Stockport council is set to approve new homes on the green belt – despite residents claiming they can't get GP appointments and local services are 'overstretched'.

Two planning applications in the green belt are set to be given the go ahead at the council's planning committee meeting tonight (March 27)

There are plans by Wain Estates for 60 homes at Dairyground Farm on Lytham Drive in Bramhall, where half of the proposed properties are set to be designated as affordable housing.

The site falls into Stockport's green belt but there are single and two-storey buildings already on the land, which is being used for a mix of reasons including car repairs, open storage, residential use and equestrian purposes.

But 161 residents have written to the council objecting to the scheme, with three letters of support.

Concerns include a lack of local services and infrastructure in the area, with one objector claiming: 'Existing local residents are already unable to get appointments within a reasonable time for local health centres, GP's and dental surgeries, this will only be made worse.'

Another added: 'The area that would be built on is a green space that is currently enjoyed by families and there are already not enough green spaces in the area.'

A map showing a proposal to build 60 new homes at Dairyground Farm on Lytham Drive in Bramhall, Stockport (Image - SMBC planning portal)

Council officers judged that the plan should be approved, stating in a report: 'On balance, given the location and scale of existing buildings on the site and the likely built form, albeit at this outline stage, it is concluded that development of this site would not have substantial harm on the openness of the green belt'.

A second planning application in Hazel Grove at Stockport Rugby Union Football Club, based to the south of Jacksons Lane, is also set to be approved.

The club and Russell Homes are planning upgrades to the clubhouse and a new artificial grass pitch to replace an existing pitch, alongside new homes on the land.

This could see 60 new homes built, including 10 per cent supported affordable housing, as well as creating a residential care home with up to 75 beds, and an affordable extra care facility with 70 apartments.

The plan has divided opinions, with 49 people objecting and 78 letters of support.

Objectors claim that local services are 'overstretched' and that they are already 'struggling' to cope with the number of people living in the area.

Council officers have recommended that the application be approved, stating that it offers the benefit of new housing in an area with a 'very significant position of housing undersupply'.

Councillors will vote on the proposals during Stockport's planning committee meeting at 6pm on March 27.

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