Controversial proposals to transform a historic listed building into a shared house and build ‘extra care’ apartments in Tameside will go ahead after council chiefs lost two appeals.
The planning inspectorate has overturned two of the town hall’s recent refusals, which were made after pleas from residents and politicians at meetings of its planning committee.
Plans to build a 29-bed apartment block for senior citizens with care needs on the site of two houses in Dukinfield had been knocked back over highway safety fears.
Dozens of neighbours around Ralphs Lane had objected, arguing that increased traffic on the single lane access to the site - which was regularly used by ambulances - would be a safety hazard.
People were also worried that the three-storey building would tower over the existing housing estate on the road.
But a solicitor appointed by the secretary of state, D Guiver, reversed the committee’s decision stating the council could not demonstrate they could meet their five-year housing supply.
Mr Guiver added that the benefit arising from the proposed development was ‘substantial’.
He also addressed issues raised by ‘interested parties’ who had also objected over issues of excess light, noise and disturbance during construction, overlooking and impact on wildlife.
“There is no compelling evidence to show that the scheme would result in invasive 24-hour external lighting to an extent that would be detrimental to neighbouring occupiers and in any event, the level and location of illumination could be controlled by conditions,” he wrote.
“Similarly, noise and disturbance during construction could be controlled by a condition limiting the hours and days of work on the site.”
The development - which includes 17 car parking spaces and communal gardens - will now be permitted to go ahead, with conditions attached.
In Denton, proposals to allow a Georgian building to be transformed into a shared house for 12 people can also go ahead despite a police boss and politicians voicing concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.
The application to convert the former 19th century townhouse on Stockport Road into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) had been opposed by Tameside’s police superintendent, MP Andrew Gwynne and local councillors.
Against officers’ recommendations, the planning committee members had rejected it citing over-development and a lack of parking space.
But inspector Nigel Harrison has now overturned that saying he is in favour of a ‘pragmatic approach’ to restoring a derelict building, and it amounted to a 'sustainable form of development'.
The three-storey house had been used as offices, but has since fallen into a bad state of disrepair.
Mr Harrison stated that low levels of privately rented accommodation in the area suggested there was 'no over-concentration of HMOs in the locality which might be giving rise to environmental or social problems'.
“The rooms would be of a generous size and the provision of en-suite bathrooms would allow greater privacy than is often the case in HMOs," he added.
“Internally the property would benefit from a complete refurbishment which would bring the building up to modern standards.
“I conclude on the main issue that the proposal would not result in an over-intensive form of development that would add to parking stress or compromise highway safety in the area.”
The 12 bedrooms would be spread over three floors and each would have en-suite facilities, together with communal kitchens.
