28th August 2025
Plans to redevelop the former Hatherlow Sunday School have run into a snag after it emerged the developers do not own two small but crucial patches of land linked to the site.
The long-awaited scheme, which received planning, aims to transform the old Sunday school building into new housing. However, concerns have been raised over land ownership, with residents questioning whether the project can legally go ahead without resolving the issue.
According to local campaigners, the Land Registry has confirmed that it cannot provide definitive ownership details if land rights date back before 1925. This has fuelled speculation that the unclaimed patches – thought to have been part of the Sunday school grounds – may complicate or even delay the development.
One resident told the Romiley Gazette:
“The developer doesn’t own every bit of land they’re trying to build on. It may seem minor, but in planning terms it’s really significant. We need clarity before anything moves forward.”
The Hatherlow Sunday School, a landmark building with deep ties to the community, has been empty for years. While many support redevelopment to bring the site back into use, others fear that unresolved legal questions could lead to disputes further down the line.
Stockport Council confirmed that planning permission was granted but stressed that ownership matters are outside the planning process and fall under property law.
The developer has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
For now, the future of the historic site remains uncertain – resting not just on bricks and mortar, but on paperwork that may be more than a century old.
