The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee of Stockport Council met on Thursday 19 December 2024 to consider several development applications and planning appeals. Key discussions included a proposed residential development on land designated as Local Open Space, an application for a detached dwellinghouse with a basement and altered garage, and the demolition and erection of a self-build dwellinghouse in the Green Belt. The committee also reviewed a report on planning appeals, enforcement appeals, and enforcement notices.

Development Applications

Land at Grafton Street, Heaton Norris (DC/090014)

This application concerned a full application for residential development on land at Grafton Street, Heaton Norris. The report pack indicated that the committee was to consider a recommendation regarding planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure contributions for children's play and formal recreation. The site is allocated as Local Open Space within the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review (UDP), and the proposal was considered a departure from the development plan. Discussions at previous Area Committee meetings highlighted concerns regarding the loss of open space, the impact on a nearby play area, and the classification of the land. The report detailed extensive community consultation, including objections and support, and responses from various consultees such as Planning Policy, Greenspaces, Arboriculture, Nature Development, Highways, and Environmental Health. The analysis concluded that the development would contribute to the Council's housing land supply and that the benefits of the proposed dwellings justified the development of this part of the Local Open Space.

Lower Cobden Edge Farm, Whetmorhurst Lane, Mellor (DC/091344)

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the erection of a detached dwellinghouse with a detached garage at Lower Cobden Edge Farm, Whetmorhurst Lane, Mellor. This application was a retrospective amendment to a previously granted planning permission (DC075688), proposing the addition of a basement and the lowering of the approved garage. The report indicated that the committee was to consider a recommendation regarding planning permission. The site is located within the Green Belt, and the analysis highlighted that while the proposal was considered inappropriate development, Very Special Circumstances were deemed to exist due to the previous approval and the limited additional impact on the openness of the Green Belt. Concerns were raised by a neighbour regarding unlawful development, the actual height of the house, the materials used, and the visibility of the basement.

Stables On Land To Rear of Longhurst Lane and Knowle Road, Mellor (DC/091912)

This application involved the demolition of existing stables and tack room buildings and the erection of a single-storey self-build dwellinghouse with associated access, parking, and landscaping. The report indicated that planning permission was to be considered, with authority potentially delegated to the Head of Planning to grant permission subject to a Section 106 Agreement for open space contributions. The site is located within the Green Belt and a Landscape Character Area. Numerous objections were received, primarily concerning the Green Belt designation, the impact on the rural character, design, residential amenity, highways, and ecology. Supporters highlighted the enhancement of the land, the provision of sustainable housing, and the positive design. The analysis concluded that the development would redevelop previously developed land with limited impact on Green Belt openness and that the principle of residential development was acceptable due to the borough's housing supply shortfall.

2 Greenhythe Road, Heald Green, Cheadle (DC/092780)

The committee was to consider a proposed change of use from a dwelling (Use Class C3) to a residential care home (Use Class C2) to provide accommodation for a maximum of three young people. The report indicated that planning permission was to be considered. Objections were raised by neighbours concerning the impact on local living conditions, increased noise and traffic, parking issues, safety risks, and the suitability of the location due to a lack of infrastructure. The Children's Commissioning Team also objected, citing an over-supply of children's homes in Stockport. The Highway Engineer raised no objection, subject to conditions, but maintained concerns about the site's accessibility. The Environmental Health Officer raised no objection regarding noise and amenity. The analysis concluded that while the use differed from a typical dwelling, the scale was small and could be accommodated without undue harm to the area's character or amenities, and that the operation of such a home was primarily regulated outside the planning system.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Enforcement Notices

The committee was scheduled to consider a report summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local inquiries and informal hearings, and outlining enforcement action by Area Committee area. The report indicated that the committee was to consider the information presented. The appended document detailed various planning appeals, including those pending, allowed, dismissed, or withdrawn, across different area committees, as well as enforcement notices served and their compliance status.