PLANNING | Mixed fortunes for major Stockport schemes
Quorum Estates’ plans to add 1m sq ft of warehousing at Bredbury Industrial Estate off the M60 were refused, while the redevelopment of the former St Thomas’ psychiatric hospital in Stockport into a 70-bed care facility and 68 affordable homes was approved.
Bredbury Industrial Estate expansion
The project has prompted a row between Stockport and Tameside councils
Developer: Quorum Estates
Architect: AEW Architects
Planner: Lichfields
Councillors said Quorum Estates had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances for developing in the Green Belt as Stockport’s planning committee voted against the proposals.
The developer was seeking full planning approval for two employment units totalling 429,000 sq ft, and outline consent for the remaining 574,000 sq ft with all matters reserved.
A spokesperson for Quorum said: “Naturally, we are disappointed by the committee’s decision
and echo the chairman’s comments that opposition members of the council need to decide whether Stockport is open for business and investment or not.
“We remain committed to delivering this significant investment for Stockport and welcome the chance for the Secretary of State to make a decision on the application.”
The 76-acre site between the industrial park and the River Tame has long been earmarked for redevelopment, including in the most recent version of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework published.
Quorum’s proposal to expand the industrial estate by building on adjacent land Green Belt known as Bredbury Gateway is the subject of an ongoing row between Stockport and Tameside councils, as the estate lies on the border of the two boroughs.
St Thomas’ care facility
The Academy for Living well is to be built on the site of the former Shaw Heath Hospital
Developer: Stockport Council and Stockport Homes
Architect: PRP Architects
Planner: NJL Consulting
A 70-bedroom care facility named the Academy of Living Well, and an additional 68 affordable homes are to be created on the site of the former St Thomas’ hospital on Shaw Heath in the Edgeley area of Stockport, following the granting of planning consent.
The four-storey care home would aim to provide support for people transitioning between hospital and home and would be managed by Stockport Council’s arms-length housing body Stockport Homes.
The additional residential element comprises 35 apartments contained within the three grade two-listed buildings on the site.
A further two buildings are earmarked for 19 apartments and the remaining 13 affordable homes are to be new-build townhouses. The tenure mix would be 80% shared ownership and 20% social rent.
Evermore Wellbeing, a later-life consultancy, is advising Stockport on the scheme.
The council acquired the vacant site from government body Homes England in December 2019.
The Bredbury proposal will get approved on appeal because Stockport haven’t got enough supply of land for employment and residential development . Pulling out of GMSF has made this position worse and will backfire on the councillors in the long run.
By Anonymous
Oh dear, Stockport’s dinosaur councillors looking to run up the appeal costs against tab again.
By the by
Stockport has enough development already with many industrial units empty. We don’t need more!
I’m glad the councillors have voted against this further development! We need our green spaces for our R&R especially with every other option being closed for covid!
They need to redevelop existing sites first
By Dee