Controversial plans to build 444 homes in the Tameside village of Gee Cross have been approved despite massive backlash. The scheme, by Sintra Property Developments, received narrow approval from Tameside councillors on June 24, with five votes in favour and four against.
Details of the Development
The development will be built on land south of Hyde, close to the Stockport boundary, across two parcels of land: Apethorn and Bowlacre. Construction is expected to take five years. The estate will include acres of public open spaces, parks, children's play facilities, and woodland trails. Additionally, the Grade II*-listed Apethorn Farm complex, currently on Historic England's At Risk register, will be restored and converted into four new homes.
Fifteen per cent of the homes will be designated as 'affordable', priced below market rates. However, when Councillor Jake Frater asked for clarity on the cost of these homes, Richard Barton, the agent representing the developer, said he 'couldn't say at this stage'.
Financial Contributions and Controversy
Sintra Property Developments offered nearly £6 million in financial contributions, including £2.3 million for local education improvements, £1 million for off-site public open space enhancements, £1.3 million for off-site sports provision, and smaller sums for highways infrastructure upgrades in both Tameside and Stockport.
The scheme drew 355 letters of objection from locals, who raised concerns about overdevelopment, especially given the nearby Godley Green Garden Village plans for 2,150 homes. Traffic impact was a major issue. A traffic report submitted with the plans claimed 162 car departures during the morning rush hour peak, but this was widely challenged.
Conservative Councillor Doreen Dickinson said: "When I read the traffic report, if you put common sense into it, it's just nonsense. You've got 440 houses, mostly executive homes, 12 per cent affordable, so using common sense, there's going to be at least 400 cars. To say only 162 will be leaving in the morning I just find absolutely ludicrous." She also noted that the Godley Green development was not mentioned in the traffic survey, and that the £85,000 allocated for traffic light improvements at Woodley was insufficient given the cumulative impact of both developments.
Planning Officer's Response and Approval
Planning officer Ben Sandover countered that the area is 'highly accessible by both road and public transport'. The traffic assessments stated: 'The development would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety nor would the residual cumulative impact on the highway network be severe.'
Urging approval, Richard Barton said: "This is a scheme which very much washes its own face and will provide benefits for new and existing residents." After a two-hour debate, the hybrid planning application was approved, granting outline permission for the 440-home estate and full permission for the Apethorn Farmhouse works.
