Retail decline 'not true'

OLDHAM Council has hit out at "incorrect" research claiming the borough had the largest decline in retail planning applications last year.

Research by Lendy, an investment and loans company, claimed that Oldham stood in last place of the 339 local authorities in the UK, arguing the council had received only four retail planning applications in 2016/17, down 87 per cent from 30 the previous year.

However the local authority has argued that the figures are incorrect and that planning decisions made between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017, show that 42 applications relating to retail (Class A1) accommodation in Oldham were submitted.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "This demonstrates an active, changing and dynamic retail market showing continuing vibrancy and confidence in Oldham town centre.

"Change of use to Class A1 retail uses does not always require permission.

"Next have taken a much larger unit in Spindles Shopping Centre for example, which did not require planning consent.

"Therefore the number of planning applications is not an accurate tool to determine retail activity as many changes of use to Class A1 retail no longer require planning permission."

Of the 42 applications dealt with last year, 24 were granted permission, including developments at Prince's Gate and Housing Units in Failsworth.