19th May 2026
Fresh anger is growing in Romiley over controversial plans to build three detached houses on woodland land at Padden Brook, with residents accusing developers of trying to force through a scheme that threatens wildlife, public access and the character of the area.
Outline planning application DC/097786 proposes the erection of three detached dwellings on land off Padden Brook, together with new vehicular access points, alterations to the footway and the diversion of Public Footpath 86.
But locals who have examined the application documents say the proposals go far beyond “just three houses”.
Particular concern has focused on plans linked to the diversion of the long-established public footpath and proposals affecting protected widlife on the site.
Residents fear the woodland strip — once regarded as an important wildlife corridor and green buffer in the area — is being steadily eroded.
One local resident described the site as having already suffered “devastation”, claiming extensive vegetation clearance had transformed a “beautiful, verdant, wildlife-full area” into a “distressed wasteland”.
Questions are also now being raised over the proposed diversion of Footpath 86, with campaigners arguing that moving a public right of way should not be treated as a formality attached to a private housing scheme.
Public rights of way diversions are normally subject to separate legal processes and scrutiny by council rights-of-way officers.
Residents say they are frustrated that the target decision date for the application is listed as 9 July, while some remain unclear about whether there is still time for objections to be submitted.
Others have pointed to unresolved issues surrounding separate applications connected to fencing and gates near the site, arguing that decisions are being taken in a piecemeal fashion rather than considering the cumulative impact on the area.
Critics also question whether sufficient weight is being given to ecology, drainage, traffic safety and the loss of green character in what many still regard as a semi-rural corner of Romiley.
The land at Padden Brook has become increasingly controversial over recent years following tree and vegetation clearance works which sparked repeated complaints from nearby residents.
At the time of writing, the application remains under consideration by Stockport Council.
Residents wishing to comment on the application can still submit representations through the council planning portal before a final determination is made.
