Stockport council considers approving 76 new homes in Heald Green, sparking debate over green belt land and affordable housing needs.
Planners said the build harms the green belt. But, they noted a real need for affordable homes. The council must weigh both issues. This need is a big factor.
The plan includes 44 houses and 32 flats. Sixty-six homes will be affordable housing. These homes will cost less than others. This helps people who need it.
The development is on a four-acre site. It sits east of Griffin Farm Drive. Plans add access, parking, and landscaping. Part of the land is now parking. The rest is empty and overgrown.
Trains to Manchester are close by. Heald Green and Handforth stations are 25 minutes away. Manchester Airport is also only two miles away. Travel will be easy for residents.
The site entrance will be from Wilmslow Road. This will be via an extended Griffin Farm Drive. Building on green belt is a sensitive topic there. People often disagree.
The council prefers building on brownfield sites first. There is a shortage of available housing, so Stockport faces a big housing problem now. They want to build on old industrial land.
Stockport is creating a local housing plan. They asked people for land suggestions. Some land may be protected in the future rules. This seeks community input.
The government increased Stockport’s housing targets. They must now build 2,000 homes a year. That is twice the earlier goal. This responds to housing problems.
Eight thousand families need social housing in Stockport. Waiting times can reach twelve years. Finding somewhere to live can take a long time. There is a lot of demand.
