Campaigners against plans to build more than 2,000 homes on greenbelt land near Hyde say they will continue to battle the proposal.

It comes after an outline planning application for the controversial Godley Green  Garden Village development was formally submitted by Tameside Council.

As reported last week, the submission for consideration by the Local Planning Authority will decide whether the scheme meets the necessary requirements for approval. 

The plan is for the creation of two villages, split by Godley Brook, with 1,250 dwellings in the west and 900 dwellings being built in the east.

But following the submission Claire Elliott, of Save Tameside Greenbelt, said: “We are not against building houses, but we believe that Tameside Council are wanting to build the wrong houses in the wrong places. They believe that building on our countryside is the answer to all their problems, whilst totally ignoring the views of their constituents who don’t want it! 

“Greenbelt is supposed to be highly protected and was brought in to give urban areas green spaces. It’s been many people’s saviour during Covid, yet it would be built on as a priority if Tameside Council get their way. 

“Tameside is calling out for affordable and social housing, but only 15 per cent of this site would be affordable and even that is not guaranteed.  

“Northern Rail have commented that there is no chance of extra trains or carriages. 

“Alder High School is completely oversubscribed. 

“Dentists and doctors’ appointments are notoriously hard to get and just getting your bins emptied is hard work these days.”

Claire added: “Putting a development of this scale, in an already densely populated area is just asking for trouble. It would likely bring in an extra 7,000 people. Can our already stretched infrastructure really cope? 

“What happens when a family member needs an ambulance, but can’t get one? It’s just simple things like this that matter. 

“Tameside Council should be looking to reduce their housing allocation and focusing on the local plan and their brownfield sites of which they have room for nearly 7,000 houses. That’s where the drive should be, building truly affordable houses on brownfield sites.” 

Tameside Council has backed the garden village plans from the start, stating the 2,150 homes it would deliver would significantly boost the supply of housing in the borough and assist the council in meeting its long-term housing need, as required by the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework.

Project lead Cllr Ged Cooney stated: “Godley Green is a once in a generation opportunity to create a genuinely landscape-led garden settlement that integrates with the existing communities as well as the rural surroundings, to provide new homes, employment, retail, social infrastructure, community and leisure facilities.

“Godley Green will also be hugely significant in boosting growth and recovery of the local economy particularly in Hyde town centre and Hattersley, resulting in the creation of over 550 jobs per year across a range of sectors spanning 15 years.”

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