A new retirement village could be built on the site of a derelict former garden centre.
Dozens of apartments for older people are being proposed for the old Ladybridge Garden Centre, in Cheadle Hulme.
Developer Anwyl Partnerships has revealed a ‘draft plan’ for land at the corner of Ladybridge Road and Mill Lane.
The scheme would boast up to 70 one and two-bedroom flats and cater for residents’ care needs.
An online consultation states: “The proposal is for a modern retirement development designed to facilitate an independent lifestyle in a safe environment for occupants aged over 55 years.
“It will offer a range of care needs and affordable homes, managed by a housing association with strong connections to the local area.”
The developer adds that the design of the building would be sympathetic to its setting and could also include community facilities such as a cafe, hairdresser or function room.
Although previously developed, the proposed former garden centre lies within the green belt.
But Anwyl Partnerships says the scheme would both improve the site and bring benefits to the wider Stockport area.
The developer points to figures from the council’s latest housing needs assessment which forecasts a 2,713 shortfall in specialised accommodation by 2037.
The borough also has a deficit of 549 affordable homes per year, while nearly half of all older households would like to downsize.
The consultation documents adds: "The garden centre ceased occupation in the 1990s and the buildings demolished in the mid-2000s.
“The site has remained in a state of dereliction for at least 15 years. Since then, it has suffered from antisocial behaviour, unauthorised occupation by travellers, fly tipping and misuse.”
It continues: “The site is derelict brownfield land, providing the ideal opportunity to meet a growing need for housing and specialist housing in Stockport.
Bringing it back into use would benefit the wider area and reduce pressures to build on more open green spaces.”
The building would face out on to Mill Lane and Ladybridge Road, and the developer says its would be designed not to dominate the area or overlook nearby properties.
There would also be communal areas, landscaping and a car park.
The road that previously served the garden centre remains in use and would provide access to the retirement village should it be approved.
Anwyl Partnerships is currently holding a public consultation on the plans prior to submitting a planning application.
Residents can have their say here: https://www.milllaneconsultation.com/
