Housing Development Plans for Gatley Golf Club Under Review Following Council Rejection

An inquiry has been informed that new residences are necessary on a Greater Manchester golf course due to a “chronic” housing shortage. Stockport Council previously rejected a proposal in September from developer Hollins Strategic Land to construct 278 homes on Gatley Golf Club. This rejection led to an appeal by the developer, initiating a six-day inquiry. On the final day of the hearing, Christopher Katkowski KC, representing the developer, asserted that developing the land constituted “a benefit of the greatest weight” given that “the need for new homes is chronic.” Conversely, John Hunter KC, speaking for the council, contended that building on the golf club would result in a “very significant adverse effect on the provision of open space… which has not been adequately mitigated or compensated for.” A planning inspector heard these arguments on Tuesday and will now determine whether to uphold the appeal. Despite Stockport council’s own planning officers recommending approval for Hollins Strategic Land’s plans to build on the golf course, elected councillors chose to disregard this advice when they rejected the proposal in September. Residents of Gately also voiced opposition to the proposed development. The developer’s vision for the now-closed golf club includes designating half of the planned homes as affordable and contributing £1.45m towards local sports facilities. Furthermore, the inquiry was told that the scheme would incorporate more than 10 hectares of the site as “public open space.”