Manchester City Council has taken a decision not to sell any land in Marie Louise Gardens in Didsbury.
The owner of the lodge in Marie Louise Gardens wanted to develop another dwelling next to his existing property. However, after much consideration, Manchester City Council's Chief Executive, Sir Howard Bernstein has ruled that the land will not be sold.
The decision was not taken lightly, but after considering the history of the gardens and the public opposition to the sale, the Chief Executive believes it is in the best interests of the community not to sell.
Manchester City Council places great importance on the views of local people. It has listened carefully to the representations made about the sale of this public asset. The Silkenstadt family originally bequeathed Marie Louise Gardens to the Council about 100 years ago.
The City Council had to sell the lodge in 1996 under the right to buy scheme and the current owner bought the property in 1998. He wished to buy the land adjacent to his property, but it was felt not to be in the public interest.
Sir Howard Bernstein said: "We have listened very carefully to the residents and other community groups, the majority of which are strongly opposed to this.
"We value our parks and open spaces and this shows in the fact that Manchester has more award-winning parks than any other authority in the country. We will ensure that this land is accessible to all users of the park."
Media contact:
Margaret Blackburn, tel: 0161 234 401