Historic Stockport pub set to become new homes after demolition plan knocked back

An historic pub which has been derelict for more than five years is to be turned into new homes.

The former Cow and Calf Hotel, in Bredbury, will be extended and converted into three terraced houses, while a further five houses and a bungalow will also be built at School Brow and Barrack Hill.

The 1850s building – originally named the Commercial Inn – will have its current extensions and roof replaced under the scheme, which has been submitted by D Woodman Developments.

Earlier plans to demolish the pub entirely were rejected by Stockport council’s conservation officer, who considered it was of local interest and contributed to the setting of the Bredbury and Romiley War Memorial.

The revised proposals –  which retain the late-Georgian style inn as part of a nine-home scheme – attracted four neighbour objections, mainly on congestion grounds. One claims traffic is already ‘horrendous’.

But the plans were approved by councillors when they went before Werneth area committee on Monday night.

Councillor Lisa Smart told the meeting she was ‘really keen’ for the site to be used for housing.

“I think it’s entirely in keeping with what’s going on around it,” she said.

“I know from having knocked on the doors of a number of people who live opposite nearby, that a derelict pub with its windows smashed in is not very pleasant to live next to.

“So, some really nice, well developed, well cared for, well lived in homes would be much nicer to be a neighbour to, so I’m really in favour of this being used for housing.”

The pub will be converted into one three-bed and two four-bed terraced houses, each having a private back garden with bicycle parking and bin stores accessed either from School Brow or Barrack Hill. 

There will be four three-bed semis at School Brow with a parking area at the front enclosed by a low brick wall and railings.

The proposals also include a three-bedroom detached house and a three bedroom detached bungalow at Barrack Hill.

An eight-space car park will be created between these properties, for the use of their occupiers and people living within the converted pub.

All the homes include gardens, cycle parking and bin storage.

Despite welcoming the plans, however, councillors were disappointed that the total number of homes fell one short of the requirement to provide affordable housing.

“I think it’s a crying shame,” Coun Vince Shaw said.

“I hope if we get further applications we will reach the 10 that are needed so we can get more people on the housing ladder, because house prices are just ridiculous. We do need more affordable housing.”

Councillors also lamented that – due to the pub being retained – it was not possible to make the surrounding area more accessible for people with mobility issues.

They also stressed the need for a ‘considerate’ approach during the construction period, with Coun Mark Roberts noting there was ‘not a lot of on-street parking’.

Werneth area committee met at Woodley Civic Hall on Monday night (2 August).