2nd November 2025
Serious questions are being asked of Stockport Council Leader Mark Roberts over his pledge to protect the borough’s Green Belt — after historic evidence shows that the Council presided over the loss of Harcourt Street Recreation Ground in Reddish without holding the statutory public inquiry required by law, despite over 800 objections from local residents.
The Harcourt Street site, once designated public open space, was redeveloped more than a decade ago. Yet campaigners say its disposal still casts a shadow over the Council’s credibility on planning and transparency.
At the time, residents were told the land sale complied with all procedures. However, documents later revealed that no public inquiry under Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 was ever held — even though public objections made that inquiry a legal necessity.
“It was done behind closed doors,” said local campaigner Sheila Oliver, who has compiled extensive records of the case. “The Council ignored more than 800 residents who exercised their right to object. The public was misled, and a valued green space was lost forever.”
Now, with Stockport’s draft Local Plan promising protection for the Green Belt, residents are questioning whether those assurances can be trusted. Critics argue that if the Council once bypassed a statutory process to dispose of open space, similar risks could threaten protected land in the future.
When approached by the Romiley Gazette for comment, Council Leader Mark Roberts allegedly reacted angrily, shouting that it was “wrong” to raise the issue and branding the Editor of the Romiley Gazette “toxic”. Such behaviour has provoked fresh concern about openness at the top of the authority.
“Leaders who claim to defend the Green Belt should not be shouting down legitimate public questions,” said one Romiley resident. “We deserve answers — not hostility.”
Campaigners also point to a series of cost anomalies surrounding the development — with reports showing the budget rose from £5.5 million to £10 million in a matter of months, raising suspicions of mismanagement and opaque accounting.
The Council has so far declined to clarify why no inquiry was held, or whether any officers or members were disciplined for the procedural breach. A spokesperson did not respond to detailed questions before publication.
Local residents say they will continue pressing for answers. “This isn’t ancient history,” said another campaigner. “It’s about integrity. If Stockport Council wants people to believe their Green Belt is safe, they need to explain how Harcourt Street was lost — and why.”
The Romiley Gazette will publish any official response in full when received.
