Mirrlees Fields to be transferred to Land Trust 

Engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions has agreed in principle to hand over 43 acres of green space to the charity as part of its plans to create a 200-home development close to its Hazel Grove base. 

The agreement with the Land Trust, a national charity committed to the long-term sustainable management of open space for community benefit, is subject to MAN gaining planning consent for the residential development, to be located off Bramhall Moor Lane. 

Louise Durose, general counsel for MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We welcome the agreement in principle with the Land Trust and look forward to submitting our planning application to Stockport Council in the coming weeks.” 

Under the terms of the deal, the Land Trust has committed to working with local stakeholders and interest groups on developing a community-led vision for the site. MAN Energy Solutions is to donate £1m to the Land Trust to pay for the upkeep of the site. 

In total, the site stretches to 64 acres, 10 of those would house the residential scheme while a further 11 are earmarked for open space serving the homes. The 43 acres transferred to the Land Trust are to be used as a country park.

While there are currently some rights of way across the land, the proposals would allow for “unfettered” access and provide greater flexibility in the way the land can be used by local schools, scouts and cubs and other youth groups as well as staff and patients at nearby Stepping Hill Hospital, MAN said. 

Euan Hall, chief executive at the Land Trust said: “We are very pleased to be involved with this project at Mirrlees Fields, where we can help to secure a sustainable future for a valued area of local green space.  

“We are looking forward to working with existing stakeholders and new residents to develop a vision for the future which preserves and enhances its existing assets and delivers long term economic and social value for the surrounding community.” 

The project team comprises Avison Young as planning consultant, 5plus Architects as masterplanner, Curtins as transport consultant, Barnes Walker as landscape architect, and BWB Consulting as the noise and air quality consultants.

Subject to planning approval, MAN plans to sell the residential plot to a housebuilder.

The plans for the site were unveiled last year.