Bid to kick-start stalled site plans
APLANNING brief has been prepared to kick-start development at a town centre site - after a decade of stalling.
The council wants to regenerate a 1,375sq m vacant site on Higher Hillgate and first produced a brief outlining a vision for it in 2006.
But a problem has arisen as the area consists of four pieces of land, but only one of them is owned by the council, so little progress has been made and the document is now considered ‘out of date’.
A new one has taken its place, which looks at the possibility of compulsory purchase orders to secure the site for a residential development.
A council spokesman said: “Despite discussions with two of the landowners over several years about the potential redevelopment of the site no scheme has been forthcoming.
“As a result the site continues to blight the area.
“There have been several recent and successful residential led regeneration schemes along Hillgate and close by at Hopes Carr.
“A residential development on the site would considerably enhance the area and compliment these existing regeneration projects.”
The new planning brief has gone before members of the council and will be published on its website.
It will also be provided to anyone interested in redeveloping the site.
Details contained in the brief include those of preferred designs, access, environmental issues and the provision of open space
Stockport Council’s executive has already granted approval to proceed with the necessary legalities to secure compulsory purchase orders.
The site lies within Higher Hillgate Conservation development application would need a heritage appraisal.
Although the preferred option is housing other acceptable uses include offices, restaurants, a health centre, leisure and education.
The spokesman added: “Significantly, the borough currently remains in a position of housing under-supply.
“The redevelopment and reuse of the land and buildings for a residential use would represent a sustainable approach to housing delivery.”
Any residential development at the site would need to include a portion of affordable housing.