New 180-home estate could be built at Stockport quarry site

A new housing estate could be built at a Stockport quarry.

Plans for up to 180 properties at a 60-acre site, in Offerton, are being drawn up by a leading developer.

Stewart Milne Homes is seeking guidance from the council on a number of issues – including environmental and heritage matters – ahead of submitting a detailed planning application in the coming months.

The proposed plot, off Marple Road, is currently used for the extraction of sand and gravel, while permission also exists for storage, processing and retail uses.

What does the report on the proposed development say?

A ‘scoping report’, submitted to the council on behalf of the Aberdeen-based firm, reveals that new homes would be built on the developed area, in the south of the site

Plans for the prospective neighbourhood also include an open woodland area, covering a large part of the north and perimeter of the site.

The document adds: “This will include restoration of the existing brownfield land and will give opportunities for habitat creation, enhancement of existing habitats and opportunities for formal and informal recreation.”

It goes on to say that the ‘existing woodland edge’ surrounding the development area will be enhanced, while new habitats will be provided through ‘attenuation features’, as well as wetland and scrapes to the north and south of the site.

An ‘equipped’ play area would provide ‘more formal’ recreation facilities for residents, while ‘further incidental areas of greenspace and tree planting will also be used to soften the built development’.

What about rights of way and access to the area?

No public rights of way pass through the site although a public footpath leads north off Holiday Lane to the west and a bridleway leads along the River Goyt to the north.

Under the housebuilder’s proposals, footpaths will be provided through the estate and around the open woodland area with new tree planting and areas of open grassland.

Vehicle access to the site would continue to be via Marple Road, leading into the retail area which includes a car park and offices.

Engineering and demolition works will include ground remodelling,drainage features and utilities equipment, as well as the removal of existing buildings and structures.

Stockport Council will decide whether to grant planning permission for the development once an application has been lodged with the local authority.