Opposition to Godley Green Garden Village hit legal funds target

An opposition group to the Godley Green Garden Village has raised the money to legally challenge the planning proposal.

Claire Elliott set up a fundraising page back in March of this year, but after seeking legal counsel, she was told they would need to raise £4,200 to cover the costs.

Donations poured in from local residents and businesses, many of whom are members of the Save Tameside Greenbelt Facebook group. They achieved the target last week.

The money will enable them to hire The Leith Group as legal representation. 

In this role, The Leith Group will review all the technical documentation and file a planning objection to the housing development being proposed by Tameside Council on greenbelt land.

Claire Elliott 

Claire added: “Every share and donation has done our Save Tameside Greenbelt group proud. 

“This money gives us an extra string to our bow, being able to enlist The Leith Group to form a professional objection. 

“Our community has really come together to fight these horrendous plans.

“We’ll still be taking donations if anyone wants to add to the funds for leaflet printing or more. 

“I’m also auctioning a signed Eric Cantona picture to cover the costs of the Go Fund Me fees.”

Claire is continuing to urge people to sign the group’s petition, invite friends to the online page and contact local councillors to ask for their views on Godley Green.

The group’s petition stands at nearly 4,000.

The proposed housing development would create a ‘Green Village’ ultimately consisting of 2,350 homes, the aim being to establish a new, green-based and sustainable community.  

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