Nearly 1,000 houses and a care home could be built around a Stockport village if plans are given the go ahead.

Two planning applications for sites in Woodford are due to be considered by councillors later this week on 22 October. Both have faced opposition amid concerns about the green belt.

One application has been put forward by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes to develop land on Upper Swineseye Farm and build potentially 455 homes of which 50% would be affordable. Stockport council officers are recommending the plans are rejected.

A design and access statement for the planning application said: "The development seeks to complement and enrich its neighbour through a cohesive urban form, integrated green infrastructure, and strengthened

pedestrian and cycle connections", adding: "The development will deliver much-needed new homes, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community."

However there have been objections raised from 180 people as well as Poynton Town Council with surface water flooding raised on part of the site. Objectors also argue the plans would result in 'the loss of open, pristine countryside', make congestion worse, and harm views to the Pennines.

They claim the village has become 'oversaturated with development' and the plans would have 'catastrophic' impact on wildlife areas. A council report summarising the opposition said people felt 'this would contribute to a cumulative, irreversible urbanisation entirely inconsistent with the historic, semi-rural character of Woodford'.

Another issue raised was the new homes 'would make [it] that much harder' for 'young people to be able to get into the countryside and away from social media'.

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Highways officers said the development is in 'an unsustainable location and lacks connectivity' while Transport for Greater Manchester raised similar concerns. Nearby Cheshire East Council are also opposed while local NHS bosses want £612,352 to support 'insufficient' healthcare services in the area.

However JAG Woodford Ltd and Russell LDP's plans for land south of Chester Road are being recommended for approval at the same meeting. If given the go ahead, this could see 423 houses built alongside up to 72 apartments for those aged over 55, and a 72-bed care home.

Alongside this, there are promises of a health centre, a day nursery, as well as some retail or food and drink space. 50% of the homes would be classed as affordable and a 'nature park' would be created as part of the plans.

The plans have faced opposition from 220 people who largely have concerns about the loss of green belt. They argue it would lead to overdevelopment of the village and cause more congestion.

However officers are recommending the plans for approval despite some downsides including the loss of green belt. A council report said there was 'a pressing need for new homes' and there would be significant pluses.

The report added: "In conclusion, whilst noting the adverse impacts of the proposed development in relation to harm to the green belt, loss of dwellings and impact on heritage assets, there would be a considerable number of benefits over a much wider range of considerations."

At the area committee for Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South, no final decision will be made yet on the applications. Instead councillors will make a recommendation for colleagues sitting on the local authority's planning committee.