Gatley Golf Course Housing Scheme Rejection Overruled by Inspector
A planning inspector has overturned the local council’s rejection of a housing scheme on the former Gatley Golf Club site
Gatley, Stockport, Housing, Golf Course, Affordable Housing
The proposal from Hollins Strategic Land (HSL) was initially rejected in 2021. But guess what? The government’s planning inspector has now given it the green light. Mark Hunter, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Stockport Council, expressed his disappointment on BBC Radio Manchester.
The council had concerns about losing open green space, which is a big deal for the community. Over 1,600 people even signed a petition to protect the land. However, the planning inspector, after a six-day inquiry, pointed out that building on this golf course could actually bring some benefits.
Half of the new homes are set to be affordable, and the developer has promised to contribute to local sports facilities and green spaces. They also plan to turn the old clubhouse into a community hub and provide 26 acres of public space. HSL director Paul O’Shea is excited about the opportunity to create a vibrant neighborhood with community facilities.
On the flip side, a recent report showed that the borough has only built half the homes it needs in the last few years, making it one of the worst areas for housebuilding in the country. Council leader Roberts criticized the Labour government for making it tough for councils to protect green spaces, fearing this could be just the beginning of more such applications.
Local resident Sharon Lindsay shared her thoughts, saying that even though the golf club is private, it has deep roots in the community, with many families connected to it for generations. She expressed a lot of love and affection for the club. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been asked for a comment on this situation.