Secretary of state approves Heald Green homes plans

Plans for 325 homes and a new school to be built in Heald Green have been backed by the secretary of state.The Seashell Trust – which supports children and young adults with complex learning disabilities and additional communication needs – is behind the application.Proposals had previously been turned away by Stockport Council after it decided that the special circumstances to allow for a development on Green Belt land did not exist.The application went to secretary Robert Jenrick on appeal, who has noted that while some harm may be caused to the Green Belt, the benefits “clearly outweigh” this issue.Approval has now been granted.Proposed is full permission for a 59,200 sq ft school providing purpose-built accommodation for 60 pupils. This will be located on the site of the old Quad and Gayton residential buildings, which have now been demolished.Outline approval has also been passed for a 325-strong housing development.