Stockport council's planning and highways committee is due to consider four planning applications next week that could see hundreds of homes built across the borough's green spaces. The applications, in Woodford near Bramhall, Offerton and near Hazel Grove, would total 1,292 homes if approved.
Woodford applications face opposition
In Woodford, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have applied to develop land on Upper Swineseye Farm and build potentially 455 homes, of which 50 per cent would be affordable. The plans were recommended for rejection by local councillors.
A separate application by JAG Woodford Ltd and Russell LDP for land south of Chester Road was recommended for approval by officers but rejected by elected members. If given the go ahead, this could see 423 houses built alongside up to 72 apartments for those aged over 55, and a 72-bed care home.
Hazel Grove and Offerton proposals
A total of 81 new homes could also be built off Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove. It is the latest plan put forward for consideration in the area after 160 homes were approved last month. The new plans promise to provide 91 homes classed as affordable with 20 for social rent, but it would be entirely within the green belt.
In Offerton, 106 homes could be built on land that is a former playing field owned by Stockport Grammar School. Fifty-three of the homes would be classed as affordable if the scheme is granted planning permission. Officers are recommending the plans in Offerton are approved, but local councillors in the Stepping Hill area decided not to make a recommendation, citing the need for further information.
Concerns raised over infrastructure
An officer report said: "Whilst is it regrettable that this proposal would result in the loss of this former playing field, it is considered that having regard to the level of mitigation secured by the proposal, this should be attributed only moderate weight, the scheme as presented will offer significant benefits in the delivery of new market and affordable homes, in a well laid out and designed development."
During a debate on the Chester Road application, Liberal Democrat councillor Jeremy Meal said there were frustrations in the village over promises made by developers that have still not materialised. Referring to a new school in the village proposed as part of a previously approved development, he said: "I think, rightly, residents feel cheated in Woodford when ultimate control of the school expansion is out of direct council control, because basically this has all been promised before."
Conservative councillor Peter Crossen also criticised the plans, telling the committee: "Living in Woodford, I see many houses up for sale at the moment. Many houses of neighbours of mine that have moved in, stayed there for a year to two years and realised that the infrastructure is not there to support them and their family."
Gary Lynch, speaking on behalf of Russell LDP, said they had 'put forward a high quality and sustainable development that responds positively to its surroundings'. He said they had taken on board concerns, improvements would be made to local bus routes, housing shortfalls in Stockport addressed, and support provided for a new health centre and day nursery.
In response to the Hazel Grove application, Deborah Hind, on behalf of the Friends of the Happy Valley nature reserve, said: "We are about to devastate such an asset, such a gem in Stockport and I sound quite emotional because that's what I am, because I just can't believe that we're allowing another development."
Arguing for the planning application, Clover Long from Litchfields' Planning said the scheme would deliver 91 high quality and affordable homes helping to tackle the waiting list of thousands of people on Stockport's housing register. She added: "The proposals will deliver a well-designed, safe and sustainable development. It will make a significant contribution to addressing Stockport's identified market and affordable housing need. The scheme will also deliver a range of economic and environmental benefits."
