Macclesfield: Potential houses on Bollington green space are 'political minefield'
The public have reacted strongly to the possibility of houses on a natural beauty spot in Bollington Cross.
Peaks and Plains Housing Trust are potentially wanting to create affordable housing at the grasslands at the end of Coope Road.
While no formal plans have been submitted yet, the pre-application was discussed at July 25th's meeting at Bollington Town Council.
The plans have been described by residents as 'political minefield' and 'confusing'.
The Macclesfield housing association claim the development will be 'much needed 100% affordable accommodation', and the social housing will take into account of the pre-existing green space by retaining aspects of nature.
A document submitted by Peaks and Plains to Bollington Town Council reads: "The development will facilitate landscape improvements, and management and passive surveillance of the remaining open space that will, as a result, become more accessible and safer to use."
"As well as retaining its recreational and biodiversity value which will be improved, the desire line between Coope Road and footpath connection to Ovenhouse Lane will remain, but be upgraded allied to a number of other recreational paths across the site.
"A development of 28 new homes is proposed, together with the creation of managed footpath supplemental tree planting and retained meadow/open grassland."
The space is currently popular with dog walkers, and has a bin. The site also acts as a flood plain.
The street is named after the late Dr John Coope (d. 2005).
Residents have responded negatively to the exploration of building properties on this site.
One female resident of Bollington said: "This is our green space our green space, and we the residents of Bolly Cross are opposed by any development or destruction of trees, greenland, habitats for badgers, foxes, birds and any other said animals that use our green space.
"I will vigorously oppose this intended plan."
A male commenter said: "This is a political minefield. Many people think as it's social/affordable housing then that's a good thing. Until you look at the stats of how many houses remain in the hands of the first owners and/or most deserving tenants of Housing Trusts."
"In either case the Town is losing green/natural space."
As a rebuttal, a planning document from Peaks and Plains' own neighbourhood survey states "[sic] most people of those interviewed disagreed with the hypothesis that there was 'insufficient area for recreation near to where they live'.''
Their own data also indicates that "Bollington has the most demand for one and two bedroom accommodation". Indicating that this social housing project, could fill that void."
A new public forum of 50 Bollington Cross residents has been created to further follow these plans.
When approached for comment by Macclesfield Nub News, Mark Howden - Chief Executive Officer of Peaks and Plains Housing Trust said: "Our plans to build 36 100% affordable homes on land near Coope Road are at a very early stage. We already own homes in this part of Bollington and we see this as a great opportunity to further address housing need in the area.
"With well over 6,000 households on waiting lists to find affordable, secure homes across Cheshire East, this is an opportunity that we are keen to explore.
"Our early thoughts include a mix of apartments, bungalows and houses with parking, alongside a woodland walk, natural landscaping and a wild play area.
"So far, we have shared our early ideas with Bollington Town Council as part of the pre-planning application.
"The next stage of this consultation is to hold a residents' meeting in early October, which we'll promote with local residents and interested partners.
"If anyone would like to come along, they would be very welcome. Email [email protected] to receive an invite."
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