More than 850 homes are set to be built on Stockport's greenbelt and greenspaces after plans were approved by the council's planning committee.
At a meeting last week, the committee gave the go-ahead to three separate planning applications across the borough, which will see hundreds of homes built. The approvals come as the local authority faces significant pressure to meet government housing targets and catch up on years of not delivering enough new homes.
Approved developments across the borough
Among the plans approved, JAG Woodford Ltd and Russell LDP's development for land south of Chester Road includes 423 houses, up to 72 apartments for those aged over 55, and a 72-bed care home. The scheme also promises a health centre, a day nursery, and a 'nature park'.
Speaking on the Chester Road development, Coun David Meller said: "It is regrettable that we've got to do this in these areas, but with the situation that this borough is facing regards to housing with what this will deliver and what has been put on the table, I think there are real net positives here."
Following the planning committee's decision, Gary Lynch, planning director at Russell LDP, said: "From the outset, our vision has been about creating more than just new homes. It was encouraging that members commended our approach to creating a well-rounded neighbourhood, designed to establish a thriving community that is fitting for the area."
Hazel Grove and Offerton schemes
181 new homes could now be built off Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove. Concerns were raised about the plan's impact on the nearby Happy Valley nature reserve, and one member of the public described it as 'bog standard'.
However, Clover Long, supporting the application, pointed to funding promised for the nearby nature reserve, adding: "The scheme has been designed to create variety, character, and provoke visual interest within the street scene."
In Offerton, 106 homes are now set to be built on land that is a former playing field owned by Stockport Grammar School. Of these, 53 homes are being classed as affordable as part of the development.
Rejected application and government referral
However, another application to develop land on Upper Swineseye Farm, which would have seen 455 homes built, was rejected. As a result, the matter will be referred to Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who may make the final decision on the plans.
The four planning applications were the first considered in Stockport under new rules brought in by the government. These latest planning changes are aimed at streamlining the planning process and encouraging development in a number of areas, though there has been controversy with some local authorities refusing to take part.
In response to criticism that the council is not looking at building enough homes on brownfield land already developed, Coun Dean Fitzpatrick pointed to 8,000 homes being built in the town centre and said there was 'precious little land' in his ward of Heatons South. Another councillor said they were going to have to 'stomach this' when approving one application to avoid government takeover.
Coun Graham Greenhalgh said: "Some mention brownfield sites. Trust me I've been a councillor 12 years. We've flagellated ourselves. We've gone through every brick and stone. Every possible brownfield site has been looked at and dealt with."
While the plans at Upper Swineseye were not approved, Matthew Dawber from Savills said demand for affordable housing in the borough was 'acute' with thousands on housing waiting lists, adding: "These are not abstract figures. These are local families, young people and all the residents who cannot meet their needs through the private market."
