A PROPOSED new block of affordable flats can benefit Ashton-under-Lyne in several ways, not least how its town centre looks.
Jigsaw Homes wants to construct the new structure on what is currently vacant land being used as a car park on Stamford Street Central, next to what was Hudson Bay nightclub.
All 35 units – 33 of which will be one-bedroomed – will be rented and are described as ‘a response to an identified need for affordable housing in the area and have been developed in consultation between Jigsaw Homes Tameside and Tameside Council.’
And document state the three-storey structure will add to its surroundings.
They say: “Previous buildings on the site appeared to contain early 20th century bingo hall or cinema and later 19th century housing and commercial properties.
“These units were demolished relatively recently and created a large blight upon the townscape character as a result.
As such the opportunity to ‘re-stitch’ the environment here as well as allowing more people to live within the town, is apparent.
“Ultimately this proposal would re-introduce built development upon this site to re-establish a historic context that once existed but has since been removed.
“In this respect it is by far the best solution for repairing the damage of past demolition.
“There is an opportunity to re-stitch the urban fabric with a development of suitable scale that would greatly enhance the surrounding area.
“The positioning of the proposed building provides a 24-metre privacy distance to the rear of the first floor of the terraced housing on Fleet Street ensuring their privacy and natural light is not impacted.
“The building also acts as a shield from the town centre activities they are exposed to with the current open car park whilst also providing good natural surveillance, thus improving the security of the dwellings.”
Jigsaw’s reasoning for the proposed development comes after Tameside Council confirmed 36 per cent of its waiting list has a one-bedroom need.
And it would contribute to meeting various needs across the area, such as move on for care leavers reaching 18 and those threatened with homelessness, particularly under-35s and a growing number of single people and couples facing increasing affordability struggles.
Figures from October state there are 83 vulnerable households in Tameside residing in temporary accommodation with a one-bedroom need.
The main access will be from the front of the property on Stamford Street Central and has been designed to be step free.
Parking will be at the rear, accessed off the ‘service’ street of Fleet Street.
Tameside Council’s housing growth team has already given its backing, as long as the apartments remain as affordable rented homes, with all nominations on first lets being made by the council and at least 50 per cent on subsequent rentals.
The authority’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.