Plan for 440 new homes on green belt land in Hyde takes another step forward

A plan to build hundreds of new homes on green belt land does not require an environmental assessment, it has been decided.

The land south of Hyde is primed as the location for 440 new homes and would have sections of public open space – much like the plan for Godley Green Village. This site, which would have access off A560 Stockport Road, has been significantly reduced in scale as a plan for 935 homes was originally put forward in 2016.

Full details of the development have not yet been revealed, but it is included in the Greater Manchester-wide Places for Everyone plan. The PfE plan would see thousands of new homes built across the city region over the next two decades.

The green belt land off Apethorn Lane has not yet been fully approved by the council, but the local authority’s housing strategy claimed these homes could "assist in meeting the full range of housing needs and aspirations". 

The strategy also claimed: "There is potential to deliver innovative and creative development that is energy efficient and resilient to climate change."

Documents state that they want to make sure that "Garden City principles are enshrined throughout" the development. Council papers also said that this plan would support the full restoration of the Grade II* Listed Apethorn Farm complex, which is currently on Historic England’s At Risk register.

There has been some movement on these plans in recent weeks, with a decision made that an environmental impact assessment would not be necessary. An EIA essentially highlights the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment in that particular area.

The planning team at Tameside Council have taken consultation from various authorities on this. So far, responses have been submitted from the Canal and Rivers Trust; Environment Agency; Contaminated Land Planning; National Highways; Natural England; Transport for Greater Manchester; Network Rail; Health And Safety Executive; and The Coal Authority.

None of these consultees believes this plan required an EIA. However, further permissions from the planning team at the council would need to be sought before any building work could start.