Stockport moves to unlock tricky affordable housing site
A compulsory purchase order will be used to acquire a plot of land in Higher Hillgate that is earmarked for 24 homes.
Stockport Council is seeking to bring the site on the corner of Higher Barlow Row and Higher Hillgate under its control. The authority owns part of the site while another three individuals also have an interest.
In addition, there are parts of the site that are unregistered, complicating the situation.
The private landowners have agreed in principle to having their plots acquired through compulsory purchase powers.
Meanwhile, the council will take out indemnity insurance to protect itself against future claims on the unregistered land.
Securing a clean title will pave the way for the site’s redevelopment by Stockport Housing Group, which has been working with the private landowners under an option granted by Stockport Council in 2022.
SHG’s plans for the site, which are awaiting approval, include seven one-bedroom flats and 17 with two beds.
