Derelict pub in Heald Green has become ‘magnet’ for trouble
Residents in Stockport say a derelict pub has become a magnet for trouble.
Smashed glass from a top-floor window of the Beech Tree Pub on Outwood Road in Heald Green was found spread across the ground last week, and locals said the site has been disused for years.
They told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the land has been used for dumping rubbish and fly-tipping, and shared concerns about people trying to break in.
"It's just broken windows and glass everywhere," said Georgina Porter, a Heald Green resident.
"We're used to seeing people going into the building and up to no good, it's just an eyesore."
Another local, Alan West, added: "It's a complete mess and that broken window is dangerous. It's hard to believe it's been like this so long."
Cllr Catherine Stuart from the Heald Green Ratepayers said most people in the community would like to see the pub turned into new homes.
Across Stockport demand for homes is high, with some facing several years of waiting for social housing properties.
Cllr Stuart said she was aware of a Heald Green resident who had an 18-year wait for social housing, and ended up moving out of the neighbourhood to find accommodation.
"If a social housing tenant treated their home like this they would be evicted, it's a case of private developers and their needs coming ahead of residents," she added.
"My heart goes out to the people who have had to put up with this for five years, the building is a blight on the local community.
"It would be so much better if this site was used to provide homes and not left to decay."
According to the Land Registry, the site was bought by Innavision Group Ltd for £625,000 on April 6, 2021.
The pub was previously listed for sale online for £1m, but the company said it will be remarketed again.
It said that the land had been close to a sale shortly after it was first bought when a "high end national retailer" planned to buy or develop the site.
The firm also claimed that a pre-application was submitted to Stockport council, but said these plans fell through after the process "dragged on for many months."
Cllr Dan Oliver, Stockport council's cabinet member for communities, culture and public protection, said: "We know residents in Heald Green are frustrated about the long-term condition of the Beech Tree Pub site, and we completely understand those concerns.
"We are aware of the situation and we've been in contact with the landowner to discuss their plans and encourage action. We're continuing to work with them and other multi-agency partners to explore options for the site."
An Innavision Group spokesperson added: "Over the years, we've invested thousands of pounds trying to secure and maintain the property.
"We initially installed steel sheeting over the windows and heavy-duty steel doors after repeated break-ins by vandals.
"Unfortunately, even those measures weren't enough, so we resorted to bricking up the windows – and still, the site remained vulnerable. Short of stationing a full-time security guard on the premises, there's little more we could have done to prevent access.
"We've also had to regularly clear fly-tipped waste, which continues to drain our resources. There is absolutely no benefit to us in leaving this site idle – on the contrary, it costs us significantly every month."
The company said the situation is now at a turning point, with the firm putting "all its energy" into finding a solution to the stalemate.
The spokesperson added: "The site lends itself well to many potential uses – a children's nursery, assisted living facility, retirement homes, or even a restaurant like Hickory's.
"However, the most viable and obvious option appears to be a residential development.
"We've also recently been approached by a housing association regarding a joint venture to develop affordable housing.
"What is certain is this: something will happen on this site this year."
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