Controversial housing plans for green belt land in Tameside which prompted a huge outcry from residents have been withdrawn.
There had been 834 objections lodged over the proposals to build 91 homes on countryside land off Matley Lane in Hyde, compared to just five supporting comments.
The planning statement submitted with the scheme had acknowledged the site is ‘located wholly within the green belt’ and would need very special circumstances to gain planning permission.
However the applicant, Metacre Limited, stated it would meet an ‘acute local housing need’ and deliver ecological benefits. But the company has now withdrawn the application from consideration by the local authority.
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United Utilities, a statutory consultee, had said it would formally object to the plans until the impact on a water main on the site was understood and agreed.
The move was celebrated by Conservative Councillor Liam Billington who said it was ‘excellent news’. The Saddleworth South member, whose ward overlapped part of the site, thanked residents who ‘took the time to place their objections and made your voice heard’.
He had also formally objected to the proposals, arguing it would ‘further add to the unnecessary erosion of our greenbelt and added congestion this would cause for local residents’.
Coun Billington shared a written update from Tameside council which stated: “I can confirm that the applicant has chosen to withdraw the application today. It will therefore be formally withdrawn and will not be progressed further at this stage.”
The proposed development site covers a total of 4.68 hectares, spread across two parcels, one an irregular shaped area of grassland and the other of a grassy area separated from the main area by a footpath and hedgerow.
Under the proposals there would have been 74 properties for market housing, 14 affordable swellings and space for three self-build units.
“Although the landscape is pleasant in itself and appears to be well used for recreation, the strong visual connectivity with distant Manchester centre and its western settlements influences the character and experience for walkers in this area and prevents a feeling of tranquillity, even on more remote footpaths in the hills,” the supporting documents stated.
Access to the development had been proposed to be created from Matley Lane and the north of the site was proposed to be designated for an area of self-built homes.
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