Express & Star

HCA plan to turn brownfield Cannock factory site into new homes

A brownfield former factory site in Cannock is to be turned into a new housing estate by the Government's Homes and Communities Agency.

Published
CGI of HCA plans for a new housing estate on the former Parker Hannifin factory site in Walkmill Lane, Cannock

A new image gives an idea of what the site could look like if the proposals get the green light from Cannock Chase councillors.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), working with property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, has submitted an outline planning application for a 116 home development at Bridgtown in Cannock.

The plans include the full policy provision of 20 per cent affordable housing, associated infrastructure and public open space.

The eight-acre site, located on Walkmill Lane, was home to the Parker Hannifin factory until 2007, when it was shut down with the loss of 140 jobs. It has remained vacant since.

The HCA initially unveiled its proposal for the site in October.

The plot had previously been targeted for a 93-home development submitted by Schroder Property but the council rejected their proposal because the firm claimed it was too expensive to deliver any affordable housing.

But the HCA plans allocate around 24 of the properties in their scheme as affordable homes.

The site has been earmarked as a strategic site for housing by the council in its recent long-term development strategy.

Karl Tupling, general manager for the Midlands for the HCA, said: “The HCA is really pleased to be helping bring this local site back into use to provide 116 new homes and help local people in Cannock to have access to a home of their own.”

Claire Biddle, from Cushman & Wakefield’s planning and development team, addeed: “The proposals will visually and physically improve this brownfield site, providing green space and an attractive frontage along Walkmill Lane.

"The wider area is becoming more residential in character and the proposed mixture of housing and apartments will contribute to this growing neighbourhood.”