New homes should be built on a Greater Manchester golf course to meet the “chronic” need for housing, an investigation has found.

Stockport Council rejected plans to build 278 homes on Gatley Golf Club in September, but developer Hollins Strategic Land appealed the decision, sparking a six-day investigation.

On the final day of the hearing, Christopher Katkowski KC, representing the developer, said building on the land was “a benefit of the utmost importance” because “the need for new homes is chronic.”

Representing the council, John Hunter KC said construction on the golf club would have “a very significant adverse effect on the provision of open space… which has not been adequately mitigated or compensated for”.

The arguments were heard on Tuesday by the planning inspector who will decide whether or not to accept the appeal.

Plans by Hollins Strategic Land to build on the golf course were recommended for approval by Stockport Council’s own planning officers, but elected councilors went against their advice by rejecting the proposal in September .

Gately residents also rallied against construction plans on the land.

The developer hopes to build on the golf club, which is now closed, with half of the proposed homes to be designated as affordable and a £1.45 million contribution being made to local sporting facilities.

More than 10 hectares of the site would also be transformed into “public open space” as part of the project, according to the investigation.