Woodford consultation draws in big crowds

MORE than 1,000 people visited public exhibitions run by Stockport and Cheshire East Councils to have their say on ‘Woodford Garden Village’ – a proposed residential development on the former BAE Systems Woodford Aerodrome site.

A two-day exhibition was held at the end of last week jointly by Stockport and Cheshire East Councils, who are drafting a supplementary planning document (SPD) for the site taking into account new owner Avro Heritage’s plans for a joint venture with Harrow Estates.

The document suggests building on a large are of land on the northern side of the site, which would contain up to 950 new homes in a “garden village”.

It would contain a primary school, childrens’ play area, a new heritage centre, a village green and a number of environmental improvements.

Comments made on issues such as transport, planning, design and architecture were sought during the public consultation and will be accommodated into the SPD once it is published later this year.

Cllr Iain Roberts, executive member for regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “We want to hear the views of local people and these events are an important way of getting feedback on the proposed Woodford Garden Village.

“We are determined to get the best amenities and services for the local community and finding out what people think is a crucial part of this. I would urge people to keep talking to us, and to have their say on the draft SPD which will be published later this year.”

Cllr Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, added: “It is vitally important that we have as much input from local people as possible as the plans will help shape their communities for years to come. We want to get any proposed scheme right for local people and the wider region.”