The National Trust has formally objected to controversial plans to convert a historic site in Oldfield Brow into a permanent gypsy and traveller pitch, saying the proposal undermines its stewardship of nearby Dunham Massey.
The charity, which owns the 0.25-hectare greenfield site containing the 186-year-old Rose Cottage, said it was "surprised" by Trafford Council's decision to earmark the land for development in its draft Local Plan.
"We were surprised to hear about the change of site allocation," a National Trust spokesperson said. "The plan undermines the potential of the site to support our long-term stewardship of Dunham Massey."
The Trust revealed it has been in discussions about selling the land, which includes the derelict 19th Century cottage and a large garden.
The site, located north of the Bridgewater Canal adjacent to the Oldfield Brow housing estate, was added to the Local Heritage Site list in 2023. Rose Cottage appeared on the Dunham Massey tithe map of 1839 and was formerly owned by the Earl of Stamford.
Under the draft plan, the site would accommodate two gypsy and traveller pitches with parking, space for manoeuvring caravans, and an amenity block with external plug sockets.
Trafford Council says it has a legal duty to provide the site following a Greater Manchester Combined Authority assessment completed in October 2024, which identified a need for 106 additional pitches across Greater Manchester, with a minimum of two required in Trafford.
"The Council has a statutory obligation to identify a site for residential caravans for gypsies and travellers through the Local Plan," a council spokesperson said. "There is an identified need for provision for two residential caravans within the borough."
The proposal has generated significant local opposition, with Conservative councillor Dr Shengke Zhi reporting "hundreds of emails, phone calls, and messages" from concerned Bowdon Ward residents.
Local resident Ruth Gallagher, 64, said the site's proximity to an industrial estate made it unsuitable. "Roads are chaotic at any time with lorries turning around," she told BBC News. "To have children, families, dogs and horses there is just not viable."
Another resident argued the cottage's location near the Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Way made it ideal for a café rather than residential caravans.
"The cottage has stood there for almost 200 years and to knock it down to house gypsies/travellers in my view is outrageous," they said.
Cllr Zhi has 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.
He described the National Trust's objection as a "significant development".
The public consultation on the Site Allocations and Designations plan runs until November 3rd 2025. The final version of the Local Plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate next year.
The council emphasised that no final decision has been made on the proposed development.
