Developers fight to build homes on golf course

A developer is fighting to build homes on a golf course in Stockport

New homes should be built on a Greater Manchester golf course to address the “chronic” need for housing, an inquiry has been told.

Stockport Council rejected plans to build 278 homes on Gatley Golf Club in September, but developer Hollins Strategic Land appealed the decision, sparking a six-day inquiry.

During the hearing's final day, Christopher Katkowski KC, representing the developer, said building on the land was "a benefit of the greatest weight" because "the need for new homes is chronic".

Representing the council, John Hunter KC said building on the golf club would have a "very significant adverse effect on the provision of open space... which has not been adequately mitigated or compensated for".

The arguments were heard on Tuesday by the planning inspector who will go away and decide whether to allow the appeal.

Plans by Hollins Strategic Land to build on the golf course were recommended for approval by Stockport council’s own planning officers, but elected councillors went against their advice when rejecting the proposal in September.

Gately residents also rallied against the plans to build on the land.

The developer hopes to build on the golf club, which is now closed, with half of the proposed homes set to be designated as affordable and a £1.45m contribution being made towards local sports facilities.

More than 10 hectares of the site would also be made "public open space" as part of the scheme, the inquiry heard.