3:22pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
MEMBERS of Trafford's Planning Committee have given the thumbs up for the refurbishment of a Sale building to include retail space.
Dalton House, a former DHSS building, on the corner of Cross Street and Dane Road has been vacant for a number of years and there are now proposals to make external alterations with a single storey extension to make way for shops, restaurants and cafes and offices.
Cllr Laurence Walsh said: "The site has neighbours and residents' properties close by and a convenience store on the ground floor with offices above is an innovation."
He added the building, which was recently painted black, stood out and that he approved of the application.
Cllr Barry Brotherton said he was pleased that progress was being made to refurbish Dalton House but was concerned with plans to paint the building black as he feared this would be an eyesore for nearby residents.
Cllr Brian Rigby said: "This building is at the gateway of Sale and it was a dull grey building and example of bad 60s architecture. I'm looking forward to the complete design and am more than willing to second this."
Cllr Viv Ward explained how she and planning officers had spent a long time walking around the site. She said: "I'm pleasantly surprised, I think it will be a focal point. I think it will look terrific if it looks anything like the drawings and I'm sure it will. It will be fantastic."