Hey, Manchester ATC are really friendly! (usually). Certainly speak to ATC OPS who will be able to help.
The limiting factor for Manchester zone transits is usually the need to protect the approach, climb-out and missed approach tracks.
As an example, an aircraft transiting in the vicinity of the missed approach track might require all the inbounds to be issued with non-standard missed approach instructions (extra R/T, plus workload for the inbound crews to re-brief). The non-standard missed approach then probably conflicts with the departure tracks from the other runway. This requires extra spacing on the inbounds to allow for adequate separation against departures in the event of a go-around. Given the amount of co-ordination this requires (and it is sometimes needed), you might understand why direct routings through the Manch zone often don't get approved.
If you're away in the corner of the zone, though, I can't see that you'd be close to much traffic - and how cool would it be to have an airstrip at your home! My dream property would have lots of land and a Chipmunk parked there.....
