Plans to build new KFC and Starbucks drive-through restaurants in Chadderton on the grounds of a former pub might be delayed by a sinkhole.

The Bowling Street site, where a popular pub once sat, is currently in the process of being transformed into a KFC restaurant and Starbucks coffee house, both with drive-through access.

Some 1,500 residents signed a petition to save the former Bowling Green Inn from demolition in 2020.

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Despite calls to save the pub, Oldham Council approved its demolition and granted a further proposal to build the fast food restaurant and coffee shop in August 2021 with associated access, landscape and parking.

Work started on the development in June this year with hopes of opening the site just before Christmas.

It will be the second Starbucks to come to Oldham after the chain opened a coffee shop at Elk Mill Central Retail Park in Royton just last month.

However, an alleged sinkhole is currently threatening the timescale - and could delay the grand opening.

New island crossings, SCOOT loops and footways are required at the junction of Clowes Street and Manchester Road for pedestrian and car access to the drive-throughs.

A permit is also required to close Manchester Road while this work is being carried out.

But according to the applicant, Quickcater Limited, it is unable to acquire a Greater Manchester Road Activity Permit until February or March 2024 "due to a sinkhole that has appeared on the highway".

In a cover letter submitted to Oldham Council this October, the applicant outlines how the sinkhole is out of their control and could prevent the site from opening before Christmas.

Initially, Oldham Council said the site could only be brought into use once all of the pedestrian and access work had been completed.

To allow the site to be operational and resume as planned, the letter is appealing to Oldham Council to amend this clause in the permission.

It stipulates some of the pedestrian access work will be completed without needing the permit but has asked the Council for an extended deadline of 12 months for the remaining highway works to be done when the permit can be obtained.

The Council is yet to give its verdict on the amended plan.

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