https://theromileygazette.substack.com/publish/posts/published
18th January 2026
Concerns are mounting in Romiley after a local resident claimed a landowner was once again present on protected amenity land, allegedly causing further disturbance to wildlife.
Sheila Oliver has written to Stockport Council planning officer Vicki Bates on Mon 09/09/2024 12:07 , urging immediate enforcement action and warning that patience among local residents is running out.
“The landowner was on the land again this morning causing disturbance to wildlife,” Ms Oliver wrote, asking to be kept informed of what action the council intends to take.
Frustrated by what she perceives as a lack of response from local representatives, Ms Oliver added that she may turn to social media to inform residents about the situation, describing local councillors as “a waste of space”.
The dispute centres on land described as amenity land with ecological value. Ms Oliver argues that the council has both the powers and the duty to intervene, citing a range of legal options available to local authorities when wildlife or protected land is damaged.
These include issuing planning enforcement and stop notices, prosecuting breaches of Tree Preservation Orders, and taking action under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 if protected species or habitats are harmed. Other potential measures include Community Protection Notices, environmental abatement orders, or even seeking a court injunction to prevent further damage.
Local authorities also have a statutory biodiversity duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to safeguard habitats and wildlife.
Residents say the situation highlights growing concern over how quickly councils respond when environmental damage is reported. With tensions rising, many in the community are now waiting to see whether Stockport Council will step in—or whether the matter will escalate further into the public eye.
Stockport Council has been approached for comment. At the time of publication, no response had been received.
