The landscape of Stockport is once again at the center of debate as Hollins Strategic Land has submitted an appeal concerning their proposed development on the former Gatley Golf Club. The planning committee’s recent decision has ignited discussions about housing availability, open space preservation, and community needs. This article delves into the specifics of the Gatley Golf Club planning situation, examining the implications of the proposed 278-home development.
The Proposal: A New Housing Development
Hollins Strategic Land aims to convert the disused 44-acre Gatley Golf Club into a residential area comprising 278 homes. Among the highlights of their proposal is a commitment to provide 50% affordable housing, addressing some of Stockport’s pressing housing issues. However, this ambitious project has not come without controversy, as local stakeholders express concerns over the potential loss of designated open space.
Planning Committee’s Decision
Despite recommendations from planning officers to reject the proposal, Stockport Council’s planning committee narrowly voted against the officers’ advice, with a 7-5 decision. The main reasons cited for refusal included the significant loss of land designated as strategic open space and the loss of a golf course that once served as a recreational area for the community.
This decision reflects broader concerns regarding land use in Stockport and the balance between development and community preservation. Residents have rallied around these issues, emphasizing their desire to maintain green spaces in their neighborhoods.
Counterarguments: Asteer Planning’s Defense
In response to the committee’s refusal, Asteer Planning, representing Hollins Strategic Land, is advocating for approval based on several compelling points:
- Operational Status of the Golf Course: Asteer argues that Gatley Golf Club is not operational and that the land is private with no lawful public access. They contend that allowing development would not detract from community resources.
- Retention of Public Open Space: Under Hollins’ plans, approximately 26 acres across two parcels would be designated as public open space. Additionally, they propose retaining the former clubhouse as a community facility, aiming to serve local residents even after development.
- Housing Supply Shortage: Asteer highlights Stockport’s struggle to demonstrate a five-year housing supply, citing previous inquiries where insufficient housing pipelines have led to unfavorable outcomes for the council. The lack of available homes in Stockport was recently underscored in another appeal concerning plans for 200 homes at Mirrlees Fields in Hazel Grove.
Community Response: Balancing Development with Preservation
The proposal for Gatley Golf Club has drawn mixed reactions from community members and advocacy groups. Many residents express a keen interest in increasing affordable housing options but are wary of sacrificing valuable green spaces.
The Importance of Open Spaces
Open spaces serve critical roles in urban settings—they provide recreational opportunities, promote mental well-being, and foster community connections. As local advocates voice concerns about losing these areas, it becomes essential for city planners to consider how to integrate development while preserving such vital resources.
Precedents and Ongoing Appeals
Stockport’s challenges with housing availability are not unique. Similar disputes have arisen throughout the region regarding housing developments encroaching upon open spaces. The recent appeal by MAN Energy Solutions regarding Mirrlees Fields showcased how competing interests can clash when balancing housing needs with environmental considerations.
Insights from Past Decisions
In this context, previous decisions made by planning inspectors can provide insight into how future appeals may unfold. For instance, inspectors ruled in favor of MAN Energy Solutions due to evidence indicating that their project would actually enhance public space access at a currently underutilized site.
With Inspector Caroline Mulloy concluding that Stockport’s five-year housing land supply stands at only 4,256 homes—equating to 3.78 years—the pressure is mounting on local authorities to explore viable solutions for addressing housing shortages while protecting green spaces.
The Future of Gatley Golf Club Planning
As discussions surrounding Gatley Golf Club continue to unfold, stakeholders will have an opportunity to voice their opinions during an upcoming inquiry scheduled for November 26th. The outcome of this appeal could significantly impact future developments across Stockport and beyond.
Reference Number for Appeal
The reference number for this appeal is 3349825. This number can be utilized by interested parties looking to access more detailed information regarding ongoing discussions and decisions affecting their community.
Conclusion: Navigating Complexities in Urban Planning
Gatley Golf Club planning encapsulates the intricate dance between development needs and environmental conservation within Stockport’s urban landscape. While the push for increased housing—particularly affordable options—is paramount amidst rising demand, careful consideration must be given to how such developments influence existing community dynamics and green space preservation.
As stakeholders prepare for further discussions regarding this contentious proposal, it remains critical that all voices are heard in order to forge balanced solutions that meet both residential needs and environmental responsibilities within Stockport’s evolving urban fabric. Ultimately, fostering collaboration between developers, local councils, and community members will be essential in navigating these complex issues moving forward.
Stephen F is the publisher of this website, he is a long term resident of Stockport. Over the years he has explored every area within Stockport from the Merseyway Shopping Centre to the Etherow Country Park trails.
He can often be found on a lazy Saturday morning frequenting one of Stockport's many coffee shops sipping his favourite latte.
One of his big passions is to go for long country walks with his pet golden retriever Lottie.
One thing is certain he knows Stockport!