Much needed' new retirement village to be built on site of derelict garden centre - and all the homes are 'affordable'
20.08.2022 - 10:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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.
READ MORE : Dozens of specialist apartments for retired people could be built on former school site - and they're all 'affordable'
“I think it’s a shame we got to the point we got to at the last meeting,” she told the panel. “But I have to say I have been impressed with the way they have engaged since that point and I’m quite happy with the plans now.”
Concerns around parking were also aired by Coun Wendy Meikle, who felt that 39 spaces for 66 apartments may not be sufficient, despite meeting the council’s parking standards.
“My worries are that, on Mill Lane itself, parking will back up along that road in front of the residential properties or maybe on other roads," she said. "We’ve had it with the hospital, Stepping Hill. It's an absolute nightmare,