A ‘much needed’ new retirement village is to be built on the site of a former garden centre. Planners had previously raised concerns over disabled visitor access at the ‘independent living’ complex proposed for the old Ladybridge Garden Centre, in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.
But the council’s planning committee voted through the ‘100 pc affordable’ Mill Lane scheme when it met on Thursday night, following reassurances from developer Anwyl Partnerships. A letter to the panel assured members that the second entrance would not be an ‘afterthought’ - perceived as a ‘back entrance’ or ‘fire exit’ - but maximise accessibility around the building.
Councillor Anna Charles-Jones, who voiced concerns at the July meeting, said she was now content to give the go-ahead for the development, which will provide 66 one and two-bed apartments across three levels. Coun Charles-Jones, who is herself disabled, thanked the developer for taking a ‘proactive’ approach since she raised the concerns.
