CONCERNS Mossley will become ‘overdeveloped’ with housing have led to its elected representatives voicing their fears.
The town, named as one of the best places to live in Britain, has seen several schemes pop up in recent years.
And hundreds more homes could be built in the coming years with the old Mossley Hollins school site having planning permission for 50 properties.
Outline approval for as many as 175 between the new building and Hey Farm estate was granted – despite the town’s MP, Jonathan Reynolds, its three Tameside councillors – Stephen Homer, Jack Homer and Tafheen Sharif – Mossley Town Council and more than 500 people formally objecting to it!
A scheme for a contentious piece of land on Stamford Road has finally been given the go ahead, while other sites, notably Brookfields, are earmarked.
But Mossley Town Council and the Protect Our Mossley group have warned against the dangers facing the area.
They are not against housing full stop – but any that is constructed must be right.
In a statement, produced for the parish authority’s meeting on Wednesday, April 9, they say: “This town is unique, with a strong community and a rich history and heritage.
“It is essential that we protect what makes Mossley special for the generations that live here today and for those who will follow.
“Mossley needs housing, but it must be genuinely affordable, particularly for young people buying their first home.
“It must be situated in the right locations with the necessary infrastructure to support the community, instead of plunging it into a crisis.
“Development must never come at the cost of compromising the character of our town or the well-being or safety of its residents.
“We are not prepared to let the future of our town be shaped by others to the detriment of Mossley people.
“From this moment, we declare a united front against overdevelopment, making clear our mission and intentions.
“We will act strategically, with urgency and determination, to protect the town’s integrity and ensure it thrives for future generations.
“We will make the case for Mossley, for the kind of housing we need and where it should go.
“We will ensure that the future of Mossley remains in the hands of its people, not developers or planners seeking to make profit at the expense of our community.”
Mossley’s neighbourhood plan is currently being composed and this stance is likely to play a huge part in discussions going forward.
New town councillor Dave Jones is a vocal advocate against controversial developments, having played a big role in preventing Brookfields being built on.
And having made this statement, battle liens have been drawn between that authority and developers looking at some areas.