Regeneration of Stockport precinct kick-started by CPO

THE regeneration of a run-down part of Stockport, Greater Manchester, has moved closer after the government granted a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

Stockport Council has been successful in securing the CPO to assemble land for the redevelopment of the Offerton precinct and Lisburne Lane garage.

A new retail centre and landscaped public areas will be created on the site and the council is now working with the precinct owners and developers Tenbest.

The council has already spent £200,000 improving the local area including highway and footway resurfacing, new crossing facilities and enhanced street lighting.

Councillor Kevin Hogg, executive member for regeneration, at Stockport Council, said: “We are delighted that the CPO has been approved, because it now means we can push forward with the provision of a new retail supermarket and facilities.

“The council has worked patiently for a number of years to make this happen, and it will soon be a real boost to local residents and the local economy.”

A spokesman for the developer Tenblest said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Government Inspector has shown his support for our plans by confirming the council’s ability to use compulsory purchase powers to deliver a comprehensive solution to Offerton precinct and that a piecemeal development in this location would be detrimental for the regeneration of Offerton.

“Now that the inspector has made his recommendations, we look forward to the successful culmination of the years of effort by all parties, on behalf of the local residents.”

Planning permission for the redevelopment of the precinct and garage was granted in July 2008.