Homes to be built on former printworks site
AN historic industrial site is to be transformed into a fully-affordable residential development.
The former Compstall Printworks, in Stockport, has fallen into dilapidation since being left vacant more than a decade ago.
But planners have now given the green light for 32 new homes – including 18 houses and 14 apartments – at the Andrew Street site.
The scheme will preserve Bleach Croft – the only surviving 19th cen- tury building – as well as other structures of historical importance, such as the stone arch.
A number of more recent industrial units will be demolished to make way for the new properties, however.
Managed by Stockport Homes, the properties will be available for shared-ownership and social rent.
The proposals were approved at a meeting of the council’s planning and highways committee on Thursday night.
Although the site is in the green belt councillors agreed there were ‘very special circumstances’ for approving the scheme.
And they were also satisfied that concerns over land contamination, drainage and noise pollution had been addressed by conditions set by the planning officers.
Coun Wendy Meikle told the meeting she was ‘really pleased’ to see a 100 per cent affordable development brought forward.
And Coun John Taylor also spoke strongly in favour of the application. He said: “It’s absolutely clear this is a valuable site in terms of its history and archaeology, and we are salvaging what’s salvageable and we’re blending it very well with new-build.”
He backed the recommendation to waive the usual financial contributions towards play facilities and open space ‘to ensure the viability and delivery’ of the scheme.
He added: “It’s a high quality scheme which is bound to cost more than just a spec developer getting hold of a field and plonking a load of semis on it.
“That’s really what I want to see. That we spread this level of affordable housing around the borough – and everybody gets a shot at it – rather than clumping it all in one space in the town centre.
“On all those grounds I’m really pleased with this one.”
Yvonne Guariento was another councillor to speak in support of the development, albeit with a slight note of caution.
“I think it’s a very good scheme overall and we are desperate for affordable and social housing in Stockport, there’s a massive need,” she said.
“There’s only one drawback I can see in terms of the immediate environment. I’m not sure how many people really will want to live next to a car breakers yard and I wonder how that will work out in the future.”
Referring to similar issues in her own Reddish South ward, she added: “That’s the only thing I see as a little cloud on the horizon.
“Otherwise I have faith in Stockport Homes developing it to the very best of their ability and I know they try and look after their properties and their tenants.”
The planning and highways committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for the development.