A £3 million undercover operation has been given the thumbs up by planning chiefs in Bury.

As part of the next phase of Bury town centre improvement works, the owners of the Mill Gate shopping complex, MEPC, is to forge ahead with its plans to redevelop the old fish and meat hall to provide a two storey base for a major retail company. Minden Parade itself will eventually be glazed as part of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.

Minden Parade business owners are now searching for new premises in the town centre and welcome the redevelopment of the popular shopping street although a number of businesses on the opposite side of the street have expressed their concerns about the impact of their business during the redevelopment work.

Borough planning officer Mr Jim Metcalf said: "The scheme represents a welcome addition to the town centre precinct which will complement the work which has already taken place."

Members of Bury council's planning control sub-committee approved the scheme at their meeting on Wednesday, October 13.

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