The Stockport Local Access Forum met on Monday 3 November 2025 to discuss improving access to rights of way and the council's vision for the borough. The forum agreed to recommend that Stockport Council adopt a policy of replacing stiles with gates on public rights of way and to advocate for increased funding to improve countryside access.

Replacing Stiles with Gates

The forum discussed a proposal to adopt a policy of replacing stiles on public rights of way with gates. This initiative aims to improve accessibility for all users, particularly those with mobility issues, and to align with the council's commitment to Access for all as outlined in its Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The current situation in Stockport was described as having many stiles in poor repair, acting as obstacles on footpaths.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, acknowledged the council's existing policy of not installing new stiles and stated that when styles are reported as needing replacement, landowners are encouraged to install gates, with the council offering 25% towards the cost. However, concerns were raised about the estimated cost of replacing stiles with gates, with one estimate suggesting up to £4,000 per gate. This figure was disputed, with evidence suggesting costs closer to £700 for the gate itself, plus installation. The forum also heard about a previous instance where gate handles, paid for by SEBA, were never fitted, highlighting ongoing issues with the implementation of such improvements.

Ultimately, the Local Access Forum agreed to recommend that Stockport Council (SMBC) commit to a policy of replacing stiles with gates as standard practice and to actively seek match funding from local organisations.

One Stockport: One Future Borough Plan

The forum also considered the One Stockport: One Future Borough Plan and its implications for access. While the plan highlights the council's commitment to health, happiness, and the well-being of citizens, and mentions the increasing popularity of outdoor activities like walking and cycling, the forum identified a gap between this rhetoric and concrete actions to improve countryside access.

The report presented to the forum noted that Stockport has a significant amount of countryside (around 40%) and that while improvements have been made in urban areas, there is a need for increased funding to enhance access to rural rights of way. The forum proposed a statement to the effect that the aspirations of the One Stockport plan need to be met by reality, which includes allocating additional funding for countryside access improvements. Specific suggestions included improving path surfaces, replacing stiles with gates, and clearing vegetation from rights of way.

There was discussion about the complexity of the One Stockport document, with one member noting it comprised 2000 pages in several different documents. The forum was informed that consultation for the local plan would open on 6 November 2025 and that information sessions would be held in early December. The forum agreed to act as a clearing house for comments from members to be forwarded to the council as part of the consultation process.

Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) Update

Emily Brough, Strategy Policy & Research Team Manager, provided an update on Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs). She reported that progress on completing DMMOs has been slow due to resource constraints. However, work is underway to draft an order for Maldives Close to Beaminster Avenue in Heaton Mersey, and order notices have been posted for the upgrade of a route from Modlock to Guid Lane, which is being addressed as a backlog issue. A new claim for a route from Bloom Street to Grenville Street is also being processed, with interviews with the public undertaken.

The forum also discussed the Benfield path, with an agreement reached on the line of the path, and it is expected to be brought forward as a DMMO. There was also an update on footpath 19 HGB, near the oil terminal fence, where a decision from the planning inspector is still awaited.

Recent Activity and Other Matters

The forum received updates on recent activity, including vegetation clearance orders and temporary road closures. A particular concern was raised about a closure at 47 Bramall (Bridge Street to Hertford Close Footbridge), where a significant hole has emerged and is slipping into a watercourse. Members were urged to respect these closures due to safety concerns.

The forum also discussed the ongoing process of updating public rights of way forms to make them available online, with an interim measure being developed to improve the existing forms.

Finally, members were invited to suggest items for future meetings. The upcoming consultation on the local plan was highlighted as a significant item for future discussion. There was also a request for a standing item on access control improvements.