Controversial plans to build hundreds of homes on an area of green open land in Stockport have been approved.

Mirrlees Fields, in Hazel Grove, will become a new community of 200 homes along with what developers describe as a 'large public open space' for the neighbourhood.

It is based close to Woodsmoor train station and Stepping Hill Hospital, with the A6 Buxton Road also nearby.

Approval for the plans by Kellen Homes and Great Places Housing Group means work can get started after years of protest and a planning appeal.

It comes after a major campaign by residents to protect the land from development.

A petition against the plans was signed by more than 5,000 people, stating that nearby Bramhall Moor Lane 'is already a very congested area, and is a key access point to Stepping Hill Hospital.'

The petition added: 'The fields provide a calm and serene refuge for our community.'

A sign seen on Mirrlees Fields in 2023 (Image - Nub News)

Stockport council's planning committee initially refused the planning application at a meeting in December 2022, 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.'

But an appeal to the Planning Inspector later overturned the decision in January 2024 after an inquiry. Notice giving approval to the scheme was published on Stockport council's planning portal earlier this month on November 14.

In the aftermath of the Planning Inspector's decision, former Stockport Councillor Tom Morrison – now Cheadle's MP – said: "This is just an insult to the people around Mirrlees Fields. Many people campaigned so hard to protect this land that is much treasured by them."

The land will be used to build a mix of one-bedroomed apartments and two, three and four-bedroomed houses, all for affordable housing through either shared ownership or social rent.

Ian Kelley, chief executive of Kellen Homes, said: "This planning consent marks a vital milestone in this superb new development. We are delighted to once again be partnering with Great Places to deliver this important injection of new affordable homes for the people of Stockport in this highly desirable location.

"We are immensely proud that this development also includes the improvement and preservation of a significant area of open space that will, because of this scheme, be available to the local community in perpetuity."

Nick Gornall, director of development at Great Places, said: "By combining new homes with extensive public open space, we're not only addressing housing need but also enhancing the local environment for generations to come."

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