Kellen to deliver Mirrlees Fields homes
MAN Energy Solutions has selected the housebuilder to build out a 200-property development in Stockport that was recently approved at appeal.
The Mirrlees Fields scheme is Kellen Homes’ first foray into Stockport.
“We are excited to deliver a high-quality development in this sustainable location,” said Mark Calvert, land director at Kellen Homes.
The development was approved by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this week. Stockport Council’s planning committee had rejected the project against the recommendation of its officers over concerns about a loss of open space.
The planning inspector concluded that the development – which includes plans for a 43-acre park – would actually result in an increase of publicly accessible space as most of the site is fenced off at present.
Asteer Planning advised MAN on its application and throughout the appeal.
“The landowner has been working to find a solution to secure the long future of these fields for many years and allowing this appeal will secure approximately 80% of the site as publicly accessible open space,” said Alice Routledge, partner at Asteer Planning.
As well as running the rule over the open space debate, the inspector noted that the council has a “significant” lack of pipeline housing.
Routledge said the scheme, which proposes 50% affordable provision, would “make a significant contribution to Stockport’s need for market and affordable housing” and Calvert agreed.
“Stockport Council have a huge shortage of affordable housing and this site will deliver a vast offering of affordable homes for local people,” Calvert added.
“We are proud to be responsible for improving the wider open space and ensuring that this is secured for public use in perpetuity. We are keen to continue to work with Stockport Council and the local community to ensure that the site is delivered swiftly and in accordance with the outline planning permission.”
Kellen, which was established by Renaker founder Daren Whitaker, is also delivering schemes in Manchester, Salford, Bury, Rochdale, and Oldham.
50% affordable housing. Cracking result.
By Anonymous
What specifically will ‘affordable’ mean in this housing development please?
By Anonymous
Hi Anonymous, while the exact tenure breakdown is yet to be decided, affordable is normally 80% of market rate. Best wishes, Dan
By Dan Whelan
Why are you not providing parking for stepping hill staff ?
By Mike Bell
Another green space going.
In an area with no added roads school hospitals.
Already cannot cope in that area.
By Lyn
What price are you calling affordable
By Chris
Those asking about what is meant by ‘affordable’ – the appeal decision concurs with the council’s position that half the 200 new homes should be affordable. So there would be 100 affordable homes. The inspector agreed with the council’s position that (even though it is national government policy) ‘First Homes’ (houses for first time buyers at a minimum 30% discount) are not affordable in this area so cannot be part of what is provided. This means that the local policy requirement applies which would mean 70 ‘shared ownership’ homes and 30 ‘social rented’ homes.
‘Shared ownership’ allows people to buy usually between 25% and 75% of the property outright (whatever percentage they can afford) whilst paying rent on the remaining part. Part owners can increase the percentage they own over time (a process known as ‘staircasing’) and, of course, would benefit from any uplift in value over time.
‘Social rent’ is very complicated to work out but is based on a formula set out by the government. In simple terms it is…
((70% of average rent (nationally) in 2000) x (average wages in the county (Greater Manchester) in 1999) x (weighting for the number of bedrooms))
plus
((30% of average rent (nationally) in 2000) x (average national property value as of 1999))
uplifted to take account of inflation.
It might be easier to follow the government guidance at http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/direction-on-the-rent-standard-from-1-april-2020/policy-statement-on-rents-for-social-housing#appendix-a-information-for-calculating-formula-rents.
By Martin Cranmer
Knock down some of the many disused, derelict buildings in Stockport and build there instead. Regardless of the public having access or not, the wildlife in the area will suffer greatly if this field is built on. The surveys have missed a lot of species that have been sighted on other occasions. This land has already had a housing estate built on part of it. If Kellen really care about the environment and climate emergency like they claim to, they will do the right thing and leave this field untouched for nature and the wellbeing of the planet.
By Anonymous
Can’t wait, just what the area needs.
By Anonymous