1. What are the proposals?
Our vision for the Heald Green site is to redevelop land to the east of Wilmslow Road and north of Stanley Road with 150 new sustainable homes of different types and tenure. 73% of these will be affordable homes delivered by Great Places. The remaining 23% will be delivered by Clowes Developments.
2. Where is the site?
The site is located to the north of Stanley Road, east of Wilmslow Road, in Heald Green.
3. Why do we need new homes?
Stockport Council has identified an urgent need to increase the provision of good quality housing in Heald Green with a mix of sizes, types and tenures (particularly affordable housing) to meet a wide range of housing needs. In short, there is a growing need to build the right homes in the right places. Our vision seeks to address this need, by delivering approximately 73% of the proposed dwellings as affordable housing.
The delivery of much-needed new homes will provide an opportunity for local people and families to put down their roots in Stockport, as well as providing homes for older people seeking to downsize whilst retaining their independence.
4. What is currently at the site?
The site consists of two distinct areas, which are:
- The northern part of the site, which is previously developed land used as airport parking, wand which is covered by hardstanding.
- The southern part of the site, which is undeveloped greenfield land for which there is currently no access.
The site is surrounded on all sides by existing and consented developments, including Cheadle Mosque, the Seashell Trust campus, the Manchester Airport Stanley Hotel, residential properties at Outwood House, Griffin Lodge and the ongoing development of up to 325 new homes by Bloor Homes. All of those sites (including this site) are located within the Green Belt.
5. Why this site?
Despite being located in the Green Belt, we believe the site is ideally located to provide additional housing in the area and continue to help meet the expanding housing demand in Stockport. It is far from a ‘traditional’ Green Belt site – it is sandwiched between existing development and is currently used as airport parking.
Because of those characteristics, we believe that the site has potential to be put to more beneficial use. Our proposals will develop much-needed homes in the area whilst enhancing a currently underutilised area with stylish, modern homes which complement the surrounding area and serve as a natural extension to Heald Green.
The need for new homes in Stockport and Heald Green is immediate and pressing. Whilst we understand and support the need to protect valuable greenspace, as a result of past developments this site is a remnant which no longer fulfils any Green Belt purpose, nor does it offer any benefit to the community. As a result, it is felt that the development of the site to provide much needed affordable housing will be of much greater benefit and will help to ease development pressure upon Stockport’s other, more valuable greenspaces.
6. Who are Great Places Housing Group and Clowes Development Limited?
Great Places Housing Group is one of the fastest growing housing associations in the north of England. We manage over 24,000 homes across the North West, including housing in Stockport. Our mission is to establish dynamic neighbourhoods which can meet the diverse needs of modern communities and to improve the lives of those who look to purchase/rent a home with us.
Clowes Development is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper.
7. How many houses are proposed?
The development will consist of 150 high-quality homes. The 110 affordable homes (delivered by Great Places) will be a mix of two, three and four bed homes and two bed bungalows. Additionally, there will be 20 one and two bed apartments. Clowes Developments will be delivering 40 apartments for private sale – 20 will be one bed and 20 will be two bed.
8. What types of tenure will be available?
The homes delivered by Great Places will be available as follows:
- Affordable rent
- Shared ownership
The homes delivered by Clowes Developments will be for private sale.
9. Have you considered the impact on local roads?
The highways department at Stockport Council will assess any impact on local roads as part of the planning process. We will be installing a new access point from Stanley Road and will be creating pedestrian and cycle links across the development connecting onto Wilmslow Road.
The planning application will be supported by a comprehensive Transport Assessment, which will assess the suitability of the proposed access points and any effects that the proposals may have on the local and strategic road network. The project team will work closely with officers at Stockport Council to determine if any highways improvements are required. Our vision seeks to encourage use of more sustainable modes of transport by residents such as walking and cycling.
10. Have you considered the impact on the natural environment of Heald Green?
As part of our proposals for Heald Green, Great Places and Clowes Development will be allocating significant resources into the landscaping provision that will accompany the plans. Most of the hedgerow around the proposal site will be retained and, wherever possible, existing trees will be retained.
We understand the importance of preserving the natural green space in the area, and the importance it plays in enhancing the aesthetic of Heald Green. That is why we have included, as part of the proposals, plans to plant 2,500 trees both within the site and the surrounding areas (in agreement with Stockport Council). Through this initiative our aim is to generate net gains in biodiversity, as well as enhancing the visual appearance of the site.
11. Why are you consulting?
We are committed to engaging with residents and stakeholders about our vision and welcome your feedback. Please take this opportunity to view our vision here