Gibfield Preservation Group

What Can I Object To?

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1. Protecting Wildlife and Biodiversity

You can object on the grounds that development at Gibfield would harm important habitats, wildlife corridors, ponds and protected species.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy EN1 (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) – requires protection of biodiversity and ecological networks.

• Policy EN4 (Biodiversity Net Gain) – seeks to deliver measurable improvements for nature.

• Policy PE1 (Healthier Environments) – requires development to contribute positively to environmental quality.

Points you may wish to raise:

• Gibfield forms an important wildlife corridor linking habitats across the wider area.

• The site supports valuable biodiversity, including ponds, wetland habitats and protected species.

• Habitat loss and fragmentation would conflict with the Council's stated commitment to nature recovery.

• Existing ecological assets cannot simply be recreated elsewhere through mitigation measures.

 

2. Loss of Green Space and Community Value

You can object because Gibfield provides an important open space for local residents.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy PE1 (Healthier Environments)

• Policy PE4 (Local Green Spaces)

Points you may wish to raise:

• Gibfield is used daily for walking, exercise, recreation and experiencing nature.

• The area contributes to physical and mental wellbeing.

• Atherton has very limited protected green space compared with other areas.

• The site has significant social, environmental and recreational value that is not adequately recognised.

 

3.Traffic, Congestion and Transport Infrastructure

You can object to the impact of additional development on already busy roads.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy T1 (Safeguarded Transport Schemes)

• Policy T2 (Transport Implications of Development)

• Policy H3 (NorthFold Development Allocation)

Points you may wish to raise:

• Existing traffic congestion is already a concern.

• Proposed road schemes could encourage further housing and employment development.

• The cumulative impact of new homes, warehouses and transport infrastructure has not been fully demonstrated.

• Infrastructure improvements should be delivered before development takes place.

 

4. Housing Growth and Development Need

You can question whether additional development at Gibfield is genuinely required.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy H3 (NorthFold Allocation)

• Policy H5 (Infrastructure Contributions)

• Policy UP1 (Future Local Plan Review)

Points you may wish to raise:

• Housing growth assumptions should be reassessed using current evidence.

• Development would place additional pressure on schools, healthcare services and community facilities.

• The concentration of development within the NorthFold area is disproportionate.

• Residents need greater assurance that infrastructure will keep pace with growth.

 

5. Warehousing and Employment Development

You can object to large-scale employment and warehousing proposals.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy J1 (Supporting Economic Growth)

• Policy J2 (Employment Areas)

• Policy J3 (Green Economy)

Points you may wish to raise:

• West of Gibfield continues to be identified for significant employment development.

• Warehousing and logistics uses may have substantial traffic, noise and environmental impacts.

• Alternative employment locations should be considered before developing sensitive green spaces.

• Economic growth objectives should be balanced against environmental protection and community wellbeing.

 

6. Flooding, Ground Conditions and Environmental Risks

You can raise concerns about the suitability of the land for development.

Relevant policy:

• Policy EN7 (Protecting Amenity and the Environment)

Points you may wish to raise:

• The area has a history of mining, quarrying and industrial activity.

• There are known issues relating to land stability, groundwater and contamination.

• Development proposals must demonstrate that environmental risks can be addressed safely.

• Local ponds, watercourses and wetland habitats may be adversely affected.

 

7. Climate Change and Sustainability

You can object where proposals conflict with sustainability commitments.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy PE1 (Healthier Environments)

• Policy J3 (Green Economy)

Points you may wish to raise:

• Increased traffic and road building are difficult to reconcile with climate objectives.

• Loss of green space reduces opportunities for carbon storage and nature recovery.

• The Plan should place greater emphasis on protecting existing natural environments.

• Development should support, rather than undermine, the Council's environmental commitments.

 

8. Future Development Pressure

You can express concern about the long-term implications of current proposals.

Relevant policies include:

• Policy T1 (Safeguarded Transport Schemes)

• Policy TC13 (Local Centres)

• Policy UP1 (Early Plan Review)

Points you may wish to raise:

• New roads may make future development easier to justify.

• A proposed local centre at West of Gibfield could accelerate further urbanisation.

• Future Local Plan reviews may create additional pressure for development around Gibfield.

• Stronger protections are needed now to safeguard the area for future generations.

 

Our Key Message

Gibfield is more than a development site. It is a valuable green space, an important wildlife corridor, a community asset and part of Atherton's natural heritage. We encourage all residents to submit evidence-based comments referencing Local Plan policies and explaining why stronger protection for Gibfield is needed.