Bredbury Gateway poised for go-ahead

Stockport Council is expected this month to approve developer Quorum Estates’ scaled-back plans to build almost 1m sq ft of additional units at the Bredbury Industrial Estate off the M60.

The 76-acre site between the industrial park and the River Tame has long been earmarked for redevelopment, including in the most recent version of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework published.

However, Quorum’ proposal to expand the industrial estate by building on adjacent land known as Bredbury Gateway was the subject of a row between Stockport and Tameside councils last year, as the estate lies on the border of the two boroughs.

Quorum’s original £80m proposal was to build 25 units ranging in size from 10,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft, increasing the park’s footprint by 1.2m sq ft. Tameside Council had raised concerns over the large scale of the scheme, designed by AEW Architects, and the environmental impact it could have on the Tame Valley.

Following engagement with planning officers and local residents, Quorum shrunk its proposal by more than 20% at the end of last year, to allow for a larger area of green space and a woodland buffer.

The updated proposals seek detailed permission for two employment units totalling 429,000 sq ft, and outline consent for the remaining 574,000 sq ft with all matters reserved.

The scheme would be accessed off Bredbury Parkway close to Junction J25 of the M60. The development would provide large-scale industrial and logistics units over 43,000 sq ft each “to satisfy ever-increasing demand in the sector”, Quorum said.

Despite the reduction in floor area, a previously agreed extensive package of highways contributions remains unchanged. If the plans are approved, the capacity of two roundabouts at Junction 25 would be increased and several other junctions would undergo improvements, on Bredbury Park Way and Ashton Road. The scheme also includes an overspill car park to serve Stockport Sports Village.

Green space is to account for almost one-third (21 acres) of the site (21 acres) and include an area of increased landscape buffer intended to minimise the visual impact of the scheme. The on-site green space would deliver ecological improvements with 10% biodiversity net gain, amenity areas and improved footpath and cycle routes, according to the planning application.

The Bredbury Gateway units would also benefit from a ‘New Development’ certification from the Planet Mark, by incorporating measures from a substantial carbon reduction checklist beyond what would typically be achieved on a standard development, Quorum said.

The scheme is to be discussed by the Werneth Area planning committee on 8 March and the Central Stockport Area Committee on 11 March before being determined by Stockport Council on 24 March.