With GRA’s CEO Clive Feltham on holiday, Belle Vue boss Mick Hardy has responded to a flyer which implies that the site is destined to become a housing development.
The leaflet claims that Countryside Properties will submit a plan to Manchester City Council to build 243 dwellings on the greyhound track site.
The leaflet was produced by planning consultants Nexus and invites local residents to contact them with any questions.
Hardy said: “We have heard nothing but will be informed, as is legally required, if and when an application has been made.
“These sort of things aren’t particularly helpful but we have to expect them.”
Nobody at Nexus was prepared to go on record as to the status of the stadium which is owned by the Crown Oil Pension Fund and leased to Feltham.
Nexus have passed out enquiry to Countryside Properties. We will be pleased to publish a statement from the intended developers, should they decide to issue one.
Hardy, meanwhile, reports that “generally business has been pretty good this year. The decision to cancel the Fridays has certainly helped matters. The last fortnight has been a little slower due to the World Cup, but even then, not too bad.”
UPDATE – although Clive Feltham is on holiday, he has responded with the following statement:
“We were expecting at some time a planning application from the freeholder to ascertain value .As it is a pension fund it must be seen to maximise value from its portfolio . The question is if it will be successful. Our lease can only be determined if they have a full development planning permission. Unlike Hall Green this is for affordable housing so value will be a lot less and with us paying 8% yield could be significant.”
