New-look warehouse in store for Shaw

PLANS . . . an artist’s impression

Oldham Planning Committee

SHAW firm JD Williams has finally been given the green light for its controversial £23 million warehouse development.

The home shopping retailer can now press ahead with redeveloping its Lilac Mill site at Beal Lane, which it says will take up to three years to construct and will secure 1,000 jobs and create up to 120 new ones.

Designs for a 175ft-high warehouse — only 26ft lower than Oldham Civic Centre — were scrapped after sparking a public outcry over fears it would tower over Shaw. It was lowered to 127ft but was again opposed.

The latest application was scaled down by another 40 per cent, with the new building 78ft high.

There were still 25 letters of objection, but the council received 104 letters of support, though these were mainly from JD Williams employees arguing it will give job security, significant investment, will actually reduce traffic and the loss of the firm would impact on other businesses.

JD Williams general manager Ian Carr said the previous objection of the height had been addressed. The appearance had also been improved so it was a contemporary and modern reflection of the existing mills. There had been a significant reduction in HGV movements by only sending out full trailers. He added: “We wish to be and believe we are being good neighbours.”

Councillor Rod Blyth said: “It’s a vastly-improved scheme and people are a lot happier with it.”

The firm will have to pay £50,000 towards safety improvements for Beal Lane, £20,000 for footpath improvements and £20,000 towards a strategic cycle network in the area.