A ‘SEVERELY dilapidated’ Ashton building will be transformed into 43 apartments that will be used as social housing after planning permission was granted.
Infinity Property Investing, who would then work with Express Housing, will turn the former JT Griffiths and Co, which was a mattress ticking warehouse into a new development.
For councillors on Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee voted unanimously to give the project, on Stockport Road, the green light at its meeting on Wednesday, January 18, even though designs were amended in December.
The applicants feel the introduction of the one bedroomed properties, which would be used by vulnerable adults and be staffed, would help ease a mounting crisis.
And there should be no problem in filling them as a statement supporting the application states: “There has already been an overwhelming expression of interest in leasing this property once developed from housing providers who have earned their reputation in the borough as highly regarded providers of bespoke support to vulnerable adults.
“The objectives of this proposed development is, therefore, to alleviate this mounting housing shortage whilst bringing back into a use a derelict property in the heart of Ashton-Under-Lyne.”
Infinity had a number of social housing providers and charities contact the with a view to managing the scheme.
However, Express Housing, which partners with various social housing groups and charities in Tameside and Oldham to provide individuals not only with housing but with the support they need to be able to maintain their tenancy and improve their personal circumstances, will take it on.
Each of the 43 apartments will have an open plan kitchen/lounge area, a separate bedroom, bathroom, and private storage area.
And while those living there will have an assured tenancy agreement, they will still be offered supervision and assistance when required through a staffed concierge’s office located at the entrance to the building.
Experienced housing officers will work alongside the residents on a regular basis to support and assist them on the path to independent living.
The building has been empty since JT Griffiths moved to larger premises in Stockport in 2013 and documents described its condition in stark terms.
They add: “Having been neglected on a long-term basis by the previous landowner, the structure has fallen victim to vandalism and dilapidation, and is currently in a severe state of disrepair.
“What remains of the building is severely dilapidated, posing an unnecessary security risk to neighbouring residential properties, and undermining the quality and value of the area.
“The exterior appearance of the building has an undesirable impact on the context and character of its immediate surroundings.”
Two single storey outbuildings, described as being in ‘especially poor condition’ will be demolished to accommodate three parking spaces.
And developers believe it will benefit the area, adding: “Being in a mixed-use area comprising of residential and retail units, the building has immense potential.
“Neglect and abandonment have resulted in the property falling into a disrepair, making it unusable and unsafe for occupation of any kind.
“The proposed redevelopment of the building for residential use is sympathetic to the feel of the area.”
Great news ,we other large old buildings in Ashton and others left empty by privater owners some with trees growing out of them let’s get them converted
Good news, we need more of this kind of thing.
Let’s hope they get that massive tree off the roof of the old Ashton Baths You know the one that’s been growing since 1939 and plant it into the ground next to it as a reminder, It was before my time I never had the chance to bathe at the baths but I grew up next to it, And I spent many many hours in the cells of the old Ashton police station Contemplating what my life was to become, As well as writing my mental health memoirs
Presently as of 2024 I do like to go and bathe in a similar place where I live now in Soho W1 In the west end of London it is still a bath house with a pool To go swimming in All Art Deco, Marble floor, Victorian tiled, Glassed out Window lights in the Curved iron roof, and all that ! It’s basically a Time Machine ! With a smell that is truly nostalgic !
I doubt they’ll be able to do that with the old Ashton Baths but at least Those clever dicks at the council could make it into the apartments for the Vulnerable folk who actually come from the Tameside Metropolitan Borough and not for the rich and wealthy You know those upper class folk, The Tik Tok out of Towners, LOL
Tameside (Metropolitan) Borough It’s a long time since I’ve heard that,
However As an afterthought It must have sounded Trendy, Retro & Woke when they Came up with that name in 1900 & 74.
LOL Again & LOL Some more.