AN INDUSTRIAL estate which would have cast Haughton Green into its shadow has been rejected once again to the delight of protestors.
Those opposing the proposed Bredbury Park expansion believed the knock-on effect to the streets of Denton would have been disastrous.
But the Planning Inspectorate has backed up Stockport Council’s decision to turn it down after an appeal by Quorum Estates.
And the effect it would have had on Haughton Green formed a big part of inspector David Rose’s decision.
After visiting the site on February 10, he said: “The narrow-incised valley of the River Tame should not be taken as an open invitation to leapfrog the already strong demarcation of the existing built-up area and, thereafter, extend built development into the green belt.
“In this regard, the existing gap between Bredbury and Haughton Green is quite modest, and the scheme before me would occupy a substantial part of it.
“In physical terms, the proposed development would extend the built-up influence and proximity of the industrial estate in the direction of Haughton Green.
“The project would result in a significant change in the relationship between the two settlements, and their tangible separation at this point would be substantially reduced.
“Whilst this would not amount to the built-up areas actually merging into each other, it would, nonetheless, leave very limited separation, even with the deep nature of the valley and the proposed new landscaping.
“Moreover, there would be a very strong perception of merging, notably from parts of Haughton Green.”
Mr Rose also highlighted the impact any development would have had on people living in Haughton Green, as well as then green belt as a whole.
He added: “Moving round to Fitzgerald Court, Haughton Green, the top eight floors, depending on orientation, would have outlook towards the appeal site and experience a tangible loss of mid-ground green space.
“I believe that there would be very significant harm to the openness of the green belt. In my opinion, very substantial weight should be given to the combined harm to the green belt.”
Mr Rose’s adjudication was greeted with glee by local MP Andrew Gwynne, who helped lead the campaign against the plan, along with Parliamentary neighbour, William Wragg.
He said: “This is such fantastic news. This site would have completely destroyed our Tame Valley and obliterated the openness and tranquillity of the area.
“The Tame Valley is the crown jewel of the constituency I represent. We have sent a strong message that it is not for sale. Not under any circumstances.
“I couldn’t be happier. I would just like to thank Stockport Council, for putting forward such a robust case on why the appeal should be refused, as well as Councillors Claire Reid, George Newton and Jack Naylor for their representations.
“I would also like to thank the children of Russell Scott Primary School and Steve Marsland for their incredibly moving testimonies to the public inquiry.
“This is a victory for everyone across Denton and Reddish. It shows that people can and do make a difference. I plan on celebrating with a lovely walk in the valley this weekend with my family.
“The Tame Valley is ours.”
In a joint statement, Denton South Cllrs Claire Reid, Jack Naylor and George Newton added:
“We’re over the moon at the decision of the Inspector to throw out the monstrous proposal to concrete over the green belt.
“The Tame Valley is so important, both to us personally and to the people of Denton South.
“After a very long process, and one which the support from the residents has been steadfast, the proposal to bulldoze the Tame Valley is finally dead and buried.
“We would like to thank the Inspector for listening to our arguments, and for reaching the right decision and of course our community without whom this victory would not have been possible.”