A public inquiry into plans for Mirrlees Fields will begin on 31 October. 

The inquiry will address MAN Energy Solutions' appeal to develop 200 homes on part of the fields. 

Stockport Council refused MAN's initial proposal on the grounds that it would lead to loss of open space. 

MAN has since appealed that decision, and it is this that will be discussed at the inquiry. 

MAN is hoping to sell a small portion of the fields to a developer that would build 200 houses; the rest of the land would be gifted to the Land Trust, along with £1.27 million to cover the ongoing costs of upkeep (this has since increased to £1.5 million in line with inflation). 

The Land Trust would own and maintain this remaining 43 acres, keeping the space as a nature reserve. This will be legally protected, in perpetuity, by a S106 agreement.

A spokesperson for Mirrlees Fields Friends Group said: "It just seems as though this is a fairly reasonable compromise.

"Yes, we are going to have to sacrifice something, but in the long run, what we're left with is the equivalent of a very large nature reserve that will be maintained."

The inquiry will take place at Fred Perry House, and led by Inspector C Mulloy, appointed by the Secretary of State. It is expected to last eight days. 

You can find more information, including core documents and a draft programme, HERE.

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