A PLANNING application has been submitted to demolish a former DIY retailer, which adjoins Old Trafford Cricket ground.

The 32,287sq ft site, on Great Stone Road, had been a B&Q store until its owners Kingfisher decided to shut it in January, 2016, following a business restructure.

An application has now been submitted on behalf of the agent Matthew Hard, of Indigo Planning, Manchester, by Accrue Forum, for the demolition of all the buildings including a vacant unit on the site.

As part of its submission, the proposed demolition works comprise of asbestos removal and deconstruction of the former redundant B&Q Store down to ground floor level including breaking out the ground floor slab and associated hardstandings and foundations.

The demolition works will also include the removal and grubbing up of all redundant drainage back to the nearest

combined manhole (CS6) identified on the drain mapping plan.

The dead drain line will be stopped inside the manhole and the live line from Lancashire County Cricket Club will be kept free flowing at all times during the works and upon completion.

Planners are informed in the environmental section of a report accompanying the application, that in 1894 the site was part of a cricket ground and a gun club. By the 1930's however, the gun club was no longer recorded and by the 1950s the site was clear of any standing structures. The site was subsequently developed to it current commercial use in the late 1970s.

In their application Indigo indicate that the site, which it plans to redevelop, runs either within or close to a public right of way.

As part of the application Indigo is also planning to enclose the site with double gates onto Great Stone Road and an 8ft metal fence.

The Messenger contacted both Indigo Planning and Lancashire Cricket Club to ask them about future plans for the site and was awaiting a response from both of them as we went to press.