37-home residential development at Demmings Road Industrial Estate, Cheadle, Stockport

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing an industrial building and building 28 townhouses, nine apartments, parking, landscaping and pedestrian links.

“PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing industrial building and erection of 28no. townhouses and 9no. apartments with associated parking and landscaping.”

“The application seeks planning permission for the demolition of the existing industrial building on the site and the erection of a development comprising 28no. townhouses and 9no. apartments with associated parking and landscaping. All of the proposed built form would be 3 storeys in height, with an apartment block (containing 9no. apartments) proposed on the western end of the site, a row of 16no.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.77-hectare site was an industrial estate occupied by a coach storage and maintenance business, near homes, open space and flood-risk areas.

“The site is currently occupied by a large industrial shed positioned towards the western and northern boundaries, accompanied by smaller outhouse structures. The eastern portion of the site comprises hardstanding yard areas predominantly used for the storage of coaches and other vehicles. The site is currently used by ‘Bullocks Coaches’ for the storage and maintenance of vehicles associated with that business.”

“The site sits within the wider Demmings Industrial Estate, comprising a mixture of industrial and commercial premises. Immediately to the west lies the Bulkeley Business Centre, which provides a variety of commercial and light industrial operations.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a coach repair workshop, coach parking access and later changes to operating conditions.

“- J/29802 – Change of use of vacant warehouse to repair workshop for motor coaches. – Granted 7 th February 1984.”

“- J/30573 – New access and layout of coach parking area. – Granted 2 nd May 1984.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

Officers considered the sustainable brownfield redevelopment acceptable, with housing benefits outweighing identified disadvantages subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“It is considered that the proposed development would not result in significant adverse impacts upon highway safety as a result of traffic generation, and, subject to conditions, the proposed access and parking layout is considered to be safe and practical to use in accordance with the Councils standards. Furthermore, suitable pedestrian linkages are provided throughout the site. The development is therefore in accordance with Core Strategy policies CS9, T1, T2 and T3.”

“Members are advised that as the Council is in a position of significant housing undersupply, the policies which are the most important for determining the application are out of date. The only adverse impact of granting planning permission would be the loss of a poor quality non-designated heritage asset, minor shortfalls in amenity space provision and interface distances for proposed dwellings, and the lack of contribution towards affordable housing, open space / play, and…”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions, while residents objected on transport, design, privacy, flooding, ecology and other concerns; some supported the scheme.

“- Not enough car parking spaces provided - Traffic impacts on the locality - Transport assessment underestimates traffic impacts - Highway safety concerns in proximity to local schools - Access is unsafe - Only one access to the site – this could cause issues for emergency vehicles - 3 storey scale of houses is out of keeping with Demmings Road - Houses should be 2 storeys maximum - Impact on light to neighbouring properties - Overlooking and loss of visual privacy - Layout…”

“SMBC Arboriculture Officer No objection subject to conditions relating to foundation design and tree planting.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in favour and answered members’ questions about affordable housing provision.

The committee’s recommendation

The area committee unanimously recommended that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

“The Planning Officer introduced the report and confirmed that there was an error in the report and that the application would need to be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee due to a departure from the development plan with respect to education and open space contributions.”

“Committee unanimously resolved to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.”

Officer report

The final decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

“In respect of DC/096245 demolition of existing industrial building and erection of 28 no. townhouses and 9 no. apartments with associated parking and landscaping at Demmings Road, Cheadle, it was…”

“RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.”

Minutes