We're powerless to protect green belt, says council leader

Authority unveils plans to build 16,406 new homes over next 17 years

- By JOSEPH TIMAN

Image from a planning application by Russell LDP for new homes on Chester Road in Woodford

A GREATER Manchester council has finally revealed where it plans to build thousands of new homes on green belt land.

Stockport council's leader unveiled the plans 'with a very heavy heart,' claiming the local authority is 'powerless' to protect the beauty spots.

The ruling Lib Dem group had promised to protect the green belt from development, having voted to pull out of a joint Greater Manchester plan. However, the government introduced high housing targets after Labour won the general election last year.

This meant that a consultation on the last draft of Stockport's local plan had to be halted and the process was started again.