Albert’s gets go ahead for new venue at former Nutter’s restaurant – despite huge extension being branded a ‘carbuncle and a disgrace’

Albert’s has been given the go-ahead for a new venue at the former Nutters restaurant in Norden – despite a planned extension being branded ‘a carbuncle and a disgrace’.

The latest addition to the chain – which also has restaurants in Manchester, Didsbury, Worsley and Standish – will involve a major transformation of historic Wolstenholme Hall.

The proposals include the demolition of some areas of the ground floor extensions added in the 1980s,
retaining the three-storey original building, with two new extensions to be built – including a huge glass-fronted restaurant and bar, covering 6,300 sq ft – new outdoor terraces and an overflow car park to compensate for spaces lost to the development.

Meanwhile, the inside of the hall is to be developed into a ‘variety of function spaces’ hosting everything from small private parties to large corporate events, wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Proposals for the green belt site were passed by Rochdale council’s planning committee when it met on Thursday night.

The scheme has sharply divided opinion in the area – attracting 40 objections and 60 letters of support – and that was reflected in the opposing views aired at the meeting.

The panel first heard from objector Dr Steve Davidson, who raised a number of concerns over the plans.

He said: “This application would have a detrimental impact on the green belt because of its scale, damage to a heritage asset, an increase in noise pollution, light pollution and also more traffic issues.

“The very special circumstances claimed by the applicant do not offset the harms. We do not object in principle to the development but like 30 other objectors we think this one is too large with too many adverse impacts on the green belt and amenity of neighbouring properties.”

But other residents spoke in favour of the plans saying it would be a ‘privilege’ to welcome a ‘quality’ venue to the area – particularly given the lack of food and drink establishments currently available.

Supporters of the application also said it would ‘drive’ new people into the area, create jobs and boost the local economy.

Councillors were also split on the issue.

Councillor Irene Davidson was outspoken in her condemnation of the plans in their current form.

“We are quite sensible on this committee but we also know we have the choice to speak our minds – and my mind is that it’s an absolute disgrace,” she said. “The size of that extension is an absolute disgrace.”

“When I heard that Nutters had sold to that company, I thought ‘fabulous’ – because they are a well respected company.

“But they have let themselves down on this because that extension is an absolute carbuncle. It’s too close, it’s pushing everything towards those poor residents and the farm next door.”

However Councillor Stephen Anstee, who, while ‘sympathetic to objectors’, took an entirely different view.

“What I can’t seem to get past is this was previously a successful restaurant and is proposed to continue broadly similarly in its existing use.

“I think the economic importance of this for the area and for the borough should not be understated.”

He added: “I have to be honest, I like this application and I think it’s something we should consider for approval.”

Councillor Aftab Hussain also felt the application was an economic boost the borough could not afford to turn down, and proposed granting permission for the scheme.

This was seconded by Councillor Peter Rush, and the plans were passed by eight votes to four.

Rochdale council’s planning committee met at Number One Riverside on Thursday night (27 January).

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service