The application site, known as Compstall Printworks, was extremely constrained and largely made up of locally listed industrial buildings with significant historic importance. With this in mind, one of our key considerations was to employ a design strategy that stayed faithful to the site’s history but also met the needs of modern living. We achieved this by conserving elements of buildings and features within the site to reflect their local or regional importance.

Our site layout in particular considered the creation of specific character areas, acknowledging the former Compstall Printworks site as forming part of the local industrial landscape shaped by the Andrew family.

We encountered multiple challenges along the way, as the development area was located alongside the River Etherow with Gigg Brook dissecting the site. The site was identified within Flood Zone 3; a significant constraint for residential development. Furthermore, we had to overcome highway constraints, site level issues, land contamination, ecology and biodiversity restrictions, and Tree Protection Order constraints.

Planning approval was granted unanimously by Stockport Council.