By Sheila Oliver, Editor – The Romiley Gazette


17 October 2025

Tensions remain high in Romiley after Stockport Council issued a formal Stage 2 complaints response rejecting allegations that it mishandled reports of damage to protected woodland at Padden Brook and failed to act on concerns about possible wildlife offences.

Over a period of 14 months, Councillors Clark, Bresnahan, and Roberts failed to respond to any correspondence, despite numerous attempts to raise concerns. Repeated requests for action were essential, as damage to the site was occurring on a daily basis. During the same period, the local MP also failed to provide any response. The only reply Mrs Oliver received, in response to a formal council meeting question, claimed that the site had been “improved and tidied up.” This statement has been described as a blatant falsehood, with photographic evidence clearly demonstrating that no such improvements were made. The matter has now been formally reported to the Office for Environmental Protection.

The above photo clearly shows damage within the W1 Woodland Protection Area, where not even a sapling should have been removed.

In a letter dated 10 October 2025, Complaints Manager Katie Moores told resident Sheila Oliver that her complaint had been “thoroughly investigated” but was “not upheld.”
The Council says it has found no breach of planning control, has acted appropriately, and that wildlife-crime concerns were referred to the Greater Manchester Police as the competent authority.

Council position

According to Ms Moores’ letter, planning-enforcement officers have visited the site “on numerous occasions” and are “satisfied that a material change in the use of the land has not occurred.”
While acknowledging that part of the plot is covered by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order (TPO), the Council notes the order “does not cover the whole site” — only the wooded section, not the scrub area at the front.

On claims of ignored correspondence, Ms Moores said residents’ emails were processed through a central system and forwarded to the relevant teams, adding that Ms Oliver had sent “approximately 400 emails” over 12 months, many repeating similar questions under FOI and EIR legislation.
“The Council is not responsible for any lack of communication from your MP,” the response states.

The letter also re-affirms the Council’s decision to treat Ms Oliver’s information requests as “vexatious” under the Freedom of Information Act — a decision upheld on internal review. Ms Moores directs complainants dissatisfied with this outcome to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO).

Residents unconvinced

Residents who have long campaigned to protect the Padden Brook woodland say the Council’s findings fail to address the ongoing dumping and degradation of what they insist is W1-designated protected land.

“It feels like box-ticking,” one neighbour told the Gazette. “The rubbish is still there, the trees are still being damaged, and no one is taking responsibility.”

Ms Oliver, who first raised the issue more than 14 months ago, says she and fellow residents will continue to pursue “every legitimate channel” — including public questions, petitions, and ultimately the ballot box — to ensure the site and its wildlife are safeguarded.

Next steps

Campaigners have escalated the case to the Ombudsman and the ICO, while also calling for a fresh on-site inspection by an independent ecological officer.

The Gazette has contacted Stockport Council for any further comment beyond Ms Moores’ letter and will publish an update should the authority respond.