An historic railway building could be transformed into new homes as part of a ‘landmark’ residential development including an eight-storey roundhouse. The plans would see the Grade II-listed engine house - on the fringes of Stockport town centre - converted into two apartments, while the ‘eye-catching’ roundhouse would provide a further 52 flats.
Manchester-based Promised Way Ltd is proposing a mix of one, two and three-bed homes for the land near Stitch Lane, in Heaton Norris - which was previously used by a vehicle sales firm. Planning papers say the proposal is for a ‘high quality, innovative and eye-catching residential development, respectful of the site’s heritage’ which would ‘energise and uplift the local area’.
Documents say the development is designed to emphasise the 'immense historical importance' of the engine house, and enhance its visibility from Wellington Road."The circular design of the roundhouse echoes the railway t urntable that once existed at the site and also reflects traditional steam engine maintenance sheds and water towers previously found throughout the country," papers add.
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However, none of the homes would be ‘affordable’ or social housing, as the applicant claims it would not be financially ‘viable’ to do this, or make other payments towards local infrastructure. The engine house and its tower are described as being in a ‘poor and deteriorating condition’, while the site - bounded by Wellington Road North, Bowerfold Lane and the Grade II listed former LNWR goods warehouse - is ‘generally unkempt and overgrown’.
Papers add: “The proposal will clearly have a beneficial impact on the listed structure given its current overall poor and neglected condition.” Documents go on to describe how the scheme would ‘open up views of the site and emphasise the historical importance of the engine house, accumulator tower and adjacent warehouse’.
All proposed apartments within the roundhouse would have private balconies or gardens. The engine house conversion would not have either, however - although there is a small communal garden area. While this falls short of the usual minimum standard, the developer argues it is ‘justified’ as the site is within 300 metres of Heaton Norris Park and there is also a recreation area on Bowerfield Lane.
The scheme would include 29 parking spaces, including two disabled bays, as well as 52 cycle spaces. The applicant also points to the fact the site is ‘close to the town centre and with very easy access to excellent public transport provision’. Stockport council will decide whether to grant planning permission.
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