Edward Mellor is progressing plans to redevelop its St Petersgate head office in Stockport into a mixed-use scheme comprising up to 190 flats, office space and retail floorspace. The proposals have been submitted for EIA screening, with a full planning application now being prepared, and include retention of the locally listed 63-81 St Petersgate building.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing is advancing plans for the next phase of regeneration at Lower Falinge, with a hybrid application expected for the demolition of existing stock and the delivery of 270 affordable rent homes. The scheme covers two parcels of land north of Rochdale town centre and forms part of a longer-running council-led regeneration strategy for the area.
Rochdale Council has secured an option agreement to acquire the long-vacant Warwick Mill in Middleton, with Capital&Centric positioned to lead redevelopment if the deal progresses. The council will use a four-month exclusivity period to complete due diligence, while feasibility work is already under way for a potential residential-led conversion of the grade II-listed former cotton mill.
Liverpool City Council has refused Brack Construction’s proposal for 290 flats in Vauxhall, citing eight reasons including affordable housing and design concerns. The developer says it had addressed most issues through pre-application discussions and has now asked the Secretary of State to consider calling in the decision, with an appeal also being planned.
Taylor Wimpey is seeking outline consent for 160 homes in Hazel Grove, Stockport, on land currently designated Green Belt and in agricultural use. The proposal is being considered by the local area committee amid significant public opposition, with officers noting the borough’s weak housing land supply and unmet housing need as key planning factors.
Blackpool Council has approved its £4m Revoe Community Sports Village, while rejecting Cygnet Healthcare’s proposal to expand a mental health facility near the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. The council also deferred a decision on coastal defence works involving 17 rock groynes, pending further work with the RNLI on safety matters.
Castle Green Homes has appealed Flintshire County Council’s refusal of a 315-home scheme in Ewloe, arguing the committee’s reasons for rejection were unsupported and amounted to unreasonable behaviour. The developer is also seeking full costs and has submitted a revised application for 276 homes while the appeal is considered.
Peak Cluster, a proposed carbon capture and storage pipeline scheme, has asked Wirral Council for a licence to access council land for surveys ahead of any future planning application. The request will be considered by the council’s policy and resources committee, with officers noting that the applicant could otherwise pursue access through statutory powers if the project progresses to a nationally significant infrastructure project.
The housing minister has said the final list of new towns will be announced by the end of the year, after a delay to allow further review of consultation responses and strategic environmental assessments. The programme is intended to support large-scale new settlements and urban extensions, with an emphasis on high-quality design, placemaking and environmental mitigation.
