Decision over controversial plans to build on historic Greater Manchester golf club delayed

A decision on the future of a historic golf club in Stockport was delayed after a disagreement over whether it is surplus to requirements. Developer Hollins Strategic Land has submitted a planning application to build 278 houses on Gatley Golf Club, which it claims is “not an economically viable operation”.

Sport England and England Gold have challenged the claim, stating that there is not “any clear evidence that the golf course is surplus to requirements to meet current and future demand”.

The planning officer said no further updates had been provided on the viability of the course. Councillor Steve Gribbon, chair of Stockport council’s planning committee, called for a vote to defer the decision until more information can be provided.

He said: “I do not want to make a decision without solid information. The decision has got to be right. The professional companies that have had a look at it have said there’s not enough information.”

However, he added that a “difficult decision” will still need to be made over the future of the club.

It means additional work will take place about the future potential of the golf course before the application returns to the council to be decided. Some residents living near the course are campaigning against the plan for new homes. They believe the amount of traffic generated from the proposed development would add pressure to local services and infrastructure.

However, the developer claims there is a need to “deliver much needed new affordable homes” and that the plan would “reduce the pressures on Stockport’s green belt for housing development”.

Speaking about the proposal, Coun Wendy Meikle said: “I am really concerned that the whole development is going to be viable for the person who put the application in.”

Gatley Gold Club is privately owned and was founded in 1912, but it is not currently seeking to recruit new members.