Retirement housing set for Hazel Grove pub site

Plans for a McCarthy & Stone retirement living complex at the Royal Oak site in the Stockport suburb have been recommended for approval, subject to contributions totalling £375,000 from the developer.

The development would see the former Robinson’s pub, empty since 2013, demolished along with the supporting buildings on the 0.9-acre Commercial Road site along with its disused bowling green.

McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles, which is supported in the application by Seven Architecture and The Planning Studio, would deliver 40 self-contained apartments – 28 two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom – over four storeys, with associated facilities, parking and landscaping, with the accommodation being arranged in an L-shaped block to the norther-eastern part of the site.

Four objections have been received, and 10 expressions of support. The plans have been presented by the planning officer to the Stepping Hill Area Committee, which suggests that the council’s highways officer should undertake a site visit

The highways officer reports no objection in principle, but raised issues over parking, servicing and site access. Layout has been amended, along with other details such as the building’s footprint, since the scheme’s submission in December.

The report compiled for committee notes the under-supply of housing in Stockport, drawing particular attention to the most recent Stockport Housing Needs report from 2015, which identified the need for provision of housing for elderly residents.

With the developer offering a contribution of £97,000 to offset the loss of open space – money which can be spent on improvements at nearby Torkington Park, the council said – the housing need outweighs the loss of open space, the planning officer;s report said.

McCarthy & Stone will also pay £30,000 towards bus stop and highway improvements, and a contribution of £248,000 in lieu of affordable housing provision.

Stockport’s planning committee meets on Thursday. Another pub, the Cheshire Line Tavern off Manchester Road in Cheadle, will have an application for a single storey extension heard. This is also recommended for approval.