Warehouse conversion into social housing to go before councillors

Plans to convert a historic warehouse in nearby Ashton into more than 40 social housing apartments are set to be decided by councillors.

Officers are recommending approval to an application to construct 43 flats in the former J T Griffiths & Co Ltd building on Stockport Road.

It had previously been a mattress ticking warehouse and was in use from 1963 until 2013 before the business moved to larger premises in Stockport.

Infinity Property Investing Ltd is proposing to convert it into ‘spacious’ one-bedroom apartments, which would then be leased to charities and social housing providers to offer tenancies.

This is proposed to be Express Housing Ltd, according to the planning report.

The future use could include secure housing for women who are homeless or victims of domestic abuse, or adults with disabilities.

The planning report, due to be debated by councillors, states: “The scheme will enable residents to live independently, where they would perhaps not be able to otherwise.

“A dedicated staff team will be available on site, to assist residents where required.

"This model is intended to assist residents in finding employment or education, or establish roots within the local community, with the intention that they would eventually move into the private rented sector in future.”

The development would be split between 41 one-bed and two, two bedroom apartments.

A single storey section of the building would be partially demolished, adjacent to the frontage, and would be set back within the plot in order to create a courtyard and access.

Each apartment would have an open plan kitchen and lounge area with a separate bedroom, bathroom and storage area.Staff facilities would be provided in the basement.

Infinity Property Investing Ltd had stated that the historic structure had fallen ‘victim to vandalism and dilapidation’ after being effectively abandoned for nine years.

The building is now ‘disused and derelict’ according to the planning documents.

However, because of the ‘historical interest’ of the building the developer is proposing to make ‘minimal modifications’ to the façade.

All the original aspects would be restored and retained, with only the shop front windows altered to reflect the first floor.

The applicant is also proposing to install motion sensing LED lighting to illuminate the footpaths and car park in the evenings and at night to enhance security.

It will be discussed at a meeting of the planning panel on Wednesday (January 18).

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