Former printworks to be turned into flats

A FORMER 19th century printworks is to be converted into more than 30 new flats despite concerns over increased traffic on the surrounding streets.

Seaton House, in Stockport town centre will be extended to house 15 one and two-bed apartments, while a new six-storey block to the rear will provide a further 20 homes.

The council’s planning committee nodded through the scheme after being told the Wellington Street building – used as offices since the 1980s – was in ‘precisely the right location’ for new housing.

But some residents raised concerns over increased levels of traffic causing noise and air pollution, as well as potentially creating a ‘danger’ around the entrance to St Joseph’s Primary School.

Objectors also noted the impact of a school road safety scheme meaning the road would be closed at certain times of day, causing access issues for the new residents.

However a council report to the committee said there would not be any noticeable increase in traffic – particularly compared against that generated by its previous office use.

And while there is no dedicated residents parking, it notes there are 190 spaces in nearby public car parks, as well as on-street parking for around 45 vehicles within easy walking distance.

Planning officer Emma Curle advised committee members that it was an ideal place for the new homes.

“It is a highly sustainable urban location, precisely the type of location that we should be delivering housing in and precisely the type of location we should be delivering housing that isn’t dependent on use of the car,” she said.

“Of course I can’t say that there wouldn’t be any impact. But it’s not considered to be an impact that would result in harm or detriment to highway safety or operation. I appreciate the concerns that are raised but it’s not a reason [for refusal] we could substantiate.”

Coun Andy Sorton, who represents the Brinnington and Central ward, told the meeting that most of the traffic in the area was generated by the school.

“I don’t see how we can not provide accommodation for people on the basis that the traffic is exceeded by people not living in that area but, in the main, dropping their children off at school. I don’t think that would be reasonable.”

Coun Sorton added: “The idea is we need more people out of cars, anyway.

“And if we are going to build houses in an area where they can’t get buses or they can’t get a train then we have not got much chance of doing that.

“I think it’s a good use of a building that otherwise is going to just be empty and not be used for anything and end up like Victoria House.”

The application was unanimously passed by the committee.