What does the word ‘heritage’ mean to you? According to my dictionary it is ‘unspoiled countryside and historic buildings passed down from a previous generation.’
So, what do you suppose Avro Heritage Ltd stands for? On December 20 last year a company of that name purchased The BAE Systems’ Woodford plant for £100m with plans to build a polo club, film studio and housing.
Maybe not as much ‘heritage’ as you’d like but certainly a polo club and film studio held promise. A spokesman said: "We are honoured to take ownership of such a historic site and we will endeavour to ensure its past is not forgotten." Fair enough.
Less than five months later that plan has been ‘revised’ to 1,000 houses plus school, shops and a pub TRIPLING the size of Woodford village. (No mention of ‘heritage’ now).
Iain Roberts, Stockport council’s executive member for regeneration, said: "We are at the first stage and waiting to hear what people’s opinions are on the plans."
Consultations were held on May 24 at the Woodford Aerodrome, and Poynton Civic Hall the following afternoon.
Why the sudden rush? Before residents can absorb the details the council will claim there were no significant objections.
So, why is this proposed development plan important to residents of Wilmslow and Macclesfield?
It demonstrates just how wealthy developers operate. Dress up your intentions until you get a foot in the door then reveal your plans piecemeal. Had Avro Heritage stated up front they intended to build 1,000 houses they wouldn’t have made it past go. What does ‘heritage’ have to do with tripling the size of Woodford village?
If residents (and councils) are not to be led by the nose in this great scramble for development land they need to sharpen up their act before they wake up and find the face of their community changed forever.
Avro Heritage is in business to make money and will be long gone when the consequences of 1,000 new houses take their toll on Woodford.
