Freeths supports Bellway on major Greater Manchester land purchase

Leading law firm Freeths has advised Bellway Homes on its acquisition of the 44 acre former Gatley Golf Course in Stockport, following a successful planning appeal that unlocked the key site for residential use.

The site, formerly operated as Gatley Golf Club, was brought to market in 2025 and represents one of the area’s most high profile development opportunities. 

As a long-standing national client, Freeths acted for the business’s North West division for the first time on this acquisition, which will enable the delivery of a landscape led scheme including a mix of housing types, generous green space, and improved community access to the site. The scheme will set a new benchmark for high quality residential development in Stockport, complementing the wider regeneration and housing ambitions across the borough.

Led by Real Estate Partner Stephen Lewis, with support from a multi-disciplinary team, the firm advised Bellway on all legal aspects of the deal, drawing on its national expertise in large scale residential development, complex land transactions and planning.

Stephen Lewis commented: “Gatley Golf Course is a unique proposition that brings together a significant housing need with the opportunity to create a high‑quality, green and well‑connected new community in a fast‑growing area of Greater Manchester. Our work with Bellway reflects the collaborative way we partner with clients in terms of understanding their ambitions, anticipating the challenges and applying the right expertise at the right moments. That approach helped us guide this complex acquisition to a smooth and successful conclusion. It was a pleasure working with George Stevenson and the wider Bellway team”