The Stepping Hill Area Committee met on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was a planning application for 181 new homes on Jackson's Lane, Hazel Grove. The committee discussed and supported several ward flexibility funding applications.

The committee discussed and supported several ward flexibility funding applications. ARC Mindset CIC was considered for £150 towards the cost of expanding their coaching interventions for disadvantaged young people. The North West Steel Band Association was considered for £142.80 towards the cost of hosting their annual concert in St Peter's Square, Stockport. Inspire Capital Sports CIC was considered for £125.01 to provide financial support to four young people with sporting potential who face financial barriers to participation.

The committee also noted updates on neighbourhood policing and Stockport Homes' performance.

Planning Application for Jackson's Lane, Hazel Grove

The committee considered a significant planning application for 181 new homes on Jackson's Lane, a site currently designated as Green Belt land. The application, which proposed 91 affordable homes, was presented by Suzanne Brunhead from the planning department.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors and members of the public regarding the impact of the development on local infrastructure and the environment. Mr Paul Bellis, a local resident, voiced strong opposition, arguing that building on Green Belt land was a flawed policy and that there were alternative brownfield sites available in Stockport. He also highlighted concerns about the capacity of local schools and healthcare services. Ms Deborah Hind, representing the Friends of Happy Valley, expressed worries about the impact on the local nature reserve, stating that the £30,000 contribution offered by the developer was insufficient to mitigate the increased footfall and potential damage to habitats and wildlife.

Councillors echoed these concerns. Councillor Grace Baynham proposed a motion to recommend refusal of the application, citing damage to the character of the area, drainage issues, insufficient mitigation for traffic and environmental impacts, and the insufficient contributions towards Happy Valley. Councillor Jake Austin seconded the motion, adding concerns about the density of the development impacting privacy and the loss of views across the site. The committee voted to recommend refusal of the application to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee considered several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• ARC Mindset CIC was considered for £150 towards the cost of expanding their coaching interventions for disadvantaged young people.
• North West Steel Band Association was considered for £142.80 towards the cost of hosting their annual concert in St Peter's Square, Stockport.
• Inspire Capital Sports CIC was considered for £125.01 to provide financial support to four young people with sporting potential who face financial barriers to participation.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Jacqueline Prest provided an update on neighbourhood policing activities. She detailed crime statistics for the Offerton, Stepping Hill, Woodsmore, Hazel Grove, and Norbury areas, highlighting efforts to tackle shoplifting, burglaries, and anti-social behaviour. Inspector Prest also mentioned Operation Open Gate, a targeted action day in Hazel Grove, and confirmed that police would be visible on Halloween to minimise anti-social behaviour. Councillors raised questions about the timeline for court trials and Criminal Behaviour Orders for prolific offenders, and the approach to tackling illegal bike activity during darker evenings.

Stockport Homes Group Update

Anila Khalid, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods, and Ian Pittaway, Assistant Director of Assets and Development, presented a deep dive report on Stockport Homes' work and data relating to the Offerton Estate. The report highlighted that while Offerton generally performs in line with wider Stockport Homes trends, recurring themes affecting residents include communication, complaint handling, environmental standards, and access to support. Councillors raised questions about rent arrears, investment in play areas, average repair times, and the transparency of customer feedback. Stockport Homes outlined ongoing actions to address these issues, including improving customer communication, strengthening early intervention, and reviewing their asset strategy.

Other Matters

The committee also noted the progress on area committee decisions and received updates on highway and traffic management matters. The legal advertising of proposed parking restrictions on Bramhall Lane South, Broomfield Crescent, and Woodsmoor Lane was approved. Approval was also given for proposed parking restrictions on Oakland Avenue in Offerton. An application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold a Christmas event in Torkington Park on 5 December 2026 was approved. Councillor Jake Austin was appointed to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Day service on behalf of the area committee.

The meeting concluded with a brief comfort break and announcements from the Chair regarding upcoming events.