Seddon Homes outlines plans for Marple green belt site

Seddon Homes has submitted an application to build 21 houses on a green belt site in Marple, currently host to a series of derelict buildings formerly used by the Marple Dale Care Home.

The site lies within the green belt but has been previously developed; it is currently home to a number of buildings formerly used by the nearby care home, which cover a footprint of 32,300 sq ft. These were closed between 2015 and 2016.

Seddon is planning to build the homes in what it describes as a “low-density” development with a mix of three, four, and five-bed family houses. Site access will be via Dale Road, which will be widened and resurfaced as part of the plans.

Overall, the new homes will cover 10% less floorspace than the existing redundant buildings on the site, while the footprint of the homes would be 30% – or around 9,500 sq ft – less.

Existing buildings still in use by the care home are screened from the site by mature trees which will be maintained as part of the development.

Other options initially looked at by Seddon for the site included a 42-home development and a residential care home; however, the number and the density of the homes has been reduced following liaison with Stockport Council planners.

Planning consultant P4’s statement for the scheme said that because the land is previously developed, and the new homes would not have a greater impact on the green belt than the existing derelict buildings on the site, it would not “comprise inappropriate development” under national planning policy.

While Seddon Homes is developing on the land, the site remains owned by the care home’s operator, Barchester Healthcare.

The professional team on the project also includes Urban Green, which prepared the design and access statement; architect Millson Associates; DGL Associates; highways consultant DTPC; Environtech; and arboricultural consultant Trevor Bridge Associates.