Waterside homes are planned for Marple
ADEVELOPMENT of seven stone houses forms the centrepiece of regeneration plans, in a bid to bring a new lease of life to a waterside site at the junction of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals in Marple
Specialist waterfront developer H20 Urban has submitted a planning application to Stockport council to construct seven three-bedroom homes and a new boaters’ service block and to convert a former grade two-listed office/warehouse stone building into a detached family house.
Under the proposed plan for Marple Yard, the Stockport Canal Trust, which runs the New Horizons trip boat and organises trips for disabled people, would continue to operate from the site on its own designated mooring.
Richard Thomas from H20 said: “We have considered many options for this beautiful waterside site and believe the current plans would be an attractive addition to the local area.
“The seven stone houses have been carefully designed to complement this lovely location where five new homes were also built recently.
“We have spent several years looking at a number of options for the former warehouse to ensure a sus- tainable use for its future.
“The empty building hasn’t been used for some years and is deteriorating, but with careful, sensitive renovation, the exterior will be preserved and the building secured for the future.
“Boating will continue to play an important role at this key canal junction.
“The New Horizons trip boat has been guaranteed its own dedicated mooring under the scheme and boaters will get a muchneeded new services block.
“Nearly two thirds of H20 development profits to date have been reinvested in Britain’s waterways for the benefit of all canal users.
“It’s great to think everyone using the canal benefits from the area being upgraded and improved.”