A developer has lost its appeal over controversial plans to extend an industrial estate into the green belt.
Quorum challenged Stockport council’s decision to refuse its proposal to expand Bredbury Industrial Estate into the Tame Valley, resulting in a two-week public inquiry.
Held last month, it heard from experts on behalf of both the council and the applicant, as well as Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne. Quorum argued there was an ‘overwhelming need’ for large scale industrial and warehouse units in the borough and the proposed site - on the Stockport and Tameside border - was the only suitable location.
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But planning inspector David Rose came down on the side of the council and objectors, finding that there were no ‘very special circumstances’ to justify building in the valley. In a report published on Tuesday, he said the scheme would ‘conflict’ with the purposes of the green belt.
“First, the project would conflict with the purpose of checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, in that it would break the bounds of the existing well-defined industrial area and spread across open fields as far as topography would reasonably permit,” Mr Rose writes.
“Second, the proposal would bring Bredbury and Haughton Green significantly closer together. Although the two areas would not merge in physical terms, there would, nonetheless, be a significant reduction in their separation. More particularly, there would be a very strong perception of merging, especially when experienced from the Haughton Green side of the intervening valley.”
He also found that the development would ‘undisputedly run counter to the third green belt purpose of safeguarding the countryside from encroachment’, adding that Quorum's 'endeavours to justify the redefinition of the green belt boundary lack firm foundation'. “To my mind, the bulk and spread of the development, relative to its surroundings, would have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area to which I afford very substantial weight," he said.
Quorum’s proposal to expand Bredbury Industrial Estate into the Tame Valley was rejected by Stockport council last year, on grounds it had not proven ‘very special circumstances’ for building on protected land. The firm had sought planning permission for a 93,000 sq metre logistics site near Stockport’s border with Tameside, including the widening of Bredbury Park Way and a new car park for the nearby sports village.
It argued there was an ‘overwhelming need’ for large scale warehouses in the borough, and lodged an appeal in Autumn 2021. However, there was fierce local opposition to the proposals from the off, including from Mr Gwynne, who later branded the appeal ‘absurd’ and ‘cynical’.
He has now hailed the planning inspector’s decision as ‘fantastic news’. “This site would have completely destroyed our Tame Valley, and obliterated the openness and tranquillity of the area,” he said.
“The Tame Valley is the crown jewel of the constituency I represent, today we have sent a strong message that it is not for sale. Not under any circumstances.”
The parliamentarian said he ‘couldn’t be happier’ with the outcome. “This is a victory for everyone across Denton and Reddish,” the Labour MP added. “It shows that people can and do make a difference. I plan on celebrating with a lovely walk in the valley this weekend with my family.
“The Tame Valley is ours.”
William Wragg, Conservative MP for Hazel Grove, was also delighted with the news. He said: “On behalf of local residents, who’ve campaigned so hard, I’m very pleased that the developer’s appeal was rejected and that the greenbelt in Bredbury will continue to be protected.
“My thanks go to Andrew Gwynne MP and Councillor Brian Bagnall who have worked tremendously hard throughout the appeal process. I remain committed to protecting our valuable local green belt land and am pleased that by working together we got the right result”.
Bredbury Green and Romiley councillor Lisa Smart also spoke of her delight at the decison. She said: "This is a great result for our community and for those residents who took the time to share their reasons why this development didn't meet the threshold for 'very special circumstances'.
"As local councillors we rejected this when it was put before us and we are delighted by this decision by the inspector." The planning appeal was held remotely between February 1 and February 16.
