It is pretty much agreed that there is a need for new property developments in Stockport but after this, there is a great deal of debate and opinion. If you are local or have been following the Stockport property development market, you will know that there have been many issues. There is a great level of debate about the use of greenfield sites in the local area, and protests have halted a number of property developments in the town. However, it looks as though there could be a new issue for property developers operating in Stockport to deal with, and this is down to a very different type of green field.
The issue is perplexing the management of the M20 Property Group who were looking to build property on the site of the former Cranford Golf Centre site which is located in Heaton Mersey in Stockport. An in-depth study was taken into the development and any risks that may be present and it was found that cricket balls from the adjacent ground may be an issue. This means that the development work for 75 new homes may have to be redesigned to include high fences to prevent stray balls and shots from being an issue to the property. It is believed that the new fences may be 23 metres high, which will be effective in stopping cricket balls but you may then find that people are unhappy about the impact on the view or the overall appearance of the development.
Report has made its safety findings
The planning committee of the local council looks to be given the plans the go ahead after studying the report. The report was undertaken by Labosport, a company which undertakes testing of sporting equipment and surfaces. The new development will be located on land that used to be part of a driving range, so this is a very sporty area but whether it is too sporty for some potential property buyers remains to be seen.
More netting is likely to be required
The adjacent land is home to the Heaton Mersey Village Cricket Club with the first and second team playing Cheshire Cricket Alliance games at the site. There are existing nets in place at the boundary, but these are only 7m high and the report suggests that there is a need to add an extra 15m in nets to stop the majority of sites. If the solution can be found using only netting, it should be acceptable for the majority of potential buyers but if boards or a more physical barrier was utilised, you would definitely see a tail-off in the level of interest and demand for property.
At Spencer Harvey, we are all for backing local sport, so hopefully a compromise that pleases everyone can be reached. If you want to talk about the Stockport property market, give us a call on 0161 480 8888 or drop us an email at info@spencerharvey.co.uk. For a free valuation please visit: https://www.spencerharvey.co.uk/valuation-enquiry.html