Plans to create restaurant at Bury's Kashmir Superstore

The plans, at 134–136 Rochdale Road, include a two-storey front extension, a single-storey rear extension for bin storage, a replacement rear gate, and a new fire escape staircase, all as part of wider changes to the site.

The property, a former Wesleyan Methodist Church, already operates as a supermarket at ground level, with the first floor currently used for storage.

An attached two-storey commercial building, previously used as a restaurant, forms part of the site.

If approved by Bury Council, the scheme would allow the first floor of the former church to be converted into a second restaurant.

Other plans include a rear yard enclosure for bin storage, a new external staircase for fire safety, and a small dropped kerb on Kershaw Street.

No objections were received during public consultation, which included notification letters to 18 neighbouring properties.

Highways officers have requested a narrow dropped kerb be installed on Kershaw Street, and waste management officers have not raised any issues with the plans.

Environmental health officers did not object, based on the findings of a submitted noise assessment.

Claire Booth, a planning officer, wrote in the delegated report: "The proposed development comprises the change of use of the existing first-floor storage area within the former church building to a restaurant use, together with a two-storey front extension, a single-storey rear extension, external escape staircase and platform, enclosure of the rear yard, provision of refuse storage facilities, and associated alterations including a dropped kerb on Kershaw Street.

"The site is located within the Rochdale Road Neighbourhood Centre where restaurant and other commercial uses are supported in principle.

"The proposal would contribute to the vitality and viability of the centre through the continued and enhanced commercial use of the premises and is therefore considered acceptable in principle.

"The scale, design and layout of the extensions and associated works are also considered acceptable and would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the street scene or to the significance of the former church building."

In terms of design, the two-storey front extension would project from the existing recessed frontage by approximately 2.25m and span 8m in width.

The rear proposals include a raised external platform and fire escape staircase for the first-floor restaurant.

Environmental impact considerations have also been addressed.

Ms Booth said: "The proposal has also been assessed in terms of its impact on neighbouring residential amenity.

"Having regard to the relationship with nearby properties, the submitted noise assessment, and the consultation response from environmental health, it is concluded that the development would not give rise to unacceptable levels of noise, disturbance, overlooking or loss of amenity.

"Appropriate conditions are recommended to ensure the mitigation measures identified within the noise assessment are implemented."

The proposal also demonstrates compliance with Bury’s carbon and energy standards.

Measures include LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, high-efficiency boilers, and the use of locally sourced materials to reduce transport emissions.

The site benefits from nearby public transport options, with bus stops two minutes away and Bury tram stop within a 15-minute walk.

Waste minimisation and recycling measures during construction and operation are also included, with general and segregated recycling bins planned for kitchens and staff areas.

The energy statement concludes that the proposals meet the requirements of the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan.

The application has a determination deadline of August 4 and is recommended for approval, subject to planning conditions.