Marple mixed-use and Cheadle care home face committee

Approval is recommended in Stockport for two schemes that each require demolition of noted local buildings, with Merepark Project Management and a joint venture between Bradley Edge and New Care seeking full consent in Marple and Cheadle respectively.

In Marple, Merepark proposes 20 two-bedroom apartments and retail in three blocks off Church Lane. If approved, the developer will demolish the existing buildings on site, a mixture of retail with offices above; a workwear manufacturing site based in the 1868-built Albert School building, and offices and garages to the rear.

The proposal is for 3,870 sq ft of retail with residential above in the front building, commercial parking to the side and two residential blocks with their own parking courts to the rear.

Following local consultation, 23 representations against the scheme have been made, with worries including the contribution to traffic congestion. Highway works proposed would provide a formal two-way vehicular access off Church Lane, together with pedestrian routes off both Church Lane and Hibbert Lane.

Merepark has spent more than 18 months in discussion with the council on the scheme, and believes it has made a thorough case for the site’s development. Initially, it had proposed 24 apartments, but has reduced that down to 20 and added in the retail on the elevation that faces Market Street.

Although the requirement for this size of project is set at 30% affordable housing, which would amount to seven apartments, the developer’s argument over viability has been accepted by the council’s consultant, and only one affordable dwelling is to be provided. A clawback mechanism can be applied through Section 106 conditions in the event of market conditions changing significantly.

Merepark, which is advised by Emery Planning, said that the intention with Block A, fronting Church Lane, has been for the building to be positioned at the head of Market Street, giving “important views along the pedestrianised route with Block A offering a focal point as a ‘bookend’ and prominent feature”.

The developer’s submitted design & access statement said: “The proposed development offers an opportunity to secure the future use of site which currently exists as poor quality, dilapidated and inefficient accommodation, by providing quality development in a highly sustainable location.”

Stockport’s committee, which meets on Thursday 22 November, is also recommended to approve a 68-bedroom care home on Stockport Road, Cheadle, proposed by Bradley Edge and McGoff’s New Care arm.

The scheme, designed by Street Design Partnership, involves the demolition of the currently vacant Queens Arms pub, a venue redeveloped by Robinson’s and partner Pochin’s in the mid-2000s, to be replaced by the three-storey facility. Approval is recommended on a condition relating to left-turn only highway access, as the site is at the busy junction with Councillor Lane.

Committtee has also been recommended to approve the redevelopment of the Greenhale House site in Stockport town centre.