Controversial plans for Godley Green Garden Village have been approved by Tameside Council today and now rest in the hands of the Secretary of State, Michael Gove.
Advocates of the scheme in Hyde say it will potentially bring 2,150 much needed homes to Tameside.
The plans they are designed around the Garden Village principles aim to ensure the inclusion of all the physical, community and social services and foundations, which are needed to support creation of homes.
With everything from new education and health care provision, retail, and recreation facilities, along with all necessary road infrastructure and utilities.
The scheme has been on the drawing board for five years and the latest consultation there saw 4,205 letters of objection lodged, and a petition of 4,459 signatures against the development which will be in green belt land either side of the A560 Mottram Old Road
During the meeting earlier today one objector said that “Godley Green cleans the air for Tameside. Godley Green is Tameside’s lungs.”
Local MP Jonathan Reynolds who supports the scheme said
“This development meets those needs whilst providing much better build quality, services and affordable housing provision than we would get from a series of smaller developments.“
In answer to critics those in favour say that the size and scope of the development has been specifically designed to ensure that the surrounding areas will not be overwhelmed and if anything give a much needed boost to Hyde Town Centre.
Godley Green will consist of a wide range of homes including a considerable proportion of affordable homes that will appeal to and meet the needs of everyone from first time buyers to older people looking to downsize.
Councillor Gerald Cooney, Tameside Council Executive Leader states; “We will await the outcome of the Secretary of State to as to whether he agrees to this much needed housing being built in Tameside
We want Godley Green to provide much-needed, quality homes that Tameside really needs. But it is not just about housing, it is about developing a sustainable community where people can work, raise families, travel easily, and enjoy green spaces. A garden community gives us the opportunity to do something different, with people at the very heart of the development. Their views have been invaluable throughout the application process, and we have listened to their feedback to shape the plans.”
