Derelict shops near Stockport town centre could be replaced with new flats

Derelict shops near Stockport town centre that have stood empty for 15 years could be demolished to make way for new flats.

The two-storey building, at Shaw Heath, was previously home to a furniture shop, a glazier and a baker and also had apartments on the first floor.

Vacant since around 2007, it is now in a ‘significant state of disrepair’, with planning papers noting that water is leaking in and part of the ground floor has collapsed.

But now plans have been brought forward to knock down the 1920s building and build nine new one and two-bed flats at the site on the fringes of the town centre.

The proposals aim to create a ‘high quality’ design that ‘respects local character’ and creates ‘a sense of place and identity, with complimentary materials’, according to documents submitted with the application from Mr M and Mr S Khan.

Planning papers say that – given the extent of dereliction and the lack of demand for the retail space – the scheme represents an ‘appropriate solution’ to bringing the site back into use.

“Whilst a modest nine apartments will result, this highly sustainable location will make a valuable contribution to the housing requirement in Stockport,” documents add.

The flats are said to have been designed with a ‘fabric first approach’,mindful of the ‘move towards the elimination of gas and the Future Homes standards.

Papers also note that site is on a bus route and close to Stockport railway station, making it a ‘highly sustainable’ location.

However, as there are fewer than nine apartments, there is no requirement to include any affordable or social housing within the development.

While a refurbishment of the existing building was considered, it was decided a new build scheme was the ‘the only viable way in which the site could be redeveloped.

Papers add: “The building is in a poor state of repair. As well as some structural work internally, stabilising floors, carrying out fire, thermal and accessibility upgrades, would prove prohibitively expensive.

“Add into this the potential costs of converting to apartments, relative to achievable sales or rental values, the project becomes unviable.

While there are currently five parking spaces at the site, a further four would be added should the plans be given the go-ahead.

The plans also include bin and cycle storage for residents.

A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by Stockport council.