Gary Neville's training facility plan facing refusal

Gary Neville’s training facility plan facing refusal

Gary Neville’s plans to build a new training facility on greenbelt land in Stretford faces being scrapped amid a wave of opposition.

The plan put forth by Gary Neville is to build a new training facility on Turn Moss, a greenbelt site on the border between Stretford and Chorlton. The proposal has been met with some hostility to say the least.

A Facebook group known as ‘Save Turn Moss’ has started a campaign urging people who oppose to the plan to speak up and get in touch with the council and their local MP’s so that something can be done.

Some photos from today’s fantastic protest.@Save_Turn_Moss @GNev2 #Chorlton pic.twitter.com/jj8TDXvKMs

— hacking4chorlton (@hacking4chorltz) February 18, 2018

There seem to be a number of concerns among residents of the area who use the land for their leisure and believe it should remain untouched as to avoid disturbances to dog walkers, nature enthusiasts and community sport teams.

Concerns about sound and light pollution have been voiced given that flood lights and potential late night sporting activities are likely to be in place if/when the facility opens, Environmental issues are also likely to arise during the construction of the facility if it goes ahead.

The local community is worried about fuel pollution and the effects the construction will have on the wildlife that live in the area which are bound to suffer should he get the green light.

There has also been concerns voiced about the consequences of Neville’s plans with regards to the River Mersey as part of Turn Moss in question is a flood plain on the river.

The general opinion after a recent public meeting with Gary Neville and a number of protesters was that they didn’t have enough time to make a point. The meeting was only an hour long and felt ‘scripted’ making people feel like it was intentionally planned in order for Neville to make a point.

What does the council say?

“We welcome investment but the question is if this is the right solution; residents and uses of Turn Moss are very loudly telling the council that it isn’t.

“Community consultation has been poor. Consultation should’ve been more robust at a pre-planning stage. It is now too little, too late.”

– Counsellor Anne Duffield

Despite the opposition, there are a number of people who think the plan will be good for the community and that it is likely to improve the locals’ health and well being.

Trafford Council did extend the consultation period for the plans for which the deadline (which was March 18th) is now April 18th.

If you haven’t already, please object to the application before Wednesday's 5pm deadline.
Development on Greenbelt nearly impossible to reverse, Trafford Council have right to appeal if application rejected, we cannot appeal if it is accepted. For help: https://t.co/mscMT6uYhX pic.twitter.com/mqkl0LU2rI

— Save Turn Moss ? (@SaveTurnMoss) April 16, 2018