Oldham project primed for go-ahead
Two buildings offering a combined 80,000 sq ft at the Greengate industrial estate in Middleton are expected to be approved next week.
Applicant Gemshaw, advised by planner Roman Summer Associates, is seeking a consent that will give it flexibility, with any combination of offices, research & development, light industrial, industrial and storage permitted.
The two standalone units would be built to the immediate south and west of an existing unit occupied by Jacques Products on land south of Greenside Way in what is a well-established industrial area.
As set out in planning documents, Unit A would have a gross internal floor area of 24,331 sq ft and Unit C 54,340 sq ft, representing a total of 78,671 sq ft.
Gemshaw proposes 138 car parking spaces at the development, with 10 disabled spaces and 50 cycle spaces. The site, which borders Blackley Golf Club, is long allocated for employment.
The architect for the project is Bate & Taylor. Also on the professional team are transport planner SCP, Amenity Tree Care, Geocon Site Investigations, Delta Simons, BWB, AEC and Shearstone Mechanical.
The only major concern raised by council officers is over the loss of trees. In all, 126 trees will need to be removed to allow development. Although most are classed as low-value, 40 are classed as mature or semi-mature – although none are covered by Tree Preservation Orders. To replace the trees, the applicant proposes to plant 153 new trees at the site.
Although the loss of trees is described by officers as unfortunate, the conclusion is that the loss is outweighed by the benefits of development in what is classed as a key business employment area.
Applicant Gemshaw is registered in Manchester. One of the company’s three listed directors is Aneel Mussarat, the well-known developer and founder of MCR Property.
Oldham Council’s planning committee meets on 14 September. The Gemshaw scheme’s reference number is FUL/348818/22.
