Loss of Green Space:

The Council’s own audit of green space within the Borough states that Timperley and Broadheath are deficient in green space, with Timperley being the second most deficient ward in the Borough.  Broadheath manages seventh from the bottom.  Newton Park is the smallest of its parks, at 2.05 hectares.

http://www.trafford.gov.uk/greenspace/pdf/2GreenspaceReportJune2005.pdf

Ironically, the developer has stated that much of the clientele for the new centre will be from Bowden where the existing premises are located.  According to the same report, that ward is the most sufficient in green space in the whole Borough. 

I would suggest, therefore, that, if the centre is so important, that some space be found over there, where they have oodles to spare.  In my travels, for instance, I have noticed a small lodge at edge of Dunham Massey that looks just the thing, and, you never know, the National Trust might be willing to flog off their assets at knock down prices, but, then again, maybe not! 

According to the Council’s own website, Baguley Brook is part of an important network of wildlife corridors, which allow the movement of animals and plants from one place to another.

Policy NC9 states that …The Council will seek to consolidate and strengthen the effectiveness of the wildlife corridors set out below by:

• Examining the impact of development proposals (including extensions to gardens) to ensure that the integrity of the corridors is not destroyed or impaired, and ensuring that new development within or adjacent to the corridors contributes to their effectiveness wherever possible through appropriate siting and design of buildings and landscaping measures.

Is the Council just paying lip service to its commitment to wildlife?

For move information visit

http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/cme740.htm

Even the Government is waking up to the importance of Green space as is evidenced in their report, Our towns and cities: the future:  LOOKING AFTER THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT BETTER 6: Parks, play areas and public spaces

The report states:

1. Well-managed public open spaces such as greens, squares, parks, children's play areas, allotments, woodlands and recreational and sporting areas improve the attractiveness of urban areas and help promote a healthier lifestyle. They…, bring benefits for wildlife and the environment, act as an important educational tool and can relieve pressure on the countryside. They are therefore vital to enhancing the quality of urban environments and the quality of our lives.
2. We want everyone to have access to well-maintained and safe parks, play areas and other open spaces close to where they live and work.
3. Over the last few decades a lot of public open space within urban areas has been lost to encroaching development and too much of what is left has been neglected and poorly maintained.

For more information visit:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1127174