Historic Oldham pub to be replaced by convenience store

A 140-year-old pub, Owd Tatts in Butler Green, Chadderton, that closed in 2018, could be demolished and replaced with a convenience store.

The pub has been proposed as the new site for "a small, local food store" in plans submitted to Oldham Council this week. 

The development would demolish the “eyesore” pub building after it has been derelict for over four years. 

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “Pubs are vital for bringing the community together, and they should be protected; however, with the Owd Tatts site, we have seen it grow into an increasing state of disrepair and ruin, with many in the local area describing its current state as an eyesore.

“Therefore, it is good that a local company will take on the site and renew it, bringing it back into a good standard for the local area.”

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon previously mentioned the pub in a blog post where he called for more powers for communities to "fight" to save their local pub before they close.

Owd Tatts first opened as a pub in the 1890s. However, since its closure in mid-2018 following a financial struggle, the site has deteriorated, and the local council considers the surrounding area a fly-tipping "hotspot".

Local councillor Holly Harrison said in a statement on Facebook: “I’ve no doubt that many residents will welcome this proposal, and from what is available at the present time, I welcome this proposal along with my ward colleagues.

“The car park has been a fly-tipping hot spot for many years, and the landowner has done what they reasonably could to try and maintain the site. Hopefully, with the store facing the car park, this will deter such fly-tipping.

“This application is still in the early stages, but there is no doubt that this would greatly enhance the site.”

The new shop plans to sell a range of groceries, ready meals, sandwiches and snacks, beers, wines and spirits, and fresh fruit and vegetables. 

With a sale area below 280 square metres, the shop would be exempt from Sunday trading restrictions and would open from 7am to 11pm every day of the week.

The store owners expect to employ around 15 staff members from the local area.

Martins Bakery, a business next to the site, has also submitted an application to change its entrance so that it faces the new shop. 

The two businesses will share the car park, which will be reduced from 30 to 20 spaces through the new build. The car park will receive one disabled space and four new cycle spaces, up from zero.  

One member of the public has raised an objection about limited parking. 

They said: “It is already hard enough to park if you live in the current flats unless there will be dedicated car parking for residents. This car park is used by One Stop, Post Office, Sun Trap, Barbers, Hairdressers, customers, Care Home visitors and staff, as well as Martin’s customers and staff. 

“This will mean losing some spaces in an already full car park.”