The former Urmston cottage hospital is set to be transformed into 16 apartments, following the approval of a scheme by Trafford's planning committee. The applicant, Qasim Shah, plans to convert the vacant Victorian building, which until recently was the Serendipity care home for the elderly on Greenfield Avenue, into self-contained flats.
The plan includes the demolition of three single-storey flat-roofed rear elements and alterations to several windows and doors. The planning permission is conditional upon a £268,000 contribution from the applicant towards the provision of affordable housing elsewhere, secured through a Section 106 agreement.
The apartments will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes. However, the committee received letters of objection from 16 neighbouring properties, expressing concerns over 'over-development' of the plot and the proposal for 'too many' apartments.
They also argued that most of the flats would be too small and would not meet National Design Space Standards, although this was refuted by planning officers. One objector raised concerns about 'inadequate access to natural light'.
The committee heard that the building is deemed a non-designated heritage asset due to its historical significance as a former cottage hospital. Planning officers believe that any potential harm caused by the development would be offset by the benefits of bringing the site back into use, particularly given its location near public transport links, which makes it a sustainable choice, reports .
The plans include parking and vehicle access at the north end of the site. Committee Chair, Coun Barry Winstanley, who has been monitoring the development's progress, stated: "There have been various proposals [for the building] and I've watched the officers get something which I think is an acceptable proposal. It will preserve lots of the heritage assets while providing a number of apartments which are at least the national minimum space standards."
Coun Shirley Proctor also praised the development's accessibility features, which will enable disabled individuals to utilise the building.
"I am thrilled to see the cottage hospital finally being made into something that benefits local people," she commented.
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