THE strength of public feeling about the spatial framework proposals has prompted the council to add an additional Q&A with the leader of Trafford Council.

Town hall chiefs have put forward proposals to build houses on swathes of land in Flixton as part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

The land earmarked to be developed at Flixton Station includes the station and parts of William Wroe golf course.

Grade II listed Flixton House and the playing fields, which are also in the green belt, will be declassified but the council leader said both will be 'protected'.

But the plans have not been welcomed by many in the community.

Residents have been flocking to public consultations to voice their concerns and Facebook group “Save Flixton Green Belt” attracted more than1,200 people in just 24 hours of launching.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Greater Manchester is currently in the early stages of a public consultation regarding its proposals as part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

“Following comments made at a previous meeting, the council has added a further Question and Answer session with Council Leader Sean Anstee at Urmston Grammar School, Newton Road, Urmston, on Thursday December 8, 7pm and 8.30pm.

“The council is urging people wanting to find out more to come along to one of the planned sessions. However, to make sure that their comments are considered as part of the evaluation, people must make sure that they formally submit their views.

"This can be done online at gmsf-consult-objective.co.uk/portal, by email to GMSF@agma.gov.uk or by post to Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA. All submissions must be in by 5pm on December 23.”

The Save Flixton Green Belt group said it has been ‘totally overwhelmed’ by the response of residents.

A spokesperson for Save Flixton Green Belt added: “Their passion and commitment to keeping their green belt has resulted in 2,300 Facebook group members since its creation six days ago. We have a minimum of 180 group members who want their own public meeting.

"Within six hours of asking, we have had 60 volunteers that have come forward to help the cause.

“We are in close contact with Kate Green, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, who is very strongly supporting us.”

Ms Green has been surveying her constituency.

She said: "So far, 1,250 residents have responded to my survey asking for local people's opinion on the plans. There’s no doubt about the strength of opposition to the proposals, with 98.5 per cent of people who responded to the survey having said they’re against them, including 96 per cent of people who don't want this land removed from the green belt.

"I’ll be making sure to reflect all residents’ concerns in my response to the Spatial Strategy consultation, and will do all I can to force a rethink on these unwelcome plans."

Clicker here for more information on the Save Flixton Green Belt campaign, or email info@saveflixtongreenbelt.co.uk.