The Development Plan Working Party of Stockport Council met on Monday 25 November 2024 to discuss the ongoing work on the Stockport Local Plan (SLP) and to schedule future meetings. The meeting noted a report on the progress of the SLP, which has been paused due to proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Stockport Local Plan Update

The Working Party received an update on the Stockport Local Plan (SLP), a crucial document that outlines the council's planning policies for the borough. The SLP consultation was paused following the government's announcement of proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The report detailed the work undertaken since the pause, including preparations for the revised NPPF publication and proposed next steps for the local plan.

Key discussions included the timing of site assessments, which will commence before the new NPPF is published but will align with its release. Members were encouraged to submit any ideas for suitable sites to council officers. A discussion also took place regarding the reasons for the current position of the local plan. It was confirmed that previously identified sites would be considered, and members emphasised the importance of a strong evidence base. The Working Party requested an update on the council's supply position regarding the strategic land availability assessment to avoid duplication of effort. The report was noted by the Working Party.

The report highlighted that work on the Green Belt and housing land supply is ongoing. The council is examining potential Green Belt sites and their capacity for housing and employment, taking into account changes affecting the Green Belt since 2014. This work is informed by the Stockport Character and Urban Density study (SCUD 2024), which assesses the potential for increased development density in key locations, particularly town centres and transport corridors. The council will also review its own land holdings and consider new sites identified through a 'Call for Sites' process, which is expected to begin before Christmas. The existing Employment Land Review (ELR 2022) is considered up-to-date, but the council will re-examine the potential for Green Belt sites to deliver employment land in light of proposed NPPF changes affecting sectors like logistics.

The council is dependent on the government publishing the updated NPPF to fully understand the requirements for the SLP and to provide detail on the Green Belt and housing work. The council intends to update its Local Development Scheme (LDS) and proceed with a revised Regulation 18 consultation in Spring/Summer 2025. Officers are proceeding at risk with the identified work, anticipating the NPPF publication either just before Christmas or early in 2025. A meeting with the council's legal counsel is planned for January to ensure a legally robust position.

Future Meetings

The Working Party agreed on dates for future meetings: 11 December 2024, 15 January 2025, and 6 February 2025. A brief discussion also took place regarding whether future meetings should be held remotely or face-to-face, with this matter to be considered further.