Stockport Character and Urban Density (SCUD) study

Marple District Centre

This webpage provides a summary of the Marple District Centre report.

Marple District Centre is made up of the historic high street which consists of terraced rows. The pedestrianised Market Street has commercial units with a range of uses.

Modern development (which is yet to be filled) exists behind the high street and at points along Stockport Road, which creates variation from the traditional Victorian architecture.

The variation in topography creates changes in the skyline, but generally follows the sloping streets. In some places, the roofline goes above the consistent height.

Memorial Park is a key public recreational space for Marple, which benefits from significant views to the Peak District.

There are a number of positive characteristics in the area that should be retained and enhanced through the design of new development. These include the:

• characteristic historic buildings
• pedestrianised environment with active Victorian buildings at ground floor
• proximity to green space and open views to surrounding countryside
• proximity to historic canals

There are negative characteristics which should be improved through the design of new development. These include the:

• inactive gateways
• varying widths in pavements and low-quality surfaces
• car-dominated environment
• outdated shopping units

Consultation

A stakeholder consultation took place on 25 September 2023 at the Marple Senior Citizens Hall. The consultation focused on the existing positive characteristics and opportunities for change. The key findings from this event were that there are opportunities to:

• redesign the high street, and to promote café culture and business trading
• create attractive spaces and streets with street trees
• encourage local shops and independent businesses to flourish
• create new development with good-quality design that allows independent business uses to continue

Potential for change

A small number of residential developments are within Marple. The majority of buildings are occupied by non-residential uses in the district centre. Of those that are present, a large proportion are flats in the district centre.

Generally, building heights in Marple are low-rise. They are typically up to 2 storeys in height. However, there are buildings of up to 4 storeys in some locations. Given this, the study identifies the potential to:

• increase density and height of up to 4 storeys within small, empty sites where there’s more space between buildings in the district centre
• take advantage of the undulating topography to deliver taller development of up to 5 storeys at junctions that create urban nodes (key focal points); these should make the environment easier to navigate, and should not dominate the skyline
• include taller buildings of up to 4 storeys at gateways into Marple District Centre (these would be appropriate places for taller buildings)
• increase density and height of up to 5 storeys at Rose Hill Railway Station, where the changes in levels can accommodate height

The study provides further character analysis of select sites within the areas. These sites have been identified as having the potential for positive change and wider public benefits in Marple. These sites have been chosen because of their:

• location
• size
• sensitivity
• capacity to incorporate development of increased scale and density

The study illustrates what could potentially be achieved on these types of sites and within their wider area. Planning permission is still required for all sites included. This study does not permit or propose specific development.

By analysing these areas from a design perspective, the study estimates the number of homes that these sites could hold. This is between 60 to 250 dph (dwellings per hectare).

Along the high street, the most appropriate building height is around 3 storeys. On some sites, buildings could reach up to 5 storeys while still fitting within the look and feel of the area. The study recommends that town houses and apartments are the most suitable housing type for these areas.

Priorities for change

Through analysing the area, and consulting key stakeholders, the study identifies 4 placemaking priorities. Placemaking is the process used to shape public spaces and buildings, to create places where people want to live, work and visit. It should be rooted in a strong understanding of the character of the area and involvement from the local community.

The placemaking priorities should guide future development in the area. These are:

• a community heart in Marple
• development which responds to existing heritage features
• enhancing the pedestrian environment on the high street
• a vibrant high street

Future development which increases scale and density in Marple District Centre must be designed sensitively and holistically. It should respond to the existing townscape within and around the district centre.

As such, the study recommends design guidance to take into consideration through the design of new development. This includes:

• enhancing the existing positive characteristics of Marple identified in the character appraisal set out within the report
• delivering high-quality, contemporary development that fits with the distinctive architectural features within the area
• enhancing the pedestrian environment along the high street
• making sure that landmark buildings signify and enhance the gateway into the local centre, particularly at Rose Hill Marple Railway Station

Overall, the study concludes that there's opportunity to deliver sustainable living within Marple District Centre. New residential development should respond to local housing needs. The study shows that this can be achieved through sensitively increasing building heights and densities.