Latest homes plan raises traffic fears
FEARS have been raised that overdevelopment in Stockport could put pressure on schools, health services and the road network.
Plans for 144 new homes at the former site of Battersby Hat Works, off Hempshaw Lane, Offerton, went before a council central area committee.
It was recommended a decision on the proposals be deferred for further discussions with applicant Lane End Developments.
Matters to be discussed include the loss of trees, increased traffic and how buildings of heritage value on site can be protected.
But other concerns surrounded the large influx of residents adding to those expected from a 113-home development that is nearing completion at nearby Charles Street.
And though pressure on amenities such as schools, doctors and dentists are not relevant to planning decisions, another nearly finished project of more than 100 houses on Carrington Fields is another strain.
Councillor Charlie Stewart told the committee: “This is going to be a 510 bed-space development, there’s going to be a large proportion of families.
“We can’t keep building houses without matching infrastructure, we have to consider people living there now. Banks Lane School is full.
“I am told a two or three week wait for a doctors appointment is standard there. You put another 500 people there it is going to have an impact.”
Another issue raised which is a concern planning can take into account - was traffic.
It was said that the Hempshaw Lane, Banks Lane, Dialstone Lane junction is already near capacity and will reach ‘over capacity’ by 2020 - even without additional houses.
Lane End will contribute £150,000 to mitigation measures to improve the junction but work costing far more is required.
Residents in the area had sent in 18 letters of objection with issues raised including traffic, pressure on services and possible disturbance of on-site contamination.
Councillor Philip Harding said: “If it does go ahead it will make it (traffic) even worse.
“People who move into this scheme need some assurance they are going to be able to get out of it at peak times.”
Plans will now go to the council’s planning and highways committee with a recommendation they be deferred.