RYEBANK FIELDS STILL BELONG TO MMU
It is only if the Developer Team gain planning approval that the Developer is obliged to buy the land from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). Until that point, Ryebank Fields still belong to MMU.
The application has been submitted by Asteer Planning on behalf of MMU, Step Places and Southway Housing and is now live to view on Manchester Planning Portal. If the developer is not granted planning permission, he can walk away from the purchase and MMU would retain ownership of the fields, as gifted to them by the people of Manchester, for the forseeable future.
Please check out our FAQs and ‘Object Now’ tabs for further information as it arrives.
Meanwhile follow our socials (links at top of this page) for updates and help us raise the profile of Save Ryebank Fields. Join our mailing list using the yellow button at the foot of this page, for the most important updates and ways that you can support the Campaign. What else can I do?
Beautiful Ryebank – slideshow
Ryebank photos by kind permission of Jay Clarke
Why we need to save Ryebank Fields:
Ryebank Fields is a 4.6 hectare patch of open green space on the border of Chorlton and Stretford in South Manchester. It was gifted by Manchester City Council to Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University) for use as playing fields. The University abandoned the fields in 1996, since when the land has re-wilded into a mosaic of natural habitats. It is a fantastic green area accessible to all and a well used and loved Community asset. The fields are home to over 1400 trees and countless birds, bats, mammals and insects, as well as providing invaluable food and shelter for pollinators. They also act as a carbon sink and natural floodplain and combat air pollution in this densely populated urban area which is bordered by a local school.
Currently Ryebank Fields is under threat of development from Manchester Metropolitan University who are in the process of selling the fields to property developers. A development framework was adopted by Manchester City Council with proposals for 120 houses. Subsequently, MMU commissioned a number of reports as part of the process of selling the site to a developer.
As part of the campaign to Save Ryebank Fields, the Friends of Ryebank Fields (FORF) group was established in 2018 with the aim of opposing any development of the site. FORF are continuing to commission reports which challenge statements in the MMU reports, and have employed a planning consultant on how best to oppose any planning application which may eventually be brought forward. These have been funded by donations and crowdfunding.
Meanwhile, FORF and our supporters continue to introduce people to Ryebank Fields, through events and activities , video interviews with locals and a series of stunning photographs capturing the natural beauty her and on our Facebook page. See also the Media tab for press coverage.
If you would like to support FORF, please sign the petition, sign up to our email list ryebankfieldsfriends@gmail.com – and if you are able, support our JustGiving appeal
November Film Night!
August 2023 Campaign Update
Ryebank social and music night! Some lovely members of our community have got together to put on a night of live music, DJing and spoken word in support of the campaign to Save Ryebank Fields. Come for the performances, hang out with fellow campaigners and help keep the Fields free! Entry will be free, with…