PLANS to build a park-and-ride site on greenbelt land at Sale Water Park have been given the go ahead.

The 300-space car park, earmarked for Metrolink customers, was approved by Trafford Council’s planning committee last night (Thursday).

This was inspite of concerns that the proposal would increase traffic in the area and impact on the surrounding countryside.

The site will have 16 disabled parking spaces and will be linked to a new tram stop.

It is part of Metrolink’s £1.4 billion plan to extend its services to Manchester Airport and Baguley.

During the Town Hall planning meeting, three councillors shared their concerns about the development.

Cllr Joanne Bennett said: “This will have a detrimental impact on Sale Moor residents, who not want to pay the cost of Metrolink’s business plan.”

Cllr Barry Brotherton added: “We’re concerned about a 300-space car park in greenbelt land, it’s a serious intrusion. People who go to enjoy the countryside don’t want to see hundreds of cars there.

“During rush hour the junction at Dane Road is bad enough and having extra cars there is unnecessary.”

But planning councillors voted that the plans go ahead with security measures such as CCTV in place.

Cllr Karen Barclay said: “The Metrolink has transformed travel across the borough. Park-and-ride is a fantastic way of travelling and we should welcome this application with open arms.”

Work to install the new extension began last March. At the time, tree surgeons cleared the space between Sale Water Park and the M60 motorway at junction six that will eventually be home to the park-and-ride station.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive stressed that a full ecological survey had been carried out and that more trees would be planted than removed.

Metrolink made use of environmental surveys to inform the design process and promised to continue monitoring the site.