Historic mill conversion sparks controversy

A century-old mill in the centre of Ashton will be transformed into 18 new apartments – but it has sparked controversy.

Good Hope Mill, now known as Good Hope Business Centre, currently consists of separate retail and commercial units as well as a place of worship.

When planning permission was approved last year, all the one-bedroom homes at the Cross Street site were to be made available for social and affordable rates (up to 80 per cent of market value).

The latest version of the plan, taking away all the affordable homes, left a sour taste in the mouths of the panel.

Developer Mr Miah Subhan said the affordable homes aspect of the plan was no longer financially viable. This is due to low house prices in Ashton and lack of a registered provider to manage the properties, the latest planning panel meeting heard.

Speaking at the meeting in Droylsden’s Guardsman Tony Downes House, Coun Doreen Dickinson said: “I find this the most strange application. If you’re going to develop a property you do a background to know exactly what you’re doing. 

“Whoever did this first development plan needs sacking.”

Councillor Adrian Pearce added: “I also take issue with the developer because it’s not a minor material change, it’s a major change.

“We’re being deceived here because we’re being promised pears, but we’re getting apples.

“I think the planning committee should know the likelihood of affordable housing schemes going forward.”

An independent body had looked at the evidence put forward by the developer regarding the financial viability of the scheme, which confirmed they could not break even by making all the apartments affordable.

Tameside Council planning officers agreed it ‘doesn’t look great’, but said the recommendation of approval would still have been given if no affordable housing had been included initially.

The panel reluctantly approved the application.