Reprieve for Stalybridge shops after redevelopment plans rejected

A popular local shop in Stalybridge has been ‘saved’ after Tameside Council refused planning permission for houses to be built in its place. 

An application submitted by John McCall Architects, on behalf of Jigsaw Homes, had proposed demolishing a row of shops on Ambleside and dilapidated flats on Rydal Walk as part of a 24-home re-development of the area. 

The row of shops includes the popular Waz’s Convenience Store, Tinsel Town’s takeaway and the Ridge Hill Big Local Hub.

Jigsaw had already been given permission to demolish the existing buildings to make way for the new homes, and work has already begun on the flats on Rydal Walk.

Angry residents and Stalybridge North councillors opposed the plans to demolish the shops, fearing they could lose a vital community asset. A petition against the plans received more than 500 signatures. 

Arshad Mahmood, who has run Waz’s Convenience Store with his family for 12 years and was in talks with Jigsaw over renewing the lease, feared he would lose their livelihoods. 

But at yesterday’s Speakers Panel (Planning) meeting, Jigsaw’s application was unanimously refused by councillors, following the planning officer’s recommendation. 

Stalybridge North Councillor Sam Gosling said: “I am absolutely delighted that the officer recommendation of refusal was upheld. 

“Jigsaw now need to come back to the table with myself, Cllr Jackson and Cllr Pearce and find a solution that takes into account the needs of the residents.” 

Jigsaw still have planning permission to demolish the shops, but are unlikely to do so now that permission to build on the land has been refused.

Speaking after the planning meeting, Mr Mahmood said: “It’s very good news. We’ve got some footing now to go back to Jigsaw and New Charter with a number of options and we are open to discussions.

“They still have planning permission to demolish the buildings so we’re not out of trouble yet, but we are in a better position. 

“If Jigsaw had submitted the plans but left our block of shops alone, I think it would have passed.”

Cllr Jan Jackson added: “It’s a great initiative by Jigsaw to knock down the flats. They weren’t fit for habitants, so that’s fine. 

“But the shops facilitate this area and they’re not prepared to resubmit any plans to accommodate a shop. We think that they should negotiate and provide a shop, maybe with a flat above.”