A controversial plan to build hundreds of homes on Mirrlees Fields in Stockport is about to move forward.

The details of the scheme will be shared in a new 'reserved matters' planning application which is being prepared to submit to Stockport council, after 'outline permission' for the plans was granted in January following a lengthy legal battle.

Stockport council refused the application for up to 200 homes on the land in January 2023, and said it would result in "the loss of a large area of high quality strategic open and natural green space in an area of open space deficiency".

But the applicant, Man Energy Solutions, won an appeal in January this year which saw the Planning Inspector (PI) step in to overturn the council's decision after an inquiry.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition at the time to try and stop the development from happening, but the PI ruled in favour of the developer and pointed to the benefits the new homes would bring to Stockport.

The inspector judged that the council's plans to build new homes was a "significant shortfall" to what was required for the borough's five-year housing supply.

Another visual showing what the development on Mirrlees Fields could look like (Image - Counter Context)

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison, who was then a Stockport councillor, said at the time that the PI's decision was an "insult to the people around Mirrlees Fields" and those who "campaigned so hard to protect this land that is much treasured by them".

Ahead of the new planning application, a consultation has been launched to ask the public for feedback on the details of the development, managed by Kellen Homes, in partnership with Great Places Housing Group and the Land Trust.

Plans for the land include creating 18 hectares of public open space, which will be managed by the Land Trust for use by the local community 'in perpetuity.'

The firms behind the plan shared that the scheme has been updated from the initial application, with all of the homes now set to be classed as 'affordable,' compared to the initial plans for 50 percent of houses.

This will create new shared ownership and rental properties in the Hazel Grove area, offering access to housing below market rates.

Mirrlees Fields pictured in Summer 2023 (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Mark Calvert, land director from Kellen Homes, said the new application is a "critical step" in moving the plans forward and creating new affordable homes with green space in the borough.

He added: "Our goal is not only to meet the much-needed affordable housing needs of Stockport but also to improve the local environment with a significant biodiversity uplift, creating a lasting legacy of green space and natural beauty for everyone to enjoy."

Nick Gornall, director of development at Great Places, said: "Our proposals, including plans for adaptable homes at Mirrlees Fields, are essential to addressing the urgent need for high-quality, affordable and accessible housing for both rent and shared ownership in the area.

"We believe engaging with local residents on the planned development is crucial. Their insights will help shape our proposals to ensure they reflect the needs and aspirations of the community."

The two-week consultation period runs from Monday, October 28 to Monday November 11, offering Stockport residents the chance to have their say on aspects of the plans including housing design and the plans for publicly accessible open space.

Stockport is facing a huge problem with housing, with the council struggling to cope with the numbers of people looking for affordable homes.

Town hall officials recently said that the housing register has grown to at least 8,000 individuals, some of whom face a wait of up to 12 years to get a home.

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