When it comes to local buildings, the focus shouldn’t always be on the new. Yes, new developments are vital in developing Stockport and meeting demand for homes but there needs to be a focus on local tradition and colour. There is a lot to be said for the style and nature of the local community, and there has to be work undertaken to ensure that aged and historical buildings remain in good condition and the heart of the area.
There is also a need for traditional businesses to be supported and assisted if possible. While it is good to see progress take place in Stockport, there is a lot to be said for the historical or traditional venues and stores that have served generations on Stockport residents. These reasons are why it is great to see that The Midland pub, located in Heaton Norris, has been given a reprieve. There was a threat of demolition hanging over the pub, which was down to plans to develop the Travis Bow Link Road.
While the pub has been operating for 183 years, plans would have seen it demolished to allow for the kerb to be widened and to allow a cycle path to be created. There were many complaints about these plans when they were unveiled earlier in the year and there two separate petitions raised to support the pub. The people behind these petitions, and the people that supported it, will be pleased to learn that there has been a change of heart from Stockport Council. This is because the original plans have been scrapped and there is a new design being proposed. Crucially, this means the pub gets to stay open, resolving a period of two years where the owner of the pub has been unsure of the long-term availability of the venue.
Hopes are high the pub will be around for many years
The new application will be submitted to the Central Area committee and it is they will get to decide whether the amended proposals should go ahead. The bar is a popular part of the local community and it features in the Stockport Slope pub crawl route. This features a number of local bars including The Magnet, The Railway and The Hope Inn. Backers of The Midland have cited the original wall and floor tiles as reasons for the pub to be preserved while the appearance of Yorkshire stone located in the cellar of the pub has also been cited as a reason to preserve the venue.
Local drinkers will be pleased to learn about this positive turn but people that enjoy local buildings and want to retain an element of traditional Stockport alongside new developments will also be pleased at this outcome.
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