The Development Plan Working Party of Stockport Council met on Tuesday 8 July 2025 to consider updates on the Local Plan timetable, the Green Belt Assessment, and proposed changes to the Local Plan policies. The meeting's agenda focused on the preparation and ongoing development of the Stockport Local Plan.

Local Plan Timetable

A report was presented regarding the proposed updated timetable for the preparation of the Stockport Local Plan. The report detailed the timeline for key stages, including the sign-off of the draft Local Plan for consultation, the consultation period itself, publication, submission to the Secretary of State, and the subsequent examination in public. The timetable indicated a need to proceed at pace due to a hard deadline of December 2026 for the plan to be progressed under the current plan-making system. The report also noted that a further update to the Local Development Scheme (LDS) would be required to incorporate details of a proposed Joint Greater Manchester Waste and Minerals Plan, should its timetable be agreed before the Local Plan timetable was finalised. The Working Party was asked to note the information contained in the report and provide any comments.

Update on Green Belt Assessment

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the progress and future timings of work related to the Green Belt Assessment. This followed previous information provided to the Working Party in March 2025. The report explained that following government consultations and changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), further Green Belt Assessment work was commissioned. This work aimed to ensure an up-to-date assessment for the entire borough, complying with new national guidance. The report highlighted that the identification of grey belt land does not automatically deem it suitable for development, but the NPPF sets a priority order for releasing Green Belt land. The final assessment was expected from consultants in late July or early August 2025, with its key findings to be reported to members. The Working Party was asked to note the information and provide any comments.

Local Plan Policy Changes

A report was presented to advise members of proposed changes to the draft Stockport Local Plan. These changes were necessitated by updates to national policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and other external influences such as new evidence and strategies, particularly concerning climate action and nature. Additionally, changes were being made following an implementability review to ensure policies could be effectively implemented through the planning system. The report outlined a high-level schedule of changes to various chapters and sections of the plan, including the introduction, vision, strategy, and development management policies. Significant amendments were noted for policies relating to climate resilience, homes, the town centre, supporting businesses, and infrastructure, including a new policy to assist in the delivery of the Metrolink. The report also indicated the proposed inclusion of a new section detailing a monitoring framework. The Working Party was invited to note and comment on the information.