Homes plan is unveiled for derelict school site
ADERELICT Stockport grammar school could be demolished to make way for new family homes and flats if developers’ plans get the go-ahead.
An application to build 24 houses and 13 apartments on the former Hulme Hall School site, in Cheadle Hulme, has been lodged with the town hall.
The school closed in 2017 - due to its ageing 60s and 70s buildings falling into disrepair and relocated to the former Hillcrest Grammar School, in Davenport.
Over the last two years, the site has become dilapidated and derelict - posing a major security, health and safety concern for residents and the site owner.
But now developers Seddon and PH Property Holdings have come forward with plans for the site, which include a ‘broad range’ of two and three-bed apartments and two-to-five bedroom semi-detached and detached family houses.
The plot, off Hulme Hall Road, sits within the Swann Lane Conservation, which includes Hulme Hall itself and No. 1 Higham Street - a former inn, weavers cottage and farm. Both are Grade II listed.
Charlotte Fowler, of agents P4 Planning said: “The Hulme Hall Grammar School site is a fantastic location, sitting within a predominantly residential area which will benefit from the new homes and transformation provided by this scheme.
“We have been particularly keen to get this application submitted as permission is required to demolish the old school buildings which lie in a conservation area and have recently become a focus for anti-social behaviour.
“We are therefore seeking approval so the demolition and redevelopment of the site can commence as soon as possible.”
The new homes will be mainly two-storey, although some have a roof space and contain “sensitive three-storey ‘elements’ said to be ‘very much of the appropriate scale for the site and its surrounding’.
An earlier ‘draft’ version of the proposals included a care home facility, but this has now been dropped after council chiefs said its size was ‘unacceptable’.
Creating the estate will involve the demolition of the ‘ramshackle collection of poorly constructed school buildings’ on the site, as well as the loss of a Victorian house.
Developers say the scheme will enhance the site’s contribution to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
A document accompanying the application states: “The demolition of the buildings will enable redevelopment of the site to provide much needed housing and a development which preserves and enhances the conservation area.”
The homes will be served by 74 car parking spaces and 37 cycle spaces. Access to the site is provided off Hulme Hall Road to the west and Hill Top Avenue to the east. Both of which are capable of taking two-way traffic.
“The area will benefit from the new homes”