18th October 2025

On October 17, 2025, the council unveiled its 219-page draft Local Plan, outlining proposals for housing and employment development up to 2042. This plan includes the release of 26 Green Belt sites to meet the government’s increased housing targets, aiming to deliver approximately 8,965 homes from these sites alone, which constitutes over half of the borough’s overall housing supply target of 16,400 homes Place North West.

The first stage of public consultation on the draft Local Plan is scheduled to begin on November 6, 2025, and will run until December 21, 2025 Stockport Liberal Democrats.

This publication follows a period of delays and government intervention. In September 2025, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook directed Stockport Council to expedite the plan’s progress, setting deadlines for consultation and submission to ensure timely development GOV.UK.

https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s255022/Appendix%201%20-%20Local%20Plan.pdf

Analysis of its key components.

🏘️ Housing Strategy

  • Housing Target: The plan sets a target of 31,790 homes over the period, with 16,400 allocated within Stockport. Of these, 8,965 are expected to come from 26 Green Belt sites, representing over half of the borough’s housing supply. Place North West
  • Brownfield Development: The plan emphasizes a ‘brownfield-first’ approach, focusing on redeveloping previously developed land, particularly in the town centre. Notable projects include the Stockport 8 development, which aims to deliver 1,300 new homes. Planning Portal

🌳 Green Belt Release

  • Sites Identified: The draft plan proposes the release of 26 Green Belt sites for development. These sites are detailed on pages 110 and 111 of the draft. Place North West
  • Policy Considerations: The plan includes policies to mitigate the impact of Green Belt development, such as requiring developers to demonstrate exceptional circumstances and providing compensatory measures where necessary.

🏢 Employment and Regeneration

  • Town Centre Focus: A significant portion of new employment space is planned for the town centre, aligning with the broader regeneration efforts.
  • Infrastructure Investment: The plan outlines investments in transport and social infrastructure to support the growing population, including enhancements to public transport and community facilities.

🌍 Climate and Sustainability

  • Sustainable Development: The plan incorporates policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and enhancing green spaces.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Measures include promoting sustainable building practices and ensuring new developments are resilient to climate impacts.

🗺️ Spatial Strategy and Land Use

  • Land Allocation: The plan identifies specific areas for housing, employment, and green spaces, with detailed maps provided in the document.
  • Policy Framework: A comprehensive set of policies guides land use decisions, ensuring developments align with the borough’s strategic objectives.

📅 Consultation and Next Steps

  • Public Consultation: The first stage of public consultation is scheduled to begin on November 6, 2025, and will run until December 21, 2025.
  • Examination and Adoption: The council aims to submit the plan for examination by November 2026, with adoption anticipated by winter 2027/2028.