Hundreds turn out to oppose 1,700 homes plan
SO many people turned out to a public meeting to discuss controversial developments that some had to be turned away.
Hundreds flocked to Heald Green Village Hall for the meeting on the second phase of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), sitting on the floor and huddling outside open exits.
The plan proposes that 1,700 new houses and flats be built in Heald Green, causing anger and concern among residents.
Peter Burns, of the Heald Green Ratepayers Association (HGRPA) which called the meeting, said it was ‘by far the biggest turnout’ they had ever seen. He said: “The people of Heald Green are very concerned about these proposals, and rightly so. They made their feelings clear at the meeting, now we all need to contribute to the public consultation before March 18.”
An invited panel of four officers from Stockport council and one councillor spoke to the assembled crowd and explained that they were required by central government to identify a certain number of plots for new homes and businesses in order to address growing population numbers over the next 20 years.
Two main development sites have been identified in Heald Green – land on Nixon’s Farm near Heald Green Station, and land around Griffin Farm on Wilmslow Road.
Attendees at the meeting raised a host of objections and questions, including concerns over the fact that an additional 1,700 houses is an increase of one-third, plus health and social care capacity, school provision, transport links, congestion and capacity.
Residents were concerned that the development is set to take place on green belt land, and that gaining access to the Nixon’s Farm site would mean cutting a line through the Village Hall Field, which is well used by people in the area, including as the site for the annual Heald Green Festival and for football practice.
Dave Mullin, the chair of HGRPA, said: “This was an historic meeting. The numbers were unprecedented and the feelings were very strong.
“Heald Green has its own unique character and we have worked for years to both move with the times and preserve what is good.
“Whilst by no means rejecting all development, many of us feel these proposals are a huge step too far and we invite all those residents who feel the same to join in the fight to Save Heald Green.”
To get involved email@ healdgreenratepayers.org. uk or to respond to the consultation, visit www. gmconsult.org before March 18.