31st January 2026
A Liberal Democrat Executive Councillor at Stockport Council, Mark Weldon, carried out significant extension works to his Romiley home before obtaining planning permission, according to documents published on the council’s planning portal.
Planning application DC/072933 shows that the works — involving the replacement of an existing front dormer bedroom and the addition of a further dormer bedroom to the rear — had already been started and completed without consent prior to the submission of the application.
The official application form states that building work began on 1 August 2018 and was completed by 20 December 2018, despite planning approval not being in place at the time. The application was therefore submitted retrospectively, a process permitted under planning law but often viewed as controversial, particularly when it involves elected representatives.
No planning agent was listed on the application, indicating that the councillor applied in a personal capacity.
Retrospective planning applications are legal; however, they can attract criticism as they place the local planning authority in the position of assessing development that has already taken place. Councils regularly advise residents to seek approval before commencing works.
As an Executive Councillor, Cllr Weldon held a senior leadership role within Stockport Council, adding political sensitivity to the case. Planning rules apply equally to councillors and residents, and elected members are generally expected to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
The planning application was considered through the normal process, with neighbours given the opportunity to comment and planning officers assessing the development against local policies.
Stockport Council has previously stated that councillors are required to declare interests and are subject to the same planning enforcement regime as any other resident.
The case has prompted discussion locally about standards, transparency, and public confidence in the planning system, particularly when senior councillors are involved.
Cllr Weldon was contacted for comment.
This is a photo opportunity with young children and Executive Councillor Mark Weldon digging into the Vale View primary school site, which he knew at the time to be contaminated with lead, arsenic and brown asbestos. There were many planning irregularities with the Vale View School too.
