While there is a need for property development in Stockport, there are many issues and concerns with some of the developments planned for the area. A lot of the trouble and debate stems from the use of green belt land, and many local councillors and politicians have been happy to get involved in the story. One MP has pointed out some concerns over the sale of green belt land by a charity, with the intention for the funds to be used to provide a national centre of excellent.
The organisation is the Seashell Trust and they are looking to develop a “National Centre of Excellent” that will replace the current campus. This is a home to many disabled youngsters, and there is a need to replace the present set-up which is classed as outdated. Planning permission was submitted to allow up to 325 new properties to be built on land owned by the organisation between the A34 at Heald Green and Wilmslow Road. The income generated from this development would enable the Seashell Trust to move forward with its own plans. This application currently sits with Stockport Council and there is a consultation process taking place.
Opposing opinions on green belt development
The Seashell Trust has said that there is no option for them to obtain the funding they require through grants from Central government, and this has led them to the situation where they have to sell the land. Not everyone has backed this plan though and a number of local residents have banded together under the title of “Save Heald Green Green Belt” and the MP for Cheadle, Mary Robinson, has contacted the planning department for the council with concerns.
Clearly the MP was keen to be seen as being supportive of the work undertaken by the Seashell Trust but she vigorously opposes work of this scale being undertaken on green belt land. The MP states that green spares are essential in the promotion of a better standard of air quality, in creating good public spaces and to ensure that local communities are not swamped by sprawl.
This is clearly an emotive subject for many people and of course, the Seashell Trust have voiced their own opinions about their need to develop on this land and build a new centre. The emotional associations that people will have with the Seashell Trust will play a role in the final outcome but there will be people who will say this shouldn’t be the case.
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