Stockport golf club to be converted into housing

A nine-hole golf club in Stockport is to be converted into 278 new homes even though local planners rejected the proposal.

One industry insider said “This could see the value of golf club land soar”.

The bid by Hollins Strategic Land (HSL) for the scheme on Gatley Golf Course in Stockport was knocked back in 2021 because the project would have meant a loss of open green space.

More than 1,600 people signed a petition to save the land from development.

However, the government’s planning inspector has now overturned the decision.

The planning inspectorate, which held a six-day inquiry last year, said building on the golf course would have “several benefits”.

The clubhouse would be converted into a ‘community hub’ under the plans, which also include 26 acres of space that can be used by the public.

HSL director Paul O’Shea said: “The positive decision now presents a real opportunity to create a thriving, balanced neighbourhood incorporating a range of community facilities for local people.”

Stockport Council deputy leader Mark Roberts said: “The Labour government has tied councils’ hands behind their backs with their developers’ charter to concrete over our green spaces, and this is another very sad example of it.

“I fear this is the start of many such applications where local people and their local council are ignored by national government to serve Labour’s agenda.”

Sharon Lindsay, a Gatley resident, said locals are devastated at the thought of losing the golf club and green space.

“It’s just heartbreaking to see that it will be built on, the community is feeling very hurt by what has happened,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Although it’s a private club they feel it has many links to the community that go back to the early days of the club, with generations of family connections. We have a lot of affection and love for the club.

“This is a blueprint for how to sell a sports club and deprive the community of a recreational facility, people need to be aware of that.”

The club, founded in 1912, is currently closed.