Planning permission has been unanimously granted for a new Eco Business Park in Cheadle.

Network Space Developments (NSD) submitted the planning application on behalf of landowner Stockport Council for the 115,000 sq ft multi-unit development at the Bird Hall Lane site. Delivering six light industrial units, from 10,000 to 40,000 sq ft, it is designed to target BREEAM Outstanding, a new benchmark for a scheme of this type, and align with Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards.

Following the planning committee’s approval, the development will be constructed to suit a wide range of potential business requirements, supported by the £4.4 million grant secured through the Government Town Fund.

Paul Richards, Director of Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “We can now take forward this exciting opportunity to create a groundbreaking, sustainable new employment zone which will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but will also mean more jobs, which will be a huge boost the local economy.

“We look forward to working alongside NSD to progress plans and demonstrate our commitment in tackling climate change alongside our CAN (Climate Action Now) work.”       

Set to create upwards of 200 jobs once complete, the development is central to the Town Investment Plan, which will unlock Cheadle’s economic potential and drive clean growth. NSD worked closely with the Cheadle Town Fund Board in developing the proposals.

The development will appeal to a wide range of businesses, targeting occupiers operating in the clean growth and green technology sector alongside commercial occupiers seeking low carbon and highly sustainable business premises. CBRE and B8 have been appointed to market the development.

Catherine Chilvers, Development Director at Network Space Developments, said: ““On behalf of Stockport Council, we’re delighted to be leading such an environmentally exemplar development, pursuing low carbon technologies and building materials to target net zero carbon in both construction and operation. Alongside the use of air source heat pumps and solar PVs, the design will help to minimise occupier energy demand and usage. We are actively exploring the use of structural timber frames and we look forward to shortly commencing the detailed design process.”

The 7-acre site lies close to the M60 between Stockport and Cheadle. Currently comprising hard standing and older, inefficient industrial buildings, the proposals include tree planting and landscaping which, alongside environmental swales, will deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, significantly exceeding current planning policy.

Outdoor wellbeing space, electric vehicle charging and cycling amenities will be provided, and as part of the site’s redevelopment, there will be investment into initiatives to encourage active travel to work, including cycle/footpath improvements in the locality.

The project team includes architects, AEW, Spawforths planning, Tyler Grange landscape and ecology, Wilde Consulting Engineers and M&E from Kaizen Consulting.