4th October 2025

For too long, many residents across Romiley and the wider Stockport area have felt that crucial decisions about their community are being made not by accountable representatives, but by a faceless army of senior council officers — individuals with titles like Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, Head of Planning, Head of Information Governance and Arboriculture Officer.

These officers, though unelected, often wield immense influence over policies and outcomes that shape our daily lives — from controversial planning approvals and tree removals, to opaque spending and internal reviews that seem to shut residents out.

While councillors are meant to represent the public’s voice, it is increasingly apparent that the real power lies in the hands of senior officers who remain largely unseen, rarely named, and even less frequently held to account for their decisions, and councillors rarely challenge this.

When Decisions Defy Common Sense

Romiley residents have highlighted numerous recent examples of planning approvals that appear to defy local priorities or environmental concerns. Questions linger about how certain developments gain swift approval despite fierce opposition from residents and ward councillors, if the ward councillors can even be bothered to respond or act.

Tree preservation orders are lifted without clear justification; heritage sites face insensitive alterations; and local infrastructure — from drainage to green spaces — often seems to be an afterthought.

The frustration is not merely about the outcomes, but about process: decisions made behind closed doors, signed off by officers using delegated powers, with little transparency or explanation.

Accountability Through Transparency

The Gazette believes it is time to shine a light on how these decisions are made, who makes them, and what mechanisms exist for residents to challenge them.

We will be investigating:

  • The roles and responsibilities of senior council officers in planning and development.
  • How delegation of powers works within Stockport Council.
  • What transparency obligations apply under the Local Government Act 1972, Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Localism Act 2011.
  • How residents can request information, appeal planning decisions, or demand review of flawed processes.

The Right to Know

Romiley taxpayers fund the salaries of these senior officials. It is not unreasonable to expect openness about who they are, what they do, and why decisions affecting our homes, green spaces, and community assets are made as they are.

As we continue this investigation, we encourage residents to share their experiences — particularly where council decisions appear inconsistent with local needs or democratic consultation.

Accountability should never hide behind anonymity. The public has a right to see the faces — and understand the reasoning — behind every decision made in their name.