Plans to convert a historic town centre building into 45 new apartments have been submitted to Stockport Council. 

The proposals would see the former probation office at 19-37 High Street converted into two four-storey apartment blocks, with a mixture of one and two bedroom homes. 

The design aims to retain as much historic character of the original building as possible. 

As developer Brittania Group states, plans would "retain and refurbish the most historic building on the site, whilst removing the other less significant buildings for new development". 

The 'main' historic building was first opened in 1900, initially as a green grocer's. It became a probation office in 1983. 

The extent of the buildings at 19-37 High Street in Stockport town centre, marked out in red (Image via planning document)

It is currently vacant, with the applicant arguing that the space is no longer viable for employment use. 

In preliminary discussions, planning officers, councillors and representatives from St Joseph's - the adjacent primary school - are reportedly happy with the plans 'in principle'. 

As well as the 45 homes, plans also include a rear courtyard garden and sheltered space for 45 bicycles. 

This will be a 'car-free' development - the developer pointed out that there is 'sufficient car parking in the vicinity', and that the level of existing public transport links in the town centre is sufficient. 

The determination deadline for this application is 29 April 2024.

A view of what the Stockport probation building apartments could look like (Image - Ashurst Communications)

The applicant hopes that, subject to approval, work can begin on the site later in the year.

The public consultation expiry date is 23 February, or 1 March for neighbours. 

Nick Carter, development director at the Britannia Group, said: "Stockport is thriving, there's a huge amount of potential and a lot of demand for homes close to the centre of the town.

"We hope local people are as excited as we are by our emerging plans for the former probation centre."

Read more about the application, and submit comments, HERE.

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