Planning approval granted for scheme at former Compstall Printworks

Compstall Printworks scheme

Oldham architects, Studio KMA, has received planning approval from Stockport’s planning committee for the demolition of the former Compstall Printworks in view of the construction of 32 affordable homes, retaining the heritage assets and structures of historical importance.

The construction of the affordable residential housing, including 18 houses and 14 apartments, will be delivered by Stockport Homes and comprises a mix of shared ownership and social rented units.

Planning approval follows on from a very similar scheme previously designed by Studio KMA, which secured approval back in October 2014, before the applicant did not complete the Section 106 Agreement and the site was subsequently sold.

Forming part of the wider Compstall Mill complex, the 0.76 hectare site is part of the wider Compstall Mill complex which is designated green belt land.

Sited within the ‘Compstall Conservation Area’, the approved development has been divided into separate ‘character areas’ by the architects to define specific portions of developable area and buildings of historic merit.

The proposals include the part retention of office buildings fronting Andrew Street in the south-eastern corner of the site and the retention of ‘Bleach Croft’, a large single storey mill building located centrally within the site.

Other elements of heritage to be retained include the northern façade of the Andrew Street building, existing walls, boundaries and the Headrace Arch, an ashlar stone arch once supporting a waterwheel.

Due to the site’s location in Flood Zone 3, the planning approval follows an extensive nine-month period of negotiation with the Environment Agency. The agency’s removal of all objections followed extensive flood modelling of the site by the hydrologist team.

Richard Hamill, associate at Studio KMA, said: “For the second time, our expert team has been able to create a solution which takes into account diverse considerations associated with potential flood risks, heritage work to retain structures of historical importance, road safety, ecology and noise, and we’re delighted to finally be able to deliver our proposals.

“This is a fantastic site and we’re looking forward to delivering much needed affordable accommodation for the community.”

He added: “Continuing our success in the social housing sector, we are currently designing and delivering projects for Jigsaw Homes and Arcon Housing across the North West.”

Studio KMA has offices in Oldham and Chester.

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