Plans to build 160 new homes on green belt land off Jackson's Lane in Hazel Grove are due to be decided on this week.

The plans were recently recommended for refusal unanimously at a Stepping Hill area committee meeting earlier this month.

According to a council report, the application covers 11 hectares of fields currently used for farming.

Fifty percent of the homes would be classed as affordable.

However the plans have faced opposition in the form of 127 objections.

There has also been opposition from the Friends of Ladybrook Valley, Hazel Grove High School and the South Manchester Badger Group, and an online petition signed by 2,372 people.

Those opposed have highlighted the green belt status of the land, saying the development 'will result in encroachment into the countryside'.

They argue 'the rural character of the area would be destroyed' by 'unnecessary urban sprawl' and the potential impact on local wildlife has been highlighted.

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Andy McClaren, from Lichfields representing developer Taylor Wimpey, said the land was considered grey belt and highlighted a 'significant under-delivery' of new housing in the borough which he said had led to an affordability crisis.

He said the scheme would provide environmental benefits and create new habitats across the site.