An area blighted by 'fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour' could be transformed under plans for a new estate with 200 homes.

The 'Secret Lake' sits on the boundary between Manchester and Stockport, and has been chosen by Northerngroup Developments as the site of a proposed new neighbourhood across more than 11-acres (4.75 hectares) of land.

Planning reports have been submitted to Manchester and Stockport councils saying the area 'has increasingly suffered from antisocial behaviour, including fly-tipping, and is widely perceived as unsafe and unwelcoming.'

The planning application argued for the homes to be approved saying that Stockport council has 'consistently failed to meet its housing targets since 2018' leading to a 'chronic under delivery' of homes in the borough.

The proposed homes would be built on three plots of land with one part next to Station Road in Reddish, another around the 'Secret Lake' next to the Fallowfield Loop, and the third along Nelstrop Road North.

This site was chosen for its 'strong connections to public transport and active travel networks' to both Stockport and Manchester.

Homes in the proposed neighbourhood would be made up of a 'mix of family houses and apartments, alongside enhanced, publicly accessible open spaces'.

Concept drawing for new homes proposed around the 'Secret Lake' on the boundary between Manchester and Stockport (Image via SMBC planning portal)

Changes planned to the 'Secret Lake' include aquatic planting, six new fishing piers, and 'expansive' public open space.

There would be 109 houses in total if the scheme is approved in future, with a mix of two and three-bedroom properties, alongside 91 apartments with a range of one and two-bedroom options.

A planning report stated: 'This development represents a transformative opportunity to revitalise the site, formally opening it to the wider community in a safe, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable way.

'It will establish key connections to existing pedestrian and cycle routes, enhancing mobility and access to local transport facilities and Manchester city centre.'

Access to cars and other vehicles would be via Station Road in Reddish, alongside 'new connections to the Fallowfield Loop' and a total of 233 car parking spaces.

Some concerns were raised in surveys about the impact on local wildlife living in the area.

This includes the 'loss of foraging habitat and potential disturbance' for birds during breeding season, affecting animals 'of local conservation concern.'

There is also the 'potential loss of commuting and foraging habitat' for bats.

Stockport Council has set a target date of April 10 to decide the planning application.

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