A former 19th century printworks could be converted into flats under plans for more than 30 new homes in Stockport town centre. Seaton House, which has been used as offices since the 1980s, would be extended to house 12 one-bed and three two-bed apartments under plans submitted by developer One Heritage plc.
The proposals also include a new six-storey block to the rear of the Wellington Street building, boasting 16 two-bed flats and a quartet of three-bed duplexes. Situated between the Hillgate and St Peter’s conservation zones, the applicant says the 35-home scheme has been ‘sensitively designed’ and will ‘enhance’ the ‘attractiveness and profile of Stockport as a high-quality residential location’.
Planning papers add: “The conversion of the existing building will be respectful of the existing floor-to-ceiling heights of Seaton House, and the extension of the building will be set back and constructed in a lightweight materiality, in order to not detract from the architectural merit of the existing building." Documents say proposals for the new building have been 'developed to complement this approach'.
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They continue: "The site is previously developed (brownfield) and currently underutilised and is located in a highly accessible location, within Stockport town centre, with an excellent level of public transport provision in the vicinity of the site.” The Manchester-based firm also says the new building - which has five and six-story elements -has been designed to not appear ‘dominant’ in the Wellington Street area of the town.
The 10-space car park would be lost to the new apartment block. However the applicant argues that the site is well served by public transport and there is plenty of parking available nearby, including at the Piccadilly and Ritz car park, as well as on-street bays in Fletcher Street, Lord Street and Norbury Street.
The main pedestrian entrance would be off Wellington Street via a secure gate leading on to a covered lobby area. A second entrance is proposed between Seaton House and the neighbouring Grosvenor Casino,which would provide access to the secure bicycle parking and bin store.
None of the apartments would be offered as ‘affordable’ housing, with the Manchester-based developer arguing this would not be financially viable. An assessment submitted with the application will ‘form the basis’ for discussions with the council, including the possibility of financial contributions towards affordable or social housing elsewhere.
A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by Stockport council.
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