A ‘vital’ local shop and community hub in Stalybridge are now to be retained under new plans by an affordable housing developer to regenerate the area.
More than 400 people had signed a petition against previous proposals to knock down the shops on Ambleside Parade and replace them with houses.
Ward councillors who opposed the original plans said loss of the shops – including Waz’s convenience store and the Big Local Hub – would be ‘another crucial blow to local people’.
And in line with officers’ recommendations, members of the planning committee agreed to reject the application from Jigsaw Homes – formerly New Charter – at a meeting in June last year.
Now Jigsaw has submitted new plans to redevelop the area of the Ridge Hill estate, which would see the much-loved shopping arcade retained.
The latest proposals would see 16, two, three and four-bedroom semi detached affordable houses built in the place of three demolished blocks of maisonettes on Ambleside Parade and Rydal Walk.
The existing shopping parade will be kept, and the maisonettes above will be refurbished with ‘environmental improvements’ and new landscaping.
Stalybridge North councillor Jan Jackson said the importance of having local services, such as a shop and post office on people’s doorsteps had been made even more apparent during the coronavirus pandemic.
“What they were going to do with the original plans was totally unacceptable,” she added.
“There is an assumption that everyone can drive to the shops and that is not the case. The bus services and the public services are crucial to the survival of this community.
“The fight was on to keep those shops when there are people that can’t get out of the house or can only walk a few hundred yards, so this is a vital service.
“We have to credit Jigsaw Homes for listening to the community, the councillors and the residents.”
The design and access report on behalf of the developer states that the ambition is to create an ‘inclusive and sustainable community capable of supporting local facilities’.
“The aim of this development is to provide a high-quality living environment which is sympathetic to its surroundings whilst reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the local area,” it states.
“All of the homes will be energy efficient, creating sustainability both for the occupants and the environment.
“Generously designed houses with private rear gardens and in-curtilage parking will provide a safe and convenient living environment for growing families.
“Spacious and well thought out houses will provide a manageable home for young or growing families whilst externally the designs will add and improve the existing street scene along Ambleside, employing off street parking and sensitive landscaping it will create a welcoming neighbourhood which will sit well and benefit greatly in the local community.”
