Stockport finally releases Local Plan two years after opting out of GM framework

Stockport businesses, residents and would-be developers are bracing themselves for a flurry of consultations after two years of delay to the publication of a definitive plan for the borough.

Stockport finally withdrew from the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plan in 2022 after Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors had combined to oppose the then Labour-led council’s commitment to the plan in 2020.

They feared a backlash from voters in suburban areas such as High Lane, Bramall and Woodford who oppose housebuilding despite the addition of the hard infrastructure of the A555 by-pass.

The Liberal Democrats, who control the council as a minority administration, have delayed the publication of the plan and their successful parliamentary candidates in Hazel Grove and Cheadle campaigned against any green belt development.

However, with the new Labour government insisting housebuilding targets will be re-introduced after they were scrapped by the previous government, Stockport has released a draft plan, which is expected to load the bulk of housebuilding to the town centre.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader for Stockport Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Our local plan is a vision and framework for guiding Stockport’s ambitious development over the next 15 years. It sets out what will be built and where, and the high standards we expect.”

He added: “We will ensure the right development is in the right places, protecting the Green Belt and valued local spaces by continuing with our brownfield-first approach.”

Councillors will scrutinise the Local Plan, then from September, a draft plan will be put to residents, businesses and community groups to have their say.

Stockport has been seen as the Greater Manchester success story of recent years, featuring as the Sunday Times best place to live in the North West, with a transformed town centre as a key part of the story. It is hopeful that the next phase of Metrolink will build an extension from East Didsbury and in to the new interchange. Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site during the General Election campaign.

In addition to the wider whole borough plan, the £500 million Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s Town Centre West masterplan is also out for wider consultation. 

The masterplan for the 130-acre masterplan will see the delivery of 4,000 new homes, alongside local amenities, green spaces, new workspace and radical transport improvements, including the development at Weir Mill alongside Stockport’s iconic viaduct (pictured).

Eamonn Boylan, interim chair at Stockport MDC, but now also Manchester City Council’s acting chief executive, said: “Delivering long-term value for local communities is central to our ambitions for Town Centre West and Stockport’s wider transformation, which means ongoing conversations with residents are a crucial part of building the most sustainable and liveable town centre in the UK.

“The first phase of community engagement on Stockport 8 has been crucial in shaping the future of the development, ensuring that the culture and people of Stockport are reflected in what will be the largest site within the overall regeneration plans.”

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at lead development partner English Cities Fund, said the first phase of the consultation has led to a commitment to providing green and outdoor spaces.

“We also heard loud and clear how important it is to celebrate Stockport’s rich heritage and unique character,” he said.

“We’re going to be back out in the local community over the next few weeks to share some of the key themes from the feedback and show how the plans have evolved. Our aim has always been to create a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood that will deliver the needs of Stopfordians now, and for generations to come, so we’re excited to share the revised plans with local people and businesses and get their views.”

In separate but related news, Paul Richards has been confirmed as Stockport Council’s new Deputy Chief Executive following the recent promotion of Michael Cullen to Chief Executive. 

He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the role after leading Stockport’s much heralded £1 billion transformation programme in his role as chief executive of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) since its formation in 2019.

“We have seen Stockport change beyond recognition over the past ten years and I’m truly excited to build upon our work with partners to continue creating even more opportunities for those that need it most in the years to come,” he said.

Separately, Cityheart has revealed the new name for its 442-apartment scheme on Greek Street and Wellington Road in Stockport.

The development has been rebranded Stopford Park. The three-acre site was acquired last year by Cityheart, the development team behind Stockport’s Interchange and is being supported with a £9m GMCA brownfield development grant.