Origins of Dane Bank Green Space (2016)
The Dane Bank Green Space (DBGS) Campaign Committee was established in July 2016, following a public meeting with local residents and stakeholder groups. This was in response to significant concerns regarding a proposal from Wainhomes to develop up to 200 new homes on the Windsor Road Fields in Denton, Tameside.
At the time, the Council aimed to meet national and local housing targets and generate substantial capital from land sales. Our campaign centred on preserving land designated as Protected Green Space and addressing the negative impacts of the proposed housing development on open space, wildlife habitats, traffic congestion, pollution, and already overburdened local services.
Community Support (2017)
In 2017, the DBGS Committee led a vigorous and sustained campaign against the development, representing the 7,500 residents of the Dane Bank estate. Our efforts included fundraising events, newsletters, and public meetings, supported by over 25 active Committee members.
The Council and Wainhomes appointed design consultants to create a Masterplan for the development, which included preserving cricket and football clubs but sacrificing other local amenities. However, local residents strongly opposed the plan, and at a public consultation meeting, the Masterplan was overwhelmingly rejected. The Committee gathered over 700 objection letters from concerned residents.
The Battle Is Won! (2018)
In early 2018, Tameside Council reviewed its housing strategy and decided to abandon plans for new homes on Windsor Road Fields, retaining the area as Protected Green Space. This decision was communicated to the DBGS group in May 2018 by ward councillors Brenda Warrington and Mike Smith.
The Council agreed in principle to work with all stakeholders to improve the green space for sport, leisure, and environmental protection. This would be facilitated through reassignment of leases on the Windsor Road Fields, enabling local groups to secure funding for improvement plans. The new lease negotiations were confirmed in July 2018.
Working With The Community (2019)
In 2019, the Council’s positive and constructive approach allowed DBGS to reinvent itself as a proactive community group. The DBGS Committee aimed to protect and enhance the open space, promoting environmental awareness and education.
A new mission statement and a smaller, focused Committee were proposed and adopted at a Special General Meeting in March 2019.
A New Vision (2020)
In June 2020, the Dane Bank Green Space Charity was established to manage and improve the green space, with a new Mission Statement and Constitution. A 25-year lease was secured from Tameside Council, and sub-tenancy agreements were made with the DBGS Community Group, Dane Bank Angling Club, Kids Go Wild Forest School, and Tameside’s People 4 Wildlife Group. Together, these stakeholders have worked to enhance the Windsor Road Fields, benefiting visitors, local schools, families, and community groups. The Charity’s focus is to promote environmental awareness, education, health, welfare, and wellbeing.
Support Our Mission
Your generous donation helps us maintain the Dane Bank Green Space and its nature trail. By contributing, you’re ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from this amazing outdoor space.
Thank you for your support!