Mockbeggar Properties reveals plan to turn Stuckton commercial building into nine cottages

A DEVELOPER has submitted plans to convert a failed commercial development near Hyde into nine cottages.

The U-shaped building at Coles Yard in Stuckton was built with the intention of attracting businesses. But according to applicant Mockbeggar Properties that plan failed and it has lain empty since being erected.

The go-ahead for the commercial property was first given in 2012 but although building work started it was never fully completed.

The developer has now applied to New Forest District Council for permission to turn the existing two-storey building into nine homes with gardens and parking.

In its application, Mockbeggar said the use of the brownfield site for employment purposes was “not viable” and, despite being marketed for 19 months, there was "no demand” from businesses and no “commercial interest”.

Turning it into cottages, the company said, will “make the best and most efficient” use of the underutilised site.

If given the green light, the developers would change window and door openings and provide new cladding to enhance the building.

The result, it claimed, would be a “good standard of living for future residents”.

The area would be landscaped with a new native hedgerow erected as a defined boundary to the site. Trees would also be planted. Each cottage would have a parking space and there would also be a cycle parking bay.

The developer said the scheme will “deliver significant benefits” by turning the existing empty building into houses of mixed size which will “provide choice to the local market”.

The NFDC will make a decision on the plans after public consultation has expired on 31st December.