Save our Shops! More than 500 residents sign petition over demolition plan

Opposition is mounting against plans from Jigsaw Homes to demolish a popular row of shops in Stalybridge

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

A planning application submitted by John McCall Architects, on behalf of Jigsaw, proposes the demolition of the shops to make way for 24 new two, three and four bedroom houses.

Flats on Rydal Walk, behind the shops, have already been demolished.

But local residents are angry that they could potentially lose the shops, particularly the popular Waz’s Convenience Store.

The proposals have Arshad Mahmood, who runs the store with his family, worried that they could lose their livelihood. He is currently in talks with Jigsaw over renewing the lease. He says he’s asked for a three-year lease but Jigsaw want him to sign a rolling monthly contract, meaning he could be kicked out with little notice.

“We’ve been here for around 12 years,” Mr Mahmood said. “We’ve given Jigsaw all the options; leaving us here, relocating us, building a new unit for us, and we even offered to buy the property.

“They seem determined to demolish and they’re not giving us any options as to where to go next. If Jigsaw tell me my job is gone, what do we do then? We are totally dependant on this. If it’s gone, what will we do?”

There is no date set for the application to go before planning, as officers are still in discussions with the agent and applicant over unresolved objections.

A number of objections to the proposals have been raised by Richard Unwin, a chartered surveyor working for Mr Mahmood.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which was updated in February 2019, states that to provide services the community needs, policies and decisions should plan positively for the provision of community facilities such as local shops and ensure that established shops are able to develop, modernise and be retained for the benefit of the community.

Mr Mahmood has submitted an application to install a Post Office in the shop and is set for an interview, but needs to resolve the issue with the lease before that can go ahead.

Tameside’s own Local Plan also states that for a change of use to be permitted for a retail unit, the applicant has to prove that continued retail use isn’t viable and that the day-to-day needs of the local community can still be met from other shopping facilities in the area.

A petition against the proposals has received over 500 signatures and local councillors have also spoken out.

Stalybridge North councillor, Jan Jackson, said: “It’s a great initiative my 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. They’re looking at the revenue. We think that they should negotiate and provide a shop, maybe with a flat above.

“The residents aren’t happy. It’s used as a meeting place and you’ve got Ridge Hill Big Local that are based here, right in the heart of the community. We’re really keen to try and make headway and move forward and we’re asking Jigsaw to compromise.”

You can read about and view the plans here.

Garnet Fazackerley, Operations Director of Development at Jigsaw Group, said: “Jigsaw Group has submitted a planning application to carry out much needed redevelopment of the Rydal Walk and Ambleside properties, creating new affordable housing for rent.

“We appreciate that residents have some concerns over our proposals and we are currently in dialogue with local representatives to discuss and try to address those concerns."