The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee of Stockport Council met on Thursday 14 November 2024 to discuss several development applications, review planning appeals and enforcement notices, and consider a report on the outcomes of a recent tour. The meeting's agenda focused primarily on deciding the fate of five significant development applications across Stockport.

Development Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Deputy Chief Executive regarding several development applications. These were divided into two categories: those where members of the public were expected to attend to hear the committee's deliberations, and the remaining applications.

Former Hope Mill Site, Water Street, Portwood, Stockport (DC/082052)

This application sought outline planning permission for the erection of a Class E foodstore, with access, layout, and scale being considered, while appearance and landscaping were reserved for future applications. The proposed foodstore, intended for Aldi, would be approximately 1,804 sqm gross internal area with a sales area of 1,315 sqm. The report noted that this development was a departure from the Development Plan, as Policy TCG4.4 of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review designates the land for employment and leisure uses, not retail. However, the report indicated that the application was recommended for approval, subject to a legal agreement and the imposition of specific conditions.

Numerous objections and representations were received, including those from Lidl and Tesco Stores Limited, raising concerns about highways, flood risk, retail impact, and the sequential assessment of alternative sites. Aldi, the intended occupier, provided a letter of support, detailing operational difficulties at their existing New Bridge Lane store and the suitability of the Water Street site.

Land to the South of Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris (DC/086406)

This application involved the alteration and conversion of a Grade II Listed Engine House to create two self-contained apartments. Additionally, a new building, referred to as the 'Roundhouse', was proposed to provide 52 self-contained apartments, bringing the total to 54. The proposal also included provision for access, car parking, landscaping, and the relocation of an existing electricity sub-station. This application was considered a departure from the Development Plan due to viability issues preventing contributions towards formal recreation or children's play facilities. The report recommended granting planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding loss of privacy, potential smell from bin stores, and the green credentials of the development. The Stockport Equestrian Access and Bridleways Association and The Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail and Walk Ride Heatons group expressed concerns about the safety of equestrians and other users of the Trans Pennine Trail along Bowerfold Road, particularly regarding vehicle access and visibility splays.

32-52 London Road, Hazel Grove (DC/089005)

This application sought full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings, including a former vehicle depot, and the erection of two five-storey blocks comprising 109 residential apartments. The proposal also included access, parking, amenity space, and landscaping. The report noted that this development was a departure from the Development Plan concerning open space provision and the loss of employment land. The committee was recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which would include a financial contribution towards a Traffic Regulation Order and a review mechanism/clawback clause for open space contributions and affordable housing.

Objections were received from neighbouring properties regarding the appropriateness of a five-storey building in Hazel Grove, potential loss of privacy, increased traffic, and concerns about social housing and anti-social behaviour. The Highways department raised no objection, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement for a Traffic Regulation Order. Environmental Health also raised no objection regarding noise, but requested conditions for a dust management plan.

The Pyramid Kings Valley, Yew Street, Heaton Mersey (DC/089342)

This application sought permission for a change of use of the existing office building, known as The Pyramid, to a buffet restaurant, banquet halls, and storage with ancillary offices. The Royal Nawaab Group was the applicant. The report highlighted that while a change of use from office to food and drink is generally permitted under Class E of the Use Classes Order, a historic planning condition on this specific building restricted its use to Classes B1, B2, or B8, thus requiring a planning application. The committee was recommended to grant planning permission.

Objections were received from neighbouring businesses concerning the significant increase in traffic, parking overspill, road safety issues, increased security risks due to proposed operating hours, and potential noise pollution. A local MP expressed support for the application, citing economic benefits and job creation.

Land at Grafton Street, Heaton Norris (DC/090014)

This application was for a full application for residential development, comprising six affordable one-bedroom bungalows for social rent. The proposal included associated work and landscaping. The site is currently designated as Local Open Space. The report noted that while the site is designated as Local Open Space, it is a tarmacked area that does not serve a formal recreational purpose and its loss would not detrimentally affect the overall provision of open space in the area. The development was considered to contribute to housing land supply and provide much-needed affordable and accessible homes. The committee was recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a legal agreement for a commuted sum payment towards open space enhancement.

Significant objections were received from local residents and a local MP regarding the loss of open space, the impact on the London Plane tree, and the suitability of the development's density and design. Supporters highlighted the need for affordable and accessible housing for older people.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Enforcement Notices

The committee was also scheduled to consider a report summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals, and detailing enforcement action by Area Committee area. This report was recommended to be noted by the committee.

Review of Outcomes Tour 2024

Finally, the committee was to consider a report detailing the findings of a Review of Outcomes tour undertaken on 4 October 2024. This report was also recommended to be commented on and noted.