Housing scheme given green light following reversal of council’s refusal
The Planning Inspectorate has reversed Stockport Council’s refusal of planning permission for a housing scheme in Hazel Grove.
Acting on behalf of MAN Energy Solutions UK, Asteer Planning played a pivotal role in securing permission on appeal for Mirrlees Fields.
The decision paves the way for regional housebuilder, Kellen Homes to deliver a new residential scheme that will provide up to 200 dwellings on a portion of the appeal site, with the remaining 80% of the site transferred to The Land Trust, an established national land management company, and made available as public open space in perpetuity.
In overturning the council’s refusal, The Planning Inspectorate has granted outline planning permission, recognising the significant need for open market and affordable housing.
Kellen Homes is working on the preparation of a reserved matters application to be submitted as soon as possible.
Granting planning permission, the Inspector noted that the appeal would authorise and guarantee greater public access across the appeal site and concluded that any adverse impacts of granting planning permission, would not outweigh the benefits of the proposal.
Mark Calvert, Land Director at Kellen Homes, said: “Kellen Homes are excited to deliver a high quality development in this sustainable location. Stockport MBC have a huge shortage of affordable housing and this site will deliver a vast offering of affordable homes for local people. We are proud to be responsible for improving the wider open space and ensuring that this is secured for public use in perpetuity.”
He added: “We are keen to continue to work with Stockport MBC and the local community to ensure that the site is delivered swiftly and in accordance with the Outline Planning Permission.”
Alice Routledge, Partner at Asteer Planning, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have received a positive outcome for the planning appeal at Mirrlees Fields.
“The landowner has been working to find a solution to secure the long future of this site for many years and allowing this appeal will secure approximately 80% as publicly accessible open space, with the majority of that being owned and managed by the Land Trust.
“Up to 200 new homes, including 50% affordable, will be delivered by Kellen Homes, which will make a significant contribution to Stockport’s need for market and affordable housing.”
