"The plans are to basically destroy the whole area," says Jeremy Hoad, pointing to the woodland and wildlife around him.

The 58-year-old is standing by what is known as the 'Secret Lake', an area of natural space sandwiched between the dense housing estates of Levenshulme and Reddish.

This place feels wild and unkept. Nature is in charge. Birds sing from the trees as dog walkers trek along muddy paths. Shaped like a frying pan, the lake is split in two halves, with the popular Fallowfield Loop running through the middle.

People say it has been much-loved by families living nearby for generations. But soon all this could be changed forever under plans to build a housing estate on the land, with 109 houses and 91 apartments.

Land around the Secret Lake has been eyed up for development for years, and in summer 2025 plans by a developer called Northern Group were revealed, in a scheme which has now been submitted to Manchester and Stockport councils for decision. It could see the 'infilling' of part of the water to allow construction to move ahead.

For campaigners and residents living around the area, this moment marks a crucial stage of their battle to protect the land as it is for the enjoyment of generations to come. As Mr Hoad, who lives in Levenshulme, explains: "It's an amazing place that's been re-wilded over a period of decades, and maintained and taken care of by the community.

"It's an absolute oasis of environmental benefit, it's actually a site of biological interest registered, and it means so much to the community."

A rally was held on February 14 to show the strength of local feeling towards protecting the Secret Lake. Around 30 people turned up to share their feelings about the land and take part in a community litter pick.

Mr Hoad added: "People were appalled [at the proposals to build on the land], this is such a loved area. The only thing that would survive is the main lake itself, they would be building right up to three of the sides of the main lake, more building off the western end of it, all of the small lake would be completely filled in and built over, it would be a housing estate."

The campaigners have some momentum behind them, with hundreds of people sharing their opposition to the development plans in a community-led survey. Among the concerns are the loss of a popular nature haunt among the sprawling urban landscape that makes up much of Greater Manchester's suburbs.

Residents also challenged claims from Northern Group that the Secret Lake has become a site blighted by 'fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour' as stated in planning reports.

Claire Clark, 48, lives in Gorton and said she would think of moving away if the Secret Lake is built over.

"It means loads to me, I live two minutes away, we came here 12 years ago and it's where I walk my dog, it's been a sanctuary, it's where we go to be calm, the community looks after it, it's just beautiful to have this sort of haven," she said.

"To have this piece of greenery here, especially after the last 12 years it feels like we've lost most of the green spaces in Gorton and Levenshulme and Reddish.

"People aren't daft, they know we need housing, everyone in the country knows we need housing, rents are rising, we're not London at the moment but it's getting worse and worse."

Ms Clark is worried that the cost of any homes built on the land could be out of reach for local residents.

Northern Group said in its planning application that half the 200 homes would be at 'affordable' prices in a 'range of tenures aligned to local needs.'

Stockport has an urgent need for more housing at affordable prices, with around 9,000 people on the social housing list able to bid for council properties. But there are concerns over how much homes planned at the Secret Lake could cost if built.

Ms Clark added: "The problem is once again this is going to be a development that isn't for local people at all.

"In order to achieve the affordable housing it's going to be shared ownership, which means the houses are probably going to come in at £360 or £370k for three or four beds, you're owning a quarter of that and paying all of the service charges, this is not going to end up being bought by people in this area who earn on average, in Gorton anyway, £27,000.

"I think it's going to be quite catastrophic, apart from destroying habitats, the traffic in this area is shocking, and it all interlinks, Hyde Road, round Gorton, into Levenshulme, into Reddish, it's horrific at the moment and they're proposing the only way into this scheme is going to be across that little bridge [on Station Road] which I don't think can take it at the moment.

"It will mean there's a massive road here and it's going to ruin this area.

"I'd be gutted if houses are built here, I don't mean to be dramatic but I'd probably move, I'd be absolutely gutted, this area, and the [Fallowfield] Loop is what makes it quite nice to live here, I'd be devastated."

For its part, Northern Group stressed that its plans have been drawn up with the community's feedback in mind.

The firm doubled down on its claim that the site is a problem area with major issues including 'regular fly tipping and anti-social activities', pointing to previous images of rubbish around the area shared on its website.

It also said that the body of water that makes up the Secret Lake 'will not be impacted by the development', saying that its plans would 'open up access to an improved and managed recreational area for the local community to enjoy.'

On fears about traffic congestion around the area, Northern Group said it has listened to concerns and is 'working closely with its professional team to put in measures to mitigate any impacts.'

A spokesperson added: "The intention of the scheme is to provide affordable housing which the area needs, but to actually regenerate and improve the recreational space so that the community can enjoy it in a managed and safe environment.

"The land is private and as currently vacant, not monitored or maintained, so we plan to formalise access and create spaces like a fishing pier, nature walks and play area for everyone to enjoy, safely.

"Developed walking and cycling paths will provide links to the wider area, including the Fallowfield Loop, and will provide new routes for dog walking and recreation.

"We're also planning extensive landscaping and planting which will enhance local ecology with a bio-diversity net gain of over 10 per cent."

Stockport council has set a target date of April 10 to decide the application.

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