Approval for Woodford planning framework pushed back

THE large number of responses on the future of the former Woodford Aerodrome site near Stockport has pushed back a decision on a document that will shape future uses of the site.

No planning applications can be submitted until the council has approved a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The executive was hoping to endorse the framework in December, but it will now be considered in January.

JCB heir Joe Bamford bought the site last year from BAE Systems for £10m and has since agreed a joint venture with a subsidiary of housebuilder Redrow called Harrow Estates.

It has drawn up a masterplan for the site which includes 950 homes. Avro is also keen to develop other uses such as a film studio. The council said 500 people had taken part in a consultation on the SPD.

The SPD will now go through an aproval process that starts with a council planning committee on December 6 and ends with an executive meeting of the council on January 7.

Councillor Iain Roberts, Stockport Council’s executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “We want to make sure that all comments from the draft SPD consultation are taken into account. Due to the sheer volume of responses it has been decided to slightly alter some meeting dates to ensure this process is not rushed. The feedback is very important in shaping the final SPD in preparation for its adoption.”