Elderly Man Stands Alone Against Council's Massive Housing Project in Greater Manchester

hyde, greater manchester, uk - Alan French, 76, resists leaving his rural home in Hyde, UK, as council's large housing development directly impacts his life. Past experiences of compulsory purchase fuel his strong opposition to the 'green city' project.

Elderly Man Resists Council's Housing Project in Greater Manchester

Alan French, a 76-year-old resident of Hyde in Greater Manchester, stands firm against the local council's large housing project that threatens his rural home, Far Meadow Farm.

Background

French, a retired gardener and renowned horse racing judge, considers his two-bedroom bungalow as his lifelong abode. However, the Godley Green Garden Village project announced by Tameside Council in 2016 has jeopardized his peaceful living.

Community Opposition

French is not the only one opposing the project. Retired dairy farmer Anne Tym, 68, also resists giving up her 36-acre Brookfold Farm. The Save Tameside Greenbelt campaign highlights the community's discontent despite over 4,000 objections raised since the project's inception in 2021.

Council's Perspective

Tameside Council defends the project, claiming it will address the region's housing needs. The council emphasizes that Godley Green will offer diverse housing options catering to different age and income groups, promoting a carefully planned development.

The council reassures ongoing fair negotiations with landowners and pledges a transparent process despite French's continued fear of compulsory purchase.