Manchester Road, Altrincham

Project type: Commercial

Requirements: Planning Permission for Change of Use to Taxi Call Station

RIBA Stages: 0 to 3

The client wanted to convert this corner commercial property into a Taxi Call Station, situated in a prime location of Altrincham, Manchester. Positioned on a major road into the city centre, surrounded by offices, shops, pubs, a retail park, supermarket, and homes, this was the ideal place to have a Taxi Station. The building was formerly a bank, accounting for the grand stone cladding to the front and side facades, and its strategic position, placed on the corner of a junction, at the end of a parade of shops to service the local community. The building was later refurbished internally, having an open-plan layout on the Ground Floor, and converted into a motor cycle showroom.

Ibelin Architecture was appointed to assist in the compilation of a Planning Application for a 'Sui Generis' Change of Use (a classification given to uses for a building that are unusual, or do not conform to those listed). The client wanted to change the internal layout of the building from being open-plan to having a series of compartmented spaces, containing a secure radio calling area, waiting room for customers, and an office. Architectural drawings were produced to show this. Careful positioning of the radio antenna was also important, and could not be higher than the ridge line of the existing roof.

This project is a good example of the many roles architects have to undertake for a client. Here the architect was more the negotiator, than designer. The Planning Authority was concerned that a 24 hour Taxi Station would have a negative impact on the local residents in the area. Ibelin had to write a 'Design and Access Statement', to accompany the planning application and drawings, explaining how the business would operate, so as not to have any adverse impact on the local community. A study was made to understand the types of businesses in the area, and their hours of trade. This was used as a guide to generate a trading model with the client, convincing Trafford Planning it would respect the local community, and not be a reason for noise pollution, or traffic congestion to the nearby streets. Written consents giving approval of the project were gathered from neighbours who may be directly affected by noise, and presented to the Planning Officer. The type of electronic equipment used by both the Call Operators and the Taxi Drivers also had to be specified. The information provided by Ibelin Architecture, and our negotiations with the Planning Authority during the assessment of this application, secured the granting of Planning Permission for this project.