1st June 2026
To: Planning.DC@Stockport.gov.uk; Vicki Bates (vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk); michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk; leader@stockport.gov.uk; Lisa Smart – Enquiries (enquiries@lisasmart.org.uk)
Subject: Padden Brook (SK6) – Request for Definitive Map clarification and diversion necessity (DC/097686)
Dear Public Rights of Way Officer,
I am writing to request clarification regarding the status of public rights of way in the vicinity of Padden Brook, Romiley (SK6) in relation to planning application DC/097686.
It has been stated by the applicant that a public footpath “must be diverted” to accommodate development. However, from review of the Definitive Map and publicly available PROW data:
- Footpath 5 Bredbury & Romiley
- Footpath 6 Bredbury & Romiley
do not appear to be directly intersected or severed by the current application boundary.
1. Definitive Map position
Could you please confirm:
- the exact Definitive Map alignment of any PROW potentially affected by DC/097686; and
- whether any recorded public right of way is legally obstructed by the current proposal.
2. Diversion requirement (legal threshold)
Please confirm whether the Council considers that:
- a Section 257 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Diversion Order is required in relation to DC/097686; or
- whether no statutory interference with a public right of way occurs within the current application boundary.
3. Clarity on applicant statements
If the applicant is referencing a diversion, please clarify whether this relates to:
- a recorded Definitive Map footpath, or
- informal or permissive paths not forming part of the legal PROW network.
4. Request for formal confirmation
Given the importance of certainty for public rights of way protection, I would be grateful for written confirmation of the Council’s position on whether any diversion is legally required for DC/097686 as submitted.
Yours faithfully,
Sheila Oliver
