Plan for 440 homes in Gee Cross to be decided next week

The village of Gee Cross could be about to get a lot bigger, with hundreds of new homes earmarked for nearby land – but there are hundreds of complaints.

A plan to build 440 homes on the green space to the south of Hyde will be decided on by Tameside council’s planning panel next week. The proposed site would be split in two halves – Apethorn on one side and Bowlacre on the other.

The homes would be spread across both parcels of land with acres of public open spaces, parks, children’s play facilities and woodland trails to be scattered throughout. 

The planning application would also seeks the restoration of the Grade II* Listed Apethorn Farm complex, which is currently on Historic England’s At Risk register. The farmhouse building complex would be transformed into four new homes – in addition to the 440 homes also planned.

There have been 355 letters of objection to the plans submitted to Tameside council by locals. Many of the concerns relate to overdevelopment in the area, with plans for 2,150 homes at Godley Green Garden Village already moving forward nearby.

The objectors feel this plan would turn the village into ‘urban sprawl’; have a detrimental impact on local green space; create more pollution; and exacerbate the ongoing traffic congestion problem locally.

The proposal, tabled by Sintra Property Developments Limited, has already been significantly reduced in scale as 935 homes were originally put forward in 2016.

Planning papers read: “The vision for the Land South of Hyde is that it goes beyond ‘just another housing site’. Through a considered and viable approach, the intent is to create an edge of countryside development with a unique sense of place. 

“There will be a seamless integration of the scheme into the existing landscape through considered architecture and urban design, and a series of well-connected public spaces, green routes and woodlands. 

“The proposals set an aspiration of high design quality to support a vibrant and sustainable physical environment, which in turn influences the sense of community. Design quality and sustainable design are central to the masterplan proposals.”

The council’s planning panel will convene at Droylsden’s Guardsman Tony Downes House on June 24 to make a decision on the application.