Residents call time on Didsbury bar boom

MANCHESTER MP John Leech has thrown his weight behind a campaign to prevent another bar opening in West Didsbury’s fashionable Burton Road.

Planning officers are recommending the proposal for the conversion of a shop at 145-151 into a cafe, deli and bar by the Hale-based Little Deli Company is rejected when it is considered on Thursday.

Some 35 letters have been sent to the council by residents who argue there are too many bars and another would add to noise, traffic and parking problems.

The Little Deli Company currently operates Moose Bar and the Little Deli Company shop in Hale. It is owned by David Sorrigan and Christopher Cunliffe.

Mr Sorrigan argues that only two of the three units, formerly occupied by the furniture shop Loft, will be used as a bar. The third will be a deli open throughout the day.

Nonetheless, Mr Leech, Liberal Democrat MP for Withington, has written to the council saying he is concerned about the change of use.

He said: “While the proposed business may not be likely to create the level of noise and disruption associated with a standard bar venue, permission to convert the premises effectively sets a precedent that a bar is acceptable at this location.

“Given the size of the premises, this could easily be converted into an exceptionally busy bar with all the associated problems with noise and disturbance.”

A short stretch of Burton Road has become a popular night spot in recent years, with around nine bars and a number of restaurants. West Didsbury Residents Association (WDRA) has also opposed the application and told the council that “saturation point has probably been reached for alcohol related businesses”.

In a report, planning officers said the Little Deli Company’s plans would have a “detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, particularly in relation to those residing on Burton Road and Beaufort Avenue, due to the increase in the comings and goings to and from the premises.”

They added: “The impact on the amenity of residents would be exacerbated by the high number of similar uses existing within the Burton Road local centre.”

Mr Sorrigan told TheBusinessDesk.com: “When we held a consultation a lot of residents said they needed more shops rather than bars. The unit is three units long and we only need a change of use on two, the third one will be a deli which will be day time retail.

“It’ll be a shame if it’s rejected for change of use when it will also house a retail site.”