A group of neighbours in Stockport have banded together to try and stop up to 300 homes being built on the green belt.

Calling themselves the Hazel Grove Greenbelt Action Group, residents have written an open letter to Story Homes about its proposals for east of Sandown Road, saying the plans would be an 'irreplaceable' loss of green space.

The group has set up a petition which it said has been signed by more than 1,000 people.

A rally was held in July close to the impacted fields on Sandown Road, which organisers said saw more than 300 residents attend.

Story Homes held a public consultation about the scheme in the summer, and is preparing to submit a planning application.

Steve Birtles, chairman of the green belt protection group in Hazel Grove, said, "The time for action is now. Hazel Grove and surrounding areas are being swamped by developers looking to concrete over our precious green spaces.

"This prospective application would be one of the biggest in years and the impact on the lives of the residents of Hazel Grove will be enormous."

In their open letter, the group said they are 'not opposed to housebuilding', but said construction of new homes should be 'responsible and reflect both local policy and community needs.'

It continued: 'Building on irreplaceable green belt land – in a location with existing flood risk, weak infrastructure and protected wildlife – cannot reasonably be described as a balanced approach.'

Story Homes defended its plans, saying at least half the new homes it hopes to build would be at 'affordable' prices, with a mix of housing types and a ten per cent biodiversity net gain.

It added that conversations with Stockport council, local councillors, and residents helped shape its designs.

The proposals would include a flood risk assessment and air quality impact assessment.

A spokesperson for the developer said: "Our proposals for a new development in Hazel Grove are being carefully designed to respond to local housing needs.

"They include a commitment to deliver at least 50 per cent affordable housing, including homes for social rent, which are urgently required to tackle Stockport's acute housing crisis.

"Alongside new homes, the scheme would bring wider community benefits, such as investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, new publicly accessible green spaces, and measures to enhance biodiversity in and around the site.

"A public consultation was held over the summer to ensure the plans are inclusive, sustainable, and well-designed. We are now working to incorporate suggestions and feedback received during that process into the final proposals.

"We are committed to working positively with the local community and Stockport Council to help tackle the housing emergency in the town."

Across Stockport there is huge demand for more housing, with more than 9,000 households on the social housing register.

Stockport council has a 'brownfield first' housing policy, and is aiming to use sites which have been previously developed as areas for new homes.

Last month, it was told by minister of state for housing and planning, Labour MP Matthew Pennycook, to make progress with creating its local plan – a vision for future development which includes new housing.

The council said it had a local plan ready last September but had to delay moving to a consultation after the government introduced new housing targets.

It is currently on track for submission of the local plan by November 2026, which is in line with the government's orders.

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