21st October 2025
Residents across Romiley and the wider Stockport area are questioning why precious green belt land continues to be eyed for development when thousands of already-approved homes remain unbuilt.
According to Stockport Council’s latest Housing Land Supply Position Statement (April 2024), there are 3,387 dwellings with planning permission on larger sites—many within the borough’s urban footprint—that have yet to be completed. When town-centre schemes are included, the total rises to 3,847 homes counted in the borough’s five-year housing land supply.
Campaigners argue that these figures show Stockport does not need to sacrifice its green belt to meet housing targets. “We’re not against new homes,” said one Romiley resident, “but it makes no sense to release green fields while approved developments sit empty and unused. The focus should be on getting those sites built out first.”
The data published by the council only covers larger sites of five or more dwellings, meaning the true number of unbuilt permissions—once smaller plots are included—is likely even higher. Residents are now calling for greater transparency and action from the council to ensure that brownfield and already-approved sites are prioritised.
Romiley’s green belt forms a vital buffer between Stockport’s urban areas and the open countryside beyond. Local people say it is key to the area’s character, biodiversity, and wellbeing. With new housing numbers under constant review, community groups are urging councillors to protect the borough’s green spaces and to press developers to deliver on permissions already granted.
“It’s time for a brownfield-first policy in practice, not just in principle,” one campaigner added. “Let’s build where it makes sense—and keep Romiley green.”
