PUPILS at a primary school in Hyde have taken their campaign to protect Tameside’s countryside right to the top of the Government.
Youngsters from Gee Cross Holy Trinity Primary have written to both Tameside Council and 10 Downing Street to voice their objections to the proposed Godley Green Garden Village department.
The school council, made up of pupils aged five to 11 years old, sent a detailed letter outlining their concerns over the plans, which would see more than 2,000 homes built on green belt land to the south of Hyde.
The local authority’s vision for the new ‘garden village’ would see it split into two halves by Godley Brook and include up to 2,150 homes – alongside new green spaces, play areas, shops, offices and community facilities.
The project is being jointly developed by Tameside Council and the MADE Partnership, with building work expected to begin soon if the latest planning application is approved.
The council says Godley Green will provide much-needed, quality homes for Tameside and promote sustainability, accessibility, and community wellbeing – a transformational vision for future living.
But the children from the Higham Lane school say the development would come at too high a cost to the local environment, landscape and community.
In their heartfelt letter, they raised concerns about the loss of green belt and countryside near Werneth Low; pressure on local infrastructure; flood risks; traffic and safety issues; and the impact on wildlife and habitats.
“We, the children of Gee Cross Holy Trinity Primary School, are enraged by the plans and feel that we must stand up and be heard because we are the children of a school built in 1888 and we know that protecting history and legacy is important,” they wrote.
Their plea has not gone unnoticed, as the school recently received a formal response from Downing Street.
The letter read: “Dear Gee Cross Holy Trinity School Council. I am writing on behalf of the Prime Minister to thank you for your excellent letter about the green belt. It was very good of you to get in touch, and for taking the time and trouble to share your thoughts about this important matter.
“As the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the part of the Government responsible for the matters you raise, I have sent your letter to them so that they are made aware of your views. Thank you, once again, for writing.”
The school’s staff and governors are proud that the pupils have made their voices heard on an issue that affects their community.
Katrina Cole, Acting Headteacher of Gee Cross Holy Trinity Primary School and Nursery, told the Correspondent: “I’m incredibly proud of our School Council pupils at Gee Cross Holy Trinity.
“For children of primary age to take such thoughtful action – writing to the Government to protect our local green belt – shows remarkable awareness and care for their community and environment. This gives me great hope for the future.”