It looks as though there will be further changes to the face of Stockport with the historic old town all set to welcome new flats. This scenario is because town hall bosses have approved the development of apartments at two to six Churchgate. These flats will be demolished, and a new four-storey building will be developed.

The development is set to bring 24 apartments to the town, with these apartments classed as high-quality apartments.

Kamani Commercial Property sought permission from the local authority to provide 20 two-bed and four three-bed homes. This is welcome news, but people who are looking for an abundance of affordable new homes in the local area will not be too happy.

Affordable housing is essential in Stockport

There will be disappointment about the lack of affordable housing with the project. Andy Sorton, a local councillor, has spoken out about this issue, saying; "However, I think a lot of work has been done to improve the application. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but we very rarely get a planning application that is. In this case, however, I think this is a far as we can go."

While the addition of new apartments is positive, there is a need to develop sustainability in Stockport. Commercial developers are under pressure to make profits, which is understandable, but there needs to be more pressure placed on these developers to ensure that some semblance of affordable housing is presented to the marketplace.

These buildings need to balance old and new

Another local councillor, Becky Crawford, also spoke about the process and discussed the compromise involved with bringing the project to reality, saying; "It’s disappointing that we don’t see more developments with a good level of affordable homes. However, I think this will be a really beautiful building. It’s a high spec development that also falls in line with the heritage parameters. "

There was however backing for the fact that houses will be delivered on a brownfield site. Councillor Elise Wilson said; "This building hasn’t looked great long time – and this proposal will improve that. The key thing is to get the development built as soon as possible. "

Given the issues that have arisen over the use of greenbelt areas in and around Stockport of late, the use of brownfield sites will be positive for most users. It is likely that brownfield site applications will be welcomed, and this could lead to some changes in the Stockport that we know and love today.

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