Community farm hailed as a 'hidden gem' by families SAVED from closure

A closure-threatened urban farm hailed as a ‘hidden gem’ by families appears to have been saved after controversial plans to enhance the site were given the green light.

The Garden House, in Marple, has been at the centre of a long-running planning wrangle since Stockport council rejected initial proposals four years ago.

In the meantime, the Lakes Road visitor attraction has continued to operate without permission as an outdoor visitor attraction.

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An appeal was due to be heard in April.

But an amended scheme - which includes rebuilding the original Garden House to incorporate an audio-visual theatre, cafe and meeting area - has now been waved through by planners.

It no longer seeks to retain the children’s nursery, which had been operating at the site for a number of years.

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However, visitors will still be able to meet the animals in their pens and stables, have lunch in a covered picnic area and enjoy the sensory garden and horticulture zone.

Plans for the 16-acre site - formerly Marple tip - had proven highly contentious, with residents raising concerns over disruption, pollution and road safety, as well as the impact on the green belt.

But