Story exchanges contracts for Stockport Grammar fields
The Cumbrian housebuilder will deliver a 50% affordable 112-home project at Dialstone Lane in Offerton, while the school said it will revamp its estate with some of the receipts.
Story intends to submit a planning application soon, and hopes to be on site later this year. Consultation was carried out a year ago.
Located on Dialstone Lane between Brooklyn Road and Hornbeam Close, the land is owned by Stockport Grammar School and was historically used by the school for sports.
However, due to issues including safeguarding challenges and a lack of facilities, the space has not been in active use by the school since 2015, leading SGS to seek a new future for the site.
As part of the new development, Story Homes will work with the Council to agree a package of community measures and contributions to benefit new and existing local residents, including a sports mitigation scheme.
Martin Nugent, head of land and planning for Story Homes North West, said: “It is very important to us that we deliver a sustainable community that benefits new and existing residents alike, and so we were pleased to be able to engage with the local community, taking on board their feedback on our plans and working together to bring this vision for a new development to life.
“In line with our commitment to the local community, our plans include dedicated public open spaces and play areas that will be accessible for both current and future residents. The new homes will be set within a green and leafy development which will support local wildlife and biodiversity and help to alleviate pressure on Stockport’s green belt zone.”
Hazel Tritschler, chair of governors at Stockport Grammar, said: “The proceeds from this transaction will significantly increase the school’s bursary program, thereby further expanding opportunities for local children, and maintain the 537 year ethos of providing education.
“Additionally, a substantial portion of the funds generated will be invested in upgrading the school’s existing facilities, helping to offset rising costs of maintaining our historic buildings and investing in measures to improve the environmental performance of the campus.”
Good to see the bog standard 1990s low density suburban housing design pallet is still alive and kicking.
By Anonymous
With all the national issues around CSE and vulnerable children, it’s remarkably cynical of Stockport Grammar to use “safeguarding” as an excuse to try to fly in the face of policy on protecting sports fields when either they are after the money, or they don’t trust their pupils to cross the A6 and walk for a bit, and clearly aren’t willing for any other sports organisation or school to use the land.
Seem to recall this plan has been knocking round for years; at least it will hopefully give SMBC opportunity to protect a useful green space for a good reason rather than their usual nimby ones.
By Heavily Dubious
More houses for Stockport. Excellent
By Anonymous
But still no dentists, doctors or school places to support the existing residents let alone hundreds more.
By Anonymous
There is insufficient space all around the proposed site for badgers, foxes etc. There are legal limits for protection of setts and the amount of ‘corridors’ for their existence.
By Anonymous
The plans also include placing 2.5 storey gable ends right against very small existing gardens, therefore creating a solid block-out of any sun for them.
By Anonymous
‘Significantly increasing the school’s bursary program’- I’m sure when I asked the representative from Stockport Grammar he said that they were increasing bursary places by 4 extra places- is that a significant increase?
By Anonymous
Where are the social houses that are so badly in need. Not everyone can afford to buy, not even the low cost ones.
By Mrs J Knowles
I have lived close to this new plot coming up to 6 years it has taken me 5 years to get a place in a local school, reason being the area is over subscribed.
I must admit that if the field is taken over we will be so unhappy, for the last couple of years it’s been run with beautiful wildlife that my children adore to watch.
Although I do see there is a concern for housing in the area I feel there are more suitable spots to build, the area of land would benefit for the use of sports flans for the chance for children to meet up and play.
By K marchant
I am opposed to the development of this land for numerous reasons.
1. The land was gifted to be used as a playing field and although the original covenant has expired I do not believe it was intended the land ever be used as a housing development. I believe the land could be developed into a better sports facility that could be let out to local sporting groups possibly with a 4G football pitch and a club house facility that could also be hired out by locals.
2. This area (SK2) has had innumerable housing developments recently with no regard to local services, infrastructure, etc.
3. There is abundant wildlife on the field including 2 Badger setts, is it fair to destroy their habitat?
4. A much smaller development could include the preservation of wildlife habitat and include a smaller sports facility.
5. The land is very boggy (there was once a large pond there) development could affect the existing properties adjacent to the field.
6. The land could be used to help the local area and still generate income, could it be developed as a car park to service stepping hill hospital? This could be done in a way that could preserve the border where the wildlife lives.
By Anonymous
* programme
By XSGS
Anonymous:
Fact: The land was purchased by SGS, not gifted
By Anonymous