The Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 15 October 2026 to discuss a range of important local issues. Key decisions included noting an update on the Cheadle Eco Park development and reviewing the council's annual greenhouse gas emissions report.

Draft Stockport Local Plan Update

The committee received an update on the draft Stockport Local Plan, noting that public consultation events had concluded and the final deadline for submissions was 8 November 2026. Councillors discussed the importance of increasing public engagement and encouraging participation in the consultation process. Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of the Council, encouraged all councillors to promote the plan within their communities. Officers confirmed that social media engagement was being monitored and that further social media posts were scheduled for the following week to coincide with area committee meetings.

Cheadle Eco Park Update

Councillor Michaela Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, introduced a presentation on the Cheadle Eco Park development at Birdhall Lane¹. Tony Fox, Technical Director at Network Space, detailed the project's sustainability credentials, including its target of BREEAM Outstanding² and its status as the largest single non-domestic timber-framed scheme in the UK. The development features six employment units totalling 117,000 square feet, with a strong emphasis on reduced embodied carbon through timber construction and a net gain of 700% for biodiversity. Councillors expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to attract businesses with high ESG credentials and its role in regenerating a brownfield site. Questions were raised about operational cost savings for tenants, with estimates suggesting 20-40% savings on energy costs. The project is currently halfway through its construction phase, with market interest reportedly increasing as the development becomes more visible.

Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Update

The committee considered an update on the preparation of the new Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, which will replace existing plans adopted over a decade ago. Councillor Roberts explained that the focus was on the proposed governance arrangements needed to meet the government's new 30-month plan-making timetable. Emma Curle, Assistant Director for Place Making and Planning, outlined the need for updated delegations to progress the plan efficiently. Councillors raised points about the opportunity to address methane emissions and transition to a circular economy, and the potential overlap with the local plan. Concerns were also raised about the governance and scrutiny of these joint activities, with assurances given that ultimate decision-making on submission and adoption would remain with local authorities. The committee was asked to scrutinise the proposals and make comments to Cabinet.

Climate and Nature (CAN) Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report 2025/26

Councillor Roberts presented the council's annual greenhouse gas emissions report, highlighting progress towards the operational net zero target by 2030. While overall emissions were 39% lower than the 2018-2019 baseline, the report acknowledged that current reduction rates were insufficient to meet the target. Significant progress had been made in fleet decarbonisation and street lighting upgrades. Councillor Claire Vibert raised concerns about missing school data and its impact on reporting accuracy. The report detailed efforts to decarbonise buildings and deliver major projects like the Town Centre Heat Network. Councillors discussed the challenges of achieving net zero, the reliance on national action, and the carbon impact of artificial intelligence. The report was noted, with a call for accelerated emissions reduction activity.

Establishment of a Heat Network Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) in Greater Manchester

The committee discussed the establishment of a Heat Network Zone Coordination Body (ZCB) in Greater Manchester. Councillor Roberts highlighted Stockport's leading role in this area, emphasizing the importance of sustainable heat for climate change mitigation and resident benefit. The proposal sought approval for Stockport to participate in the ZCB, subject to parliamentary legislation. The model ensures that decisions directly affecting heat network zones within Stockport remain under local democratic control, while strategic coordination occurs at a Greater Manchester level. Questions were raised about the funding bids for the initial operation of the ZCB, with Nick Leslie, Head of Climate and Nature, explaining that £4.86 million was being sought for three years of operations. The committee was asked to note the report.

High Street Rental Auctions

Councillor Michaela Meikle introduced a briefing note on the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) initiative, a government power introduced in 2023 to encourage landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties. The report noted that the HSRA process is lengthy and complex, but can serve as a useful tool to engage reluctant landlords. Work had commenced on compiling vacant property registers for the town centre and eight district centres. Councillors discussed the number of long-term vacant properties, with Councillor Asa Caton expressing concern about the extent of vacancies in Edgeley. There was a debate about whether investment in public realm improvements might be more beneficial than pursuing legislation with potentially limited benefits. Councillor Vibert raised concerns about the focus on designated district centres, suggesting that other areas of the borough could also benefit. The committee was asked to note the work being done to compile vacant property registers.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the proposed work programme for future meetings. Councillor Vibert requested a report on the £125 million derelict buildings fund, should Stockport be eligible to apply. Councillor James Frizzell noted that an update on glyphosate use had been included in the programme. The committee was invited to consider the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings.