22nd July 2026

Subject: Environmental Information Regulations 2004 Request – Padden Brook Environmental Designations and Local Plan Evidence

Dear Environmental Information Officer,

This is a request for environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

I am seeking recorded information relating to Padden Brook and its consideration within the preparation of Stockport Council’s emerging Local Plan.

Please provide the following:

  1. All maps, GIS layers, plans and records identifying Padden Brook as:
    • a Local Wildlife Site;
    • W1 Woodland (or any equivalent woodland designation);
    • Protected Visual Amenity Land; and
    • any other environmental designation or constraint held by the Council.
  2. All ecological surveys, habitat assessments, arboricultural assessments, biodiversity studies, Green Infrastructure assessments or other environmental reports relating to Padden Brook held by the Council.
  3. All documents showing how these environmental designations and constraints were taken into account during the preparation of the emerging Local Plan, including:
    • site selection assessments;
    • Sustainability Appraisal documentation;
    • evidence base documents;
    • strategic environmental assessment material; and
    • officer reports.
  4. Any internal correspondence, meeting notes or reports discussing whether the above environmental designations should be included within the Local Plan evidence base, Policies Map or site assessment process.
  5. Any recorded reasons why any of these environmental designations were omitted from, or given limited weight in, the emerging Local Plan, if applicable.

The purpose of this request is to understand how the Council has discharged its duties in relation to the consideration of environmental assets during Local Plan preparation.

I am concerned that Padden Brook contains environmental features that include a Local Wildlife Site, W1 Woodland and Protected Visual Amenity Land. If those designations have not been fully reflected in the evidence supporting the emerging Local Plan, this may be relevant to the examination of the Plan by the Planning Inspector.

I would therefore be grateful if this request is processed within the statutory time limits under the Environmental Information Regulations.

Yours faithfully,

Sheila Oliver