A developer has lodged outline plans to build nearly 300 homes on a golf course deemed ‘no longer financially viable’.
Hollins Strategic Land (HSL) says it wants to create a ‘walkable neighbourhood framed by green infrastructure’ at Gatley Golf Club.
It comes after the club voted to work with HSL to find ‘appropriate future uses’ for the 44-acre site in light of its ‘dire financial circumstances’.
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The proposals would see up to 297 new properties built at the nine-hole course at Waterfall Farm, Styal Road. The existing clubhouse and Heald Green Community Theatre building would be preserved as part of the scheme.
An assessment commissioned by HSL claims the golf course is ‘surplus to requirements’, with two courses within three miles of it both being of higher quality.
Documents submitted by the property firm envisage the retained buildings forming a ‘community hub’, with possible uses including a cafe, nursery and flexible workspaces.
They also suggest there would be an ‘opportunity to utilise a new outdoor performance space’ close to the theatre building.
The development would include a mix of housing types, ranging from one to four-bedroom properties, with half being available at ‘affordable’ prices or rents.
As only 'outline' permission is sought, not all details are included in the proposals and a further 'reserved matters' application will be needed.
However it is confirmed vehicle access would be rom Pymgate Lane, Styal Grove, Grasmere road and Troutbeck Road.
A planning statement describes the proposed site is a ‘ sustainable location for residential development’ that would ‘deliver significant benefits including affordable housing and improved access to public recreational open space’.
The report highlights a number of benefits’ the applicant claims the development would bring.
These include:
- Delivering up to 297 new homes in a range of sizes and styles to cater for Stockport’s housing needs, including self-build plots and homes suitable for older people.
- Helping the council boost the number of homes available in the borough at a time it cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
- Providing at least 50pc of new homes as affordable properties (including affordable rent), suitable for younger people looking to buy and rent their first homes and those in need of housing.
The documents also set out plans for ‘extensive areas of useable and natural open space and recreational facilities, including along the Gatley Brook corridor.
Woodland areas, ecological enhancement zones, allotments and children’s play areas also get a mention in planning papers.
Planning papers add that the scheme will link to Rose Vale Park as well as improve pedestrian and cycle links throughout, enhancing accessibility and connections to the wider area.
Two public rights of way that run through the site will be retained.
In conclusion, the statement finds that ‘the proposed scheme constitutes sustainable development and that the site is an appropriate location to deliver new housing.
It adds: “It is clear that there are no adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the many very significant benefits. As such, the application should be approved without delay.”
A decision on whether to grant outling planning permission will be taken by Stockport council.
