22nd August 2026

To: Katie Moores (katie.moores@stockport.gov.uk); lisa.mcgrane@stockport.gov.uk; michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk; leader@stockport.gov.uk; Planning.DC@Stockport.gov.uk; Planning.DC@Stockport.gov.uk

Email sent – Fri 21/08/2026 10:26

Dear Sir/Madam,

Formal complaint – Padden Brook planning enforcement and unreasonable delay

I am writing to make a formal complaint about the handling of the planning enforcement matter concerning Padden Brook.

This matter has now been ongoing for more than two years, yet I remain concerned that there has been no effective resolution or meaningful enforcement action. In particular, I am concerned about the apparent lack of progress by the enforcement officer despite the circumstances at the site continuing to develop.

The issues I understand to have been brought to the Council’s attention include:

  • the dumping of a derelict butty van on the land;
  • the subsequent transformation of that vehicle into what now appears to be a site office;
  • the dumping/placement of a table and chairs on the land;
  • the fact that the land is protected land; and
  • the continuing use and occupation of the site despite the passage of more than two years since the enforcement concerns were raised.

I appreciate that the Council has discretion as to whether formal planning enforcement action is appropriate. My complaint, however, is not simply that I disagree with a particular planning decision. It is principally about the length of time this matter has remained unresolved, the apparent lack of effective investigation and the failure to provide a clear explanation of what action the Council has taken and why.

I would therefore ask the Council to treat this as a formal complaint and provide a clear response addressing the following:

  1. What investigations have been undertaken in relation to the Padden Brook site since the matter was first reported?
  2. What enforcement investigations or decisions have been recorded, and on what dates?
  3. What is the current status of the enforcement case?
  4. Has the Council assessed the change from the original derelict butty van to its current use as a site office as a potentially separate or materially changed planning matter?
  5. Has the Council investigated the placement and use of the table and chairs on the land?
  6. Has the Council specifically considered the protected status of the land when assessing the alleged breaches?
  7. If the Council has decided that enforcement action is not appropriate, please explain the reasons for that decision and identify the relevant planning considerations on which that conclusion is based.
  8. If no final decision has yet been made, please explain why the matter has remained unresolved for more than two years and provide a clear indication of what remains outstanding.
  9. Please also provide copies of, or access to, the relevant enforcement records and correspondence insofar as these can properly be disclosed.

I am particularly concerned about the apparent length of the delay. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has previously found fault with Stockport Council in relation to delay in a planning enforcement investigation. I therefore expect the Council to address the issue of unreasonable delay specifically rather than simply restating the general position regarding planning enforcement discretion.

I would also ask that this complaint is considered independently of the officer whose handling of the matter is the subject of the complaint, in accordance with the Council’s complaints procedure.

Please confirm that this has been registered as a formal Stage 1 complaint and provide me with the relevant complaint reference number.

If the Council is unable to resolve the matter through its complaints procedure, I reserve the right to escalate the complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, including in relation to the alleged unreasonable delay and any failure to properly investigate and administer the enforcement matter.

I look forward to receiving a substantive response addressing each of the points above.

Yours faithfully,

Sheila Oliver
Editor, The Romiley Gazette