TRAFFORD Council has assured concerned residents that Flixton House and Flixton playing fields will be protected from development – but they will lose their green belt status.

The borough is aiming to build 23,000 new homes by 2035 as part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

Although it is pursuing a 'brownfield site first' strategy, up to a fifth of the borough's green belt areas could be wiped out.

Flixton Station and parts of William Wroe golf course are included in these plans and the land would be set aside for 750 new homes.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sean Anstee, has promised that historic Flixton House and Flixton Park and playing fields will be protected.

But questions have been raised over this assertion, given that the pocket of land north of the railway line, which incorporates the playing fields, the Grade II listed home, its gardens, the play park, a portion of golf course and the station, will be declassified as a whole – losing its green belt status.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “As regards Flixton House and gardens, Flixton Park and playing fields these all remain protected from development as part of the proposed allocation.

“While the proposal is for this to be removed from the green belt, Flixton House would remain as a heritage asset with its protection as a Grade II listed building and the other areas would retain the open spaces protection which they currently have.

“The allocation outside of the green belt designation is to ensure a defensible green belt boundary but in no way should be interpreted as allowing development in future with the land retaining protected status.

“The site is being considered as it could provide a range of significant benefits and help meet the expected increased demand over the next 20 years for more homes, including family homes, improvements to transport infrastructure and education provision.

“This new infrastructure would not only serve a new sustainable community, but would also be beneficial for existing Flixton and Davyhulme residents.”

More than 2,000 people have joined a Save Flixton Green Belt Facebook group opposing the plans in just two days.

Critics have said that the green belt declassification could leave the land vulnerable to developers further down the line.

Trafford Labour leader Cllr Andrew Western said: "Clearly the best way to secure the long term future of the playing fields and the immediate area surrounding Flixton House would be the retention of green belt status.

“Taking this away can only weaken the chances of protecting the land should a planning application be received by the council, with green belt designation surely carrying much more weight than any discretionary protected status. I really think the council should listen to the people of Flixton on this and reject these plans in full."

The leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee said adopting a development plan will help ensure a prosperous future for the borough, and also give greater protection to the green belt in the future.

Have your say on the proposals at the next drop-in session on Thursday, December 1, 4-7pm at Sale Waterside.

Alternatively, visit trafford.gov.uk.