Worrying times for Belle Vue after housing plans revealed

Steeped in history and tradition, but it could now be the case that Manchester’s Belle Vue dog track could be at risk, after it was revealed by the Manchester Evening News that there are potential plans to build 243 homes on the site.

Having first been built in 1926, the infrastructure is synonymous with the Belle Vue area and is one of the country’s oldest and most well regarded greyhound stadiums.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, a spokesman for Countryside Properties stated: “Countryside are currently preparing proposals for the development of circa. 240 new family homes at the Belle Vue Stadium site at Kirkmanshulme Lane.

“Current proposals comprise green landscaping and housing across a variety of tenures.

“Our planning team have notified local residents, councillors and stakeholders of the proposed development ahead of submitting a planning application to Manchester City Council.

“We are committed to creating places people love and welcome discussions on all aspects of the scheme to ensure it meets local demand for high quality and affordable homes while enhancing the local area.”

Last month Mark Bird the MD of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), sent an open letter to Paul Darling, Chairman of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) and Clive Hawkswood, leader of the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), urging the industry figureheads to support further funding measures for sustaining UK greyhound racing.

Bird outlined that greyhound racing is in the midst of a funding crisis, which threatens the Greyhound Board’s ability to maintain its welfare and integrity commitments.

The letter emphasised: “The BGRF’s income has declined from circa £14 million in 2008 (£17 million in today’s terms) to £7.2 million in 2017, reflecting the migration of betting turnover from retail to online and mobile platforms.

“Until this year, with the notable exception of bet365, none of the major Bookmaker companies have included the turnover of their online betting operations in their voluntary contributions. In addition, some major betting companies do not pay any voluntary levy, or only pay it on part of their estate.”