Work is underway on ‘Country Park’ homes
WORK has begun on one of the most controversial housing developments ever seen in Stockport – with building inside Reddish Vale Country Park.
A ground-breaking ceremony took place at the Blackberry Lane site, where 70 new homes will be built as part of the council’s Brinnington Masterplan.
The plans caused uproar when revealed in 2014, with protesters saying a dangerous and damaging precedent would be set for the countryside.
It was also said consultation was flawed as the proposed houses were described as ‘adjacent’ to the country park in council literature - rather than inside as is the case.
But a demand for a judicial review was thrown out by the High Court - despite 14,000 signatures on petitions against the development - and work is now pressing ahead.
Pam Jones, chair of the Friends of Reddish Vale, said: “We are saddened to lose part of the country park to housing developers.
“We did what we could to try and prevent it. It was controversial, in theory there is no higher protection for land than green belt, but we have been assured it is a one off.”
The houses will be among 281 two, three and four-bed properties that will be built across Brinnington over the next five years.
Also part of the masterplan is a £5 million sports complex in Brinnington Park that will replace the Lapwing Centre.
Supporters say the scheme will transform Brinnington, provide much-needed housing and that only 1.1 per cent of the country park will be lost.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by representatives from developers Countryside, the local community and Stockport Council. Councillor Sheila Bailey said: “The new housing development in Brinnington will provide opportunities both for local people and those wishing to move to the area.
“Stockport needs more housing and this development will make a valuable contribution.
“The new sports centre will create greater opportunities for participation in sport through high quality, affordable facilities, accessible to everyone. The investment required to build these new developments demonstrates our confidence in and commitment to Brinnington.”