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Labour opposed to Fields in Trust protection for Gatley Carrs
by Lib Dem team on 17 January, 2020
Labour Cabinet member Cllr Sheila Bailey was challenged by Keith and Iain to give Fields in Trust status to Gatley Carrs, protecting it from development for future generations.
Cllr Bailey said that, while she did not want to see the Carrs built on, she did not want to tie the hands of future councillors by giving the Carrs any long-term protection.
Cllr Bailey said “People in the future may decide that they want to do something different with it…I can’t talk about the future.”
Fields in Trust is a 95 year old charity that works with councils across the country to legally protect public green spaces such as parks, nature reserves and playing fields. Their protection is a modern version of a covenant and can still allow some appropriate development in an area. For example, a council might want to retain the power to build a pavilion on a sports field or a visitors centre at a nature reserve. It also allows part of an area to be protected – it isn’t a all-or-nothing tool. Fields in Trust currently protect over 2,800 green spaces.
Gatley Carrs Conservation Group have been battling for over two years to get Stockport Council to protect the Carrs – Gatley’s own nature reserve. No-one is suggesting there is any immediate threat, but GCCG and the Lib Dems believe that it should be protected for future generations to enjoy.
“It’s very disappointing that the Labour administration are unwilling to do anything to give our precious green spaces long-term protection.” said Keith. “Cllr Bailey has at least agreed to our request for a meeting with Fields in Trust and we will be working to ensure that meeting happens. The Liberal Democrats will continue to work to save our public green spaces, not just today but into the future as well.”
You can see Keith’s question and Cllr Bailey’s response here (from 2:01 to 2:04). Iain’s question and Cllr Bailey’s reply is here (from 2:16 to 2:24)
13 Comments
Cllr Bailey’s response is simply wrong-headed. It is, in effect, saying “let us do nothing, just in case sometime in the future somebody wants to do something”. You could apply that to many issues within the Council’s remit and no progress would be made on anything.
I am not a NIMBY who, say, opposes building greatly needed social housing on greenfield sites. In fact, very much the opposite. But this is not just a random bit of undeveloped land. It is, actually, developed and managed for its current purpose. We need the bio-diversity, including woodlands, for the planet’s good health.
I dont get it. Why would they not want to protect it and why is it up to Labour anyway? Maybe Im being a bit thick but Gatley is Conservative and I would have thought it was up to them
Doesn’t matter what the local councillor is, Sheila Bailey is the cabinet member with responsibility for this. The council is largely decorative, the cabinet has the power
Hi Janet – it’s Labour’s decision because Labour run Stockport Council. It’s a council decision, not one the local councillors or the MP can take.
Ok thanks for clearing that up
This is typical of a sit on the fence Councillor who despite her parties drubbing in the last general election for the labour leaders similar negative policy will not learn her lesson.
What incentive does this give to the people who over the years have strived to make a recognised green oasis for the benefit of others and future generations.
I sincerely hope that the voters see this negative policy for what it really is.
And people are surprised? I’m not a NIMBY either and welcome development where appropriate and practical. There can sometimes be errors if judgement and a lack of foresight, particularly with planners who should know better, but really, why would any one want to even consider spoiling the Carrs?
400,000 new homes needed nationwide, we all agree on that, but not on my ‘Gatley’ patch hey! Big up Councillor Bailey, bringing new affordable homes to Gatley Carrs = more jobs, increased footfall for Cheadle/Gatley! Bring it on, the sooner the better!
Please ask The Labour councillor to change her mind. Fields in Trust will offer valuable future protection to a much loved local resource. I visit Gatley Carrs regularly and want it to remain
Should be protected, you cant just keep building on every available green space, what has got to do with football sydney i dont quite know, perhaps you could enlighten me.
Sorry i meant footfall sydney , why would it increase footfall just by building more houses, most people leave and return by car and sit infront of the tv anyway watchinf junk tv to fill there minds full of all the junk thats already in there, gatley hS got more than enough housing and is populated to its limits, its fine as it is, particularly with all the new flats on the tatton
I fully support the retention of Gatley Carrs and any protection of the area should be supported. As a resident of nearly 50 years in the vicinity of Gatley Carrs I have seen local public and open space steadily eroded during that time, in particular the area of development on the other side of Longley Lane , The GM Refuse Disposal Plant , not to mention the M56 Link- all of which has eaten up open space. We must retain as much public open space as possible.
I fully support the retention of Gatley Carrs and any protection of the area should be supported. As a resident of nearly 50 years in the vicinity of Gatley Carrs I have seen local public and open space steadily eroded during that time, in particular the area of development on the other side of Longley Lane , The GM Refuse Disposal Plant , not to mention the M56 Link- all of which has eaten up open space. We must retain as much public open space as possible.