New retail development on cards for Altrincham?

9:00am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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MEMBERS of Trafford's Planning Committee have made the decision of minded to grant' to an application for a new retail development in Altrincham.

The new scheme, based on Railway Street would comprise of a three to six storey building, with offices, shops, banks, restaurants, takeaways and cafes with basement parking provided with cycle and motorcycle storage facilities. Stairway and lift access would be provided between the basement and upper levels.

The sixth storey section would contain an enclosed events area' incorporated onto the main roof area, which would include a landscaped terrace.

The current row of six single story units would be demolished to make way for the project. Consent to clear the trees on the site was given in October 2004 but this has since expired.

The proposal also requires the demolition of a brick wall running along the pedestrian route between Railway Street and Goose Green.

Four letters were received objecting on the grounds that a number of nearby retail units have been vacant for some time and that a new development could lead to more empty units. There were also concerns about the proposed height of the building and the impact on businesses arising from loss of light, that historic buildings would be dwarfed and that building work would put further stress on those old buildings.

Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society said it welcomed the opportunity to redevelop the present site but it objected to the height, proposed usages and vehicular access.

There are no residents on or adjacent to the site though a new building next to the site is now complete but unoccupied and includes around 28 apartments. Given the town centre location it was considered that the proposed development would not harm the amenities of neighbouring residents.