The meeting is to discuss with Mr Khan the impact of the application for 247 homes, submitted by developers Countryside Properties just before Christmas, and the future of the historic site on Kirkmanshulme Lane moving forward.
The planned agenda will include the raising of substantial errors made by the developers, such as referring to the site in their submission as a ‘former’ greyhound stadium, and giving the council the impression that it was closing down.
Campaigners will also be addressing head on the issues raised by the application including the local need for housing, and claims by a group of protesters of animal mistreatment at the stadium.
“We will be highlighting to both Mr Khan, and the ninety six Councillors within Greater Manchester, the recent Select Committee hearing in Parliament hosted by Neil Parish MP that was extremely positive,” said campaigner Michael Burnage.
“It is only natural for parallels to be drawn with Wimbledon Stadium and the campaign to keep that open, but I would stress to everyone that the situation we find ourselves in with Belle Vue is extremely different.”
“In the capital, we were always in difficulty once the developers used the criteria set and endorsed by Merton Council, to win favour for their proposals using the large fan base of the local football club.”
“With the Belle Vue scenario, we have a very different set of circumstances, in particular we are very much in at the ‘ground floor’ so to speak of the whole project.”
“To begin with, the developers submitting their application just before Christmas, did catch us all on the hop. Once we realised the seriousness of the situation, we rapidly gathered together a group of experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic people, all whose aim is to keep the stadium open.”
“Unlike with Wimbledon, here the future of the historic stadium is at least going to be influenced by us all. At this stage, we need to show the Council members by 24th February, that there is a strong community fighting for the stadium.”
“The way to do that is by race fans, family members and friends, all adding their names to our petition. The more signatures we have, the stronger our case to Save Belle Vue Stadium.”
