Stockport council has decided to delay the draft local plan to build new homes in the borough due to proposed changes in the national planning system. The plan aimed to deliver 15,000 homes by 2041, with 8,000 homes planned for the town center, providing 85 percent of the housing need. However, the council paused the plan after Labour proposed mandatory house building targets that would nearly double the number of homes required annually from 1,097 to 1,906.
Coun Mark Hunter expressed concerns about Labour’s proposal, stating that it ignores residents’ wishes and risks increased development on green belt land. He emphasized the importance of finding the right mix of homes, including affordable and social housing, while protecting the character of the borough. Despite the urgent need for housing, he believes that central government targets should not override local decision-making.
The new Labour government’s proposal to introduce mandatory house building targets is set to impact Greater Manchester significantly, with higher targets than those set in the region’s own housing plan. Stockport council’s decision to leave the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework has left them without a local plan, despite the pressing need for housing.
Coun Mark Roberts criticized Labour’s reform of the planning system, arguing that the local plan prepared by Stockport council would have delivered the right homes in the right places while protecting the environment and local character. He highlighted the importance of considering residents’ concerns about developing on green belt land and damaging the local environment.
In response, Coun David Meller defended Labour’s plans, citing the 6,000 families on the housing waiting list in Stockport. He criticized the Lib Dem draft local plan as a political stunt that prioritized previously developed land over the homes people need. Meller clarified that the new planning proposals prioritize previously developed land and grey belt over green belt, dispelling fears of widespread concreting over green spaces.
The debate between the Lib Dems and Labour underscores the challenges in balancing housing needs with environmental concerns in Stockport. As the council navigates the proposed changes to the planning system, finding a solution that addresses both housing shortages and environmental preservation remains a key priority. It is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and sustainable local plan that meets the needs of Stockport residents while safeguarding the borough’s unique character and environment.
