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Stockport Green Space Battle Brews

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/13/stockport-green-space-battle-brews.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 21:31 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locales: Greater Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM

Stockport, UK - February 14th, 2026 - A battle is brewing in Stockport over the future of a vital green space off Bramhall Lane. Plans to construct 169 homes on a significant agricultural field are facing strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, and even a local councillor, raising concerns about the continued erosion of the town's precious green belt.

The development application, bearing the reference number 24/01737M and currently under review by Stockport Council, proposes a mix of housing types, including houses and apartments, with a portion designated as "affordable housing". While acknowledging the pressing need for new homes within the borough, critics argue that this particular location represents a detrimental loss of irreplaceable natural habitat and a valuable community resource.

The field in question isn't simply an empty plot of land; campaigners emphasize its importance as a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a range of local wildlife. Loss of such habitats contributes to the wider biodiversity crisis, impacting ecosystems and reducing the resilience of the local environment. The area also functions as a crucial 'green lung' for the densely populated surrounding neighbourhoods, offering a vital space for recreation, improving air quality, and contributing to the overall wellbeing of residents.

Councillor Amanda Mullineux, representing the affected ward, voiced her concerns, stating, "The proposal is for 169 homes on a significant parcel of green land. It is a very controversial application and I urge residents to make their views known." She further acknowledged the inherent conflict between the demand for housing and the preservation of the environment, stating, "I understand the need for new homes but we need to consider the impact on the community and the environment. Losing more green space is a real concern."

The developer behind the scheme argues that the project will deliver a "high-quality housing scheme which meets a proven local need," and that the plans incorporate "significant green infrastructure, including open space and landscaping." However, critics remain skeptical, arguing that landscaped areas within a development cannot adequately replace the ecological and social benefits of established green fields. They point to the importance of connectivity - the ability of wildlife to move freely between habitats - something a small, isolated patch of landscaping cannot provide.

This application comes at a time of increasing national debate surrounding the protection of England's green belt. Established in 1955, the green belt is a planning policy designed to restrict urban sprawl, protect the countryside, and encourage the re-use of brownfield sites. However, over the years, incremental development has chipped away at the green belt, raising fears that it's becoming increasingly ineffective.

Stockport, like many towns across the UK, faces a significant housing shortage. The council is under pressure to meet housing targets set by central government. However, local advocacy groups are urging the council to prioritize brownfield regeneration - the redevelopment of previously built-on land - as a more sustainable and environmentally responsible solution. They argue that numerous brownfield sites within Stockport remain untapped, offering ample opportunities to accommodate new housing without encroaching on valuable green spaces. The 'Stockport Urban Regeneration Group' recently published a report identifying over 20 potential brownfield sites capable of delivering more than 300 homes - exceeding the capacity of the Bramhall Lane development.

The potential approval of this development raises questions about the long-term vision for Stockport. Will the council prioritize short-term housing gains over the long-term environmental and social wellbeing of its residents? The outcome of this planning application will likely set a precedent for future developments, shaping the character of Stockport for generations to come. Residents are encouraged to view the plans on the Stockport Council website (application number 24/01737M) and submit their objections or supporting statements before the deadline. A community meeting is scheduled for February 22nd at the local community centre to discuss the application and coordinate a collective response.