A controversial plan to build hundreds of homes on Mirrlees Fields in Stockport has taken another step forward.

Details of the 200-home scheme on the land in Hazel Grove have now been shared in a new 'reserved matters' planning application submitted to Stockport Council. This comes after 'outline permission' for the plans was granted in January 2024 following a lengthy legal battle.

Stockport Council had initially refused the plans in January 2023, saying 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."

MAN Energy Solutions, won an appeal last year which saw the Planning Inspector (PI) step in to overturn the council's decision following 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, pointing to the benefits the new homes would bring to Stockport.

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

The firms behind the plan, Kellen Homes and MAN Energy Solutions, said that all of the homes will be classed as 'affordable,' compared to the initial idea for only half of the homes being affordable. This will create new shared ownership and rental properties in the Hazel Grove area, offering access to housing below market rates.

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

Speaking when the consultation was launched in Autumn 2024, Mr Calvert said: "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."

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