It seems as though there are very regular council meetings in Stockport to discuss planning applications and proposals. The latest was scheduled for Thursday the 11th of January 2018 with the green belt land in Heald Green and area in Woodford up for debate. These plans relate to more than 430 schools and a £45m school, so there is a lot to be discussed. There is clearly a need for more property in and around Stockport but of course, it has to be the right property.
Both of these schemes have been recommended for approval but there is still some debate about whether these plans should be given the go ahead. There is debate about the proposals made by The Seashell Trust, which is a charity offering specialist care to children dealing with physical and learning disabilities. The plans involve a 60,000 sq ft school and 325 houses.
Funding will come from various sources
There are many components to the overall agreement with the trust selling off part of their land and redeveloping some of the land they currently hold. Funding is being provided by various sources but the support from developers is crucial to the cost of the project and this is why a lot of importance is placed on the property development plans being approved.
Of the 325 houses, it is said that around 30% will be deemed as affordable housing, being split between intermediate housing and social rent. The issue surrounding this proposal is that it, in the words of planning officers in Stockport, is “in conflict with relevant green belt policies”. However, even with this in mind, the planning offers have voiced their recommendation for the approval stating that The Trust has “very special circumstances” that should see the project being allowed to continue.
The objections to the plans have been based on the harm it would have on the green belt area with some people suggesting that this development would encroach into the countryside. An issue has also been raised about the increased level of demand for school places that would arise from an influx of new families into the area.
This is a very important issue because you cannot just build over 300 homes and assume that everything is already in place. With this high volume of homes being added to a local community, there will be a much greater level of pressure on existing facilities. This means that additional services are likely to be required to ensure that the community continues to thrive.
If you would like to talk more about Stockport property options, you will find that we are the local experts you can rely on. You can give Spencer Harvey a call on 0161 480 8888 or send us an email at info@spencerharvey.co.uk. For a free valuation please visit: https://www.spencerharvey.co.uk/valuation-enquiry.html