Trafford Council has identified land including the historic Rose Cottage in Oldfield Brow as its proposed location for a permanent gypsy and traveller site.
The 0.25-hectare greenfield site, located north of the Bridgewater Canal adjacent to the Oldfield Brow housing estate of over 300 homes, sits on the perimeter of Dunham Massey and was added to the Local Heritage Site list in 2023.
It contains Rose Cottage, a building that appeared on the Dunham Massey tithe map of 1839 and was formerly owned by the Earl of Stamford. The cottage is now in an advanced state of disrepair.
The proposal stems from a statutory requirement for all local planning authorities to assess and plan for gypsy and traveller accommodation needs.
A Greater Manchester Combined Authority assessment completed in October 2024 identified a need for 106 additional pitches across Greater Manchester, with a minimum of two required in Trafford.
The council has identified the land, which is close to the Cow Field, Oldfield Brow Primary School and former Bay Malton pub, for two pitches. It defines a pitch as land intended for permanent residence by one or more gypsy and traveller groups, typically including hard standing and individual utility blocks, and specifically excludes travelling showpeople.
Residents can have their say about the proposals in The Site Allocations and Designations consultation, which opened yesterday and runs until November 3rd, 2025.
But the proposal has already generated significant local opposition.
One local resident told us: "The cottage has stood there for almost 200 years and to knock it down to house gypsies/travellers in my view is outrageous.
"It is in a perfect spot for maybe a cafe as it is right next to the Bridgewater canal and also between the canal towpath and the Transpennine Way and would be an ideal stopping off point for cyclists, hikers, boaters etc."
He added: "It is beyond me to think that the council thinks it is a good idea for a gypsy site."
Conservative Councillor Dr Shengke Zhi, representing Bowdon Ward, reported receiving "hundreds of emails, phone calls, and messages" from concerned residents.
In a Facebook post, he formally requested that Trafford Council clarify the site's ownership status, publish selection criteria and alternatives considered, conduct full impact assessments, and commit to genuine community engagement before proceeding.
"This is a vital issue for Oldfield Brow, and I am asking on behalf of hundreds of residents that Trafford Council shows respect, openness, and accountability. The Council must reconsider the suitability of this site and work with the community to find solutions that are fair, safe, and sustainable."
A Trafford Council spokesperson said it had a "statutory obligation" to identify a site for travellers.
"The Council has a statutory obligation to identify a site for residential caravans for gypsies and travellers through the Local Plan. There is an identified need for provision for two residential caravans within the borough.
"As with all policies within the draft Local Plan, the proposed site is subject to full public consultation. No final decision has been made on any proposed development at this time.
"The results of the consultation will be included in the final version of the Local Plan which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate next year."
