Manchester Road, Chorlton

Project type: Commercial and residential

Requirements: Planning Permission & Building Regulations for Change of Use From Shop to Cafe

RIBA Stages: 0 to 4

Ibelin Architecture was appointed to submit both the Planning Application, and Building Regulations Application, for the conversion and extension of this 4 storey Victorian property, located in the centre of Chorlton. The ground floor of the building had originally been used as an office and the upper floors as living accommodation. The local area has a vibrant bar and cafe culture, with numerous food-outlets. The client wanted to take advantage of this, and change the existing use of Ground Floor from an office to a cafe (Class A3).

As the commissioned architects for this project, a pre-application consultation was made with the Planning Officer, at Manchester City Council, to determine what information would be need to be submitted to them in the planning application, or if there were any planning restrictions in that area of Chorlton. No restrictions were in place, the building was not listed, or in a conservation area.

A measured survey of the property was undertaken by Ibelin, and scaled architectural plans, sections, and elevations were drawn from this. Proposed drawings were made of the new cafe layout, detailing the preparation, cooking, service, and seating areas. Ibelin also had to compile a 'Ventilation and Extraction Statement' outlining the type of equipment that would be used in the cooking areas, show they were to the approved standards, and not liable to cause a nuisance to local residents. The architects also had to compile a 'Waste Management Report' to inform the Planning Authority of the refuse disposal/collection strategy for the cafe.

The client also wanted Planning Permission for an extension to the rear of the property, to allow for a separate entrance to the living accommodation above, and this was also included in the application. Once Planning Permission was granted Ibelin Architecture submitted a separate, highly detailed, Building Regulations application to Manchester Building Control.

The nature of the project meant the architect was not just the Principal Designer, but also Principal Negotiator. The architect was in constant consultation with the Planning Office, Building Control, specialist fitters, engineers, as well as the client, to ensure the smooth completion of the project.