Application to change former Smithy Bridge Pub into a Co-op store

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The former Smithy Bridge Pub

An application to turn the former Smithy Bridge Pub into a Co-op store has been submitted to Rochdale Borough Council by Cheshire-based Develop UK Northern Ltd.

The application seeks clarity that a change of use from a drinking establishment to retail does not require prior approval of the local planning authority, subject to the developer complying with conditions in paragraph A2 of Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), Part 3, Class A of Schedule 2.

One objection has been submitted to the local authority planning page from local resident Paul Rushton, who is concerned about an increase in traffic as ‘it is already chaos’.

His objection letter reads: “My fear is accidents are likely to occur if this change is allowed to happen. I would like the Highways Department to veto this application on the grounds of safety.”

The traditionally built two-storey building on Smithy Bridge Road, at the junction of Bridgenorth Drive, has a site area of approximately 0.12 hectares with a ground floor footprint of 316m2 (3,400 square feet).

The premises was licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 until 1 April 2016 when Enterprise Inns Plc surrendered its license.