6th June 2026
To: Vicki Bates (vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk); leader@stockport.gov.uk; Katie Moores (katie.moores@stockport.gov.uk); liz.sykes@Stockport.gov.uk; emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk; lisa.mcgrane@stockport.gov.uk; Lisa Smart – Enquiries (enquiries@lisasmart.org.uk); michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk
FORMAL STAGE 1 COMPLAINT
To: Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Subject: Formal Stage 1 Complaint – Padden Brook, Planning Enforcement, Environmental Protection, Consultation Failures and Complaint Handling
I wish to submit a formal Stage 1 complaint regarding the Council’s handling of matters relating to Padden Brook and the surrounding protected land.
This complaint concerns what appears to be a pattern of administrative failure, failure to properly investigate reported breaches, failure to communicate with affected residents, and failure to provide transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Background
Since approximately August 2024, residents have repeatedly raised concerns regarding activities taking place on land at Padden Brook. These concerns have included:
• Clearance and damage to woodland and protected amenity land.
• Damage to trees and root protection areas.
• Disturbance of wildlife habitats.
• Installation of fencing, gates and other structures.
• The siting of vehicles and other items on protected land.
• Potential unauthorised development.
• Increased concerns regarding drainage and flood risk.
• Failure to properly notify affected residents of planning applications.
• Refusal or obstruction of scrutiny through complaints, Freedom of Information requests and Environmental Information Regulations requests.
Despite repeated reports by residents, there appears to have been little or no meaningful intervention by the Council.
Grounds of Complaint
- Failure to Properly Investigate and Enforce
Residents repeatedly reported activities affecting protected woodland and visual amenity land.
The Council appears either to have failed to investigate these reports adequately or failed to communicate the outcome of any investigations.
If investigations were carried out, residents have not been provided with sufficient information to understand:
• What was investigated.
• What findings were made.
• Whether any breaches of planning control were identified.
• Why enforcement action was or was not considered expedient.
I request copies of the relevant enforcement records and explanations for decisions made.
- Failure to Protect Protected Land and Environmental Assets
The land concerned is understood to have environmental and amenity protections.
Residents reported tree damage, woodland clearance and activities that may have adversely affected the character and environmental value of the site.
The Council appears not to have taken prompt action to prevent or mitigate the reported damage.
I ask the Council to explain:
• What assessments were undertaken.
• Whether ecological advice was sought.
• Whether protected trees, habitats or planning designations were considered.
• What steps were taken to prevent further harm.
- Failure to Properly Consider Flood Risk
Residents have raised concerns that alterations to the land and surrounding environment may have increased local flood risk.
Given the importance of drainage management and the Council’s responsibilities in relation to planning and environmental matters, residents reasonably expected these concerns to be investigated thoroughly.
I request:
• Details of any flood risk assessments considered.
• Details of any consultation with drainage officers or relevant agencies.
• Copies of any reports relating to drainage impacts.
• Confirmation of whether flood risk implications formed part of any enforcement or planning assessment.
- Failure to Notify and Consult Affected Residents
Residents have reported that planning applications affecting the site were not properly brought to their attention.
In particular, concerns have been raised that households directly affected by proposals were not notified in a timely manner and were therefore deprived of a meaningful opportunity to comment.
I request the Council provide:
• Evidence of neighbour notification.
• Records showing which properties were notified.
• Dates notifications were issued.
• An explanation of how the Council satisfied itself that consultation requirements had been met.
- Failure to Respond to Complaints and Correspondence
Residents have repeatedly contacted councillors, officers and departments regarding these matters.
Many residents believe their concerns have either been ignored or met with generic responses that do not address the issues raised.
A public authority has a duty to respond fairly, transparently and reasonably to concerns raised by residents.
I request a review of the Council’s handling of correspondence relating to Padden Brook and an explanation of why concerns remained unresolved despite repeated reports.
- Handling of FOI and EIR Requests
Residents have experienced significant difficulties obtaining information regarding the site and related decision-making.
Where requests have been refused as vexatious or otherwise restricted, the Council should be able to demonstrate that such decisions were lawful, proportionate and evidence-based.
I request a review of the Council’s handling of information requests relating to Padden Brook and the provision of reasons supporting any restrictions imposed.
Injustice Caused
The Council’s actions and omissions have caused:
• Significant distress and frustration to residents.
• Loss of confidence in the planning and enforcement process.
• Concern regarding damage to protected land.
• Concern regarding flood risk.
• Time and trouble spent pursuing answers and accountability.
• Reduced confidence that environmental protections are being properly upheld.
Remedy Sought
I ask the Council to:
- Conduct a full review of all complaints, enforcement reports and decisions relating to Padden Brook since August 2024.
- Provide a detailed written explanation of all actions taken.
- Explain the basis for any decision not to pursue enforcement action.
- Review the handling of consultation and neighbour notification processes.
- Review the handling of FOI and EIR requests connected to this matter.
- Confirm what steps will now be taken to protect the site and prevent further harm.
- Provide a formal written apology where fault is identified.
I reserve the right to escalate this matter to Stage 2 and, if necessary, to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Yours faithfully,
Sheila Oliver
