While there is high demand for property in and around Stockport, there has been significant disagreement as to how, and where, this property should be developed. Stockport town centre is thriving, but there needs to be property developed in other parts of the town. However, plans to build on greenbelt areas have been met with opposition and protest.
Some of these areas are more highly prized and valued than others, so it is easy to see why there has been consternation regarding some Stockport property plans. However, The Centre for Cities think-tank is calling for a rethink on how green belt areas should be utilised.
Many new homes could be brought to Stockport
The group estimates close to 500,000 new homes could be added to Greater Manchester by transforming green belt areas which are within walking distances of train stations. The report entitled “Homes On The Right Tracks: Where Can We Build New Homes?” analysed land within 800 metres of commuter stations which could be used for new homes, but which are currently protected by green belt legislation.
Villages such as Adlington and Strines were mentioned as being locations which could bring much-needed homes close to Stockport. If houses were developed here, there would be no need for additional public transport work or funding, as infrastructure is already in place.
Stockport is a hot topic
Paul Cheshire CBE, is the Emeritus Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics, and he said; “We need to protect cherished land for public benefit but that is not the purpose of Green Belt designation. It is simply to have empty spaces between cities and prevent development. The land does not need to be ‘green’ – most is privately owned and the biggest use of it is for intensive agriculture. Our housing crisis is corroding social trust and causing serious inequality as well as economic inefficiencies as people cannot find affordable homes in places they want to live. It is time to use land for its best social purpose: not to remain fenced in by inflexible boundaries imposed in 1955.”
Andrew Carter, Centre for Cities’ Chief Executive, said; “We often talk about the need to build 300,000 new homes a year to tackle the housing crisis. But less often do we talk about where in the country these homes need to be built to make a difference. Housing provision should follow where people need to live for work. This means building in and around larger cities with lots of jobs. Using existing commuter infrastructure as a base to deliver accessible new homes near our biggest cities could be the simplest way to do this – but it will require political will and compromise on the greenbelt.”
With convenient transport links to the centre of Manchester, and significant developments taking place, Stockport is the ideal place to buy, live or invest. As Stockport property specialists, we want to ensure you stay in touch with the latest property news. If you are looking for assistance in this area, give Spencer Harvey a call on 0161 480 8888 or send us an email at info@spencerharvey.co.uk. For a free valuation please visit: https://www.spencerharvey.co.uk/valuation-enquiry.html