The fate of a massive new housing development adjacent to the M67 is set to be determined at a pivotal meeting next week. Tameside Council's planning panel will have to make decisions on several planning matters on November 13, with a 122-property scheme just north of Hyde town centre topping the agenda.
The proposal aims to revitalise the old Newton Banks print works. The site was once home to industrial workers for over a century before becoming a textile preparation, printing and packaging hub, but has been closed for more than ten years. Some local resistance to the scheme has emerged due to concerns about potential traffic congestion on the already busy Clarendon Road.
Similarly, a proposal for seven terraced homes in Mossley has sparked outrage over possible traffic issues. One critic described the plan, located just off a bustling town centre junction, as having the potential to 'gridlock the town'.
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These are the most significant projects that the planning panel will have to decide on next week. They will convene at Guardsman Tony Downes House in Droylsden on Wednesday morning to consider these matters, reports .
This week's three key applications
The former Newton Banks print works in Hyde could soon be transformed into a residential development featuring 122 new homes.
Located just north of Hyde's town centre, adjacent to the M67, the remnants of an old industrial site could soon be cleared for a new housing development. Eccleston Homes plans to construct 72 four-bedroom houses as the majority offering.
Additionally, 46 three-bedroom homes and a small number of two-bedroom houses (four in total) are included in the plan for the land off Clarendon Road. The proposal also includes 18 homes available at affordable rates, up to 80 per cent of market value, with 11 designated for social rent and seven for shared ownership.
All properties will be two-storey buildings, each featuring dedicated off-road parking and private gardens at both front and rear. The submitted plans also propose a new public realm complete with open spaces, a play park, and landscaped gardens.
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The site has a rich history, having been used for bleaching and printing operations since 1816 and more recently for textile preparation, printing, and packaging until 2007. Some design and administrative operations remained on site until demolition began in 2014.
Only a handful of objections have been lodged with the council regarding the plans, primarily concerning potential traffic increase in an already congested area.
Planning documents reveal: "Our vision for the redevelopment of the site is to create places for people which can improve their quality of life. To do this we introduce all of the social, environmental and economic elements that help to make attractive vibrant places to live, so far as the scale of the development will allow."
Planning officials have given their nod to the proposal, considering the affordable housing provision, contributions towards road infrastructure improvements and local facilities enhancements.
Additionally, they acknowledged that the developer downsized the initial proposition from 130 homes to 122, following feedback from an early consultation phase.
Proposals are on the table for a series of new terraced dwellings in the heart of Mossley. Wickens Estates Ltd has pinpointed an area adjacent to the San Giorgio restaurant on Stamford Road for the building of two-bedroom homes.
This project would rejuvenate the ex-site of Stamford Heights, with the proposed structures ascending in height as they progress westwards to mirror the topographical variations along Stamford Road.
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Each home would boast a private courtyard at the rear facing George Street and stone wall boundaries at the fore. The landscape pitches sharply upwards from Stamford Road to the rear abodes on George Street to the south. A communal pathway connects 9 George Street and The Blazing Rag Public House, bisecting the site.
The original proposal for eight terraced homes has been reduced to seven by the developer. However, the revised plan has still faced significant opposition from locals and Mossley Town Council.
The primary concerns include potential traffic congestion, increased air pollution from idling vehicles, and prolonged disruption to residents. Coun Tafheen Sharif expressed her objection, stating: "Considering the proximity of the development site to the Mossley town centre junctions, this development would gridlock the town."
Despite these concerns, planning officers have recommended approval for the application.
A vacant Hindu worship centre may be converted into an apartment complex if the developer's plans are approved. The site, located off Russell Street, was previously occupied by the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission from the 1980s until 2015.
After the Hindu community built a new temple, completed in October 2021, MON Properties Ltd proposed a four-storey development with 20 new apartments. The plan includes 11 studio apartments, three one-bedroom apartments, and six two-bedroom apartments.
The location is considered ideal for new homes due to its proximity to transportation links, schools, colleges, and shops. The scheme has received minimal objections, primarily concerning the potential for local parking issues due to the lack of provision in the plan.
However, planning officers recommended approval.
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