Site LPS 56: Land at Little Stanneylands, Wilmslow

The development of the Little Stanneylands site over the Local Plan Strategy period will be achieved through:

1. The delivery of around 200 dwellings;
2. Provision of a direct cycle and pedestrian link from the site to Manchester Road, linking the site to Handforth Railway Station and centre;
3. Provision of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Dean and improvement of public access along the river valley to include a footpath link from Linneys Bridge to Manchester Road; and
4. Retention of trees and woodlands at the edges of the site, with new planting to re-enforce landscape features - to properly define a new Green Belt boundary and to maintain the setting of existing properties and protect the amenities of those occupiers.

Site Specific Principles of Development

1. The development must be a high quality design which reflects and respects the character of the area and the amenities of neighbouring properties.
2. Provide a comprehensive landscaping scheme which retains existing mature trees and hedgerows where possible.
3. Creation of a new vehicular access to Stanneylands Road, or as an alternative to Manchester Road.
4. Improve the connectivity and accessibility into and out of the site to Handforth centre and the wider local area with the provision of cycle paths and pedestrian linkages.
5. Provision must be made for public open space to the north and west of the site utilising the river valley. Any new development will be expected to make contributions to playing fields and children’s play facilities where these cannot be provided on site.
6. New development will be expected to respect any existing ecological constraints on site and where necessary provide appropriate mitigation.
7. Provide contributions to health and education infrastructure.
8. The Local Plan Strategy site is expected to provide affordable housing in line with the policy requirements set out in Policy SC 5 'Affordable Homes'.
9. Provide for a long-term management strategy for land along the Dean Valley shown as Protected Open Space in Figure 15.68.
10. Respect for the setting of listed buildings adjacent to the site.
11. A minimum of a Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment for contaminated land should be carried out to demonstrate that the site is, or could be made, suitable for use should it be found to be contaminated. Further work, including a site investigation, may be required at a pre-planning stage, depending on the nature of the site.

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Justification

15.664 The site offers an excellent opportunity for a sustainable residential development which will contribute to meeting Wilmslow’s housing requirements.

15.665 The site is reasonably well located to Wilmslow with bus routes nearby and within easy walking distance to Handforth Railway Station and district centre, provided an appropriate pedestrian linkage to Manchester Road is provided. This needs to be a direct safe and level access in order that the full sustainable potential of the site can be realised.

15.666 With a quality design, the development of the site could respect the character and distinctiveness of the locality with quality design. Green links along the River Dean could be created, improving local connectivity and benefitting new residents as well as the wider area. It is proposed that land to the north and west lying between the development and the River Dean will be dedicated as a new area of land with public access. In addition to measures to improve use and accessibility, the land will require an appropriate management plan and arrangements for its long term management that retain its special character.