mike