The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee of Stockport Council met on Thursday 06 November 2025. The committee considered a major outline planning application for a residential-led development at Woodford Garden Village Extension, Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport, which was recommended for refusal. They also considered a full application for a change of use at 9 Carr Brow, High Lane, Stockport, from a residential dwelling to a children's care home for up to five children, which was recommended for approval. Finally, the committee received an update on planning appeals, enforcement appeals, and enforcement notices.

Woodford Garden Village Extension, Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport (DC/094533)

The committee was asked to consider an outline planning application for a new residential-led development at Woodford Garden Village Extension. The proposal included the demolition of existing employment buildings and structures, the erection of residential buildings, extra care accommodation, and a local community hub, along with the creation of new vehicle, cycle, and pedestrian connections, open space, and landscaping.

The application was recommended for refusal by officers. Key concerns raised included the development's location within the Green Belt, which was considered inappropriate and causing substantial harm to its openness. Officers argued that very special circumstances had not been demonstrated to outweigh this harm. Furthermore, significant concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of the location due to inadequate public transport and active travel infrastructure, leading to a likely reliance on private cars. The proposed mitigation measures for traffic impacts, particularly on the Bramhall roundabout, were deemed insufficient, with the potential for severe impacts on highway operation and safety. Issues were also raised regarding the provision of formal recreational open space and education infrastructure, with concerns that the proposed contributions and delivery mechanisms were unacceptable.

Despite the applicant's arguments that the site qualified as grey belt land and that the development would provide substantial public benefits, including 50% affordable housing and significant open space provision, officers concluded that these benefits did not outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and the other identified adverse impacts. The applicant had appealed against the non-determination of the application, and the decision was to be made by the committee as if they were determining the application themselves.

Change of Use at 9 Carr Brow, High Lane, Stockport, SK6 8EX (DC094783)

The committee considered a full application for a change of use from a residential dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a children's care home (Use Class C2) to accommodate up to five children. The property is a detached five-bedroom dwellinghouse in a predominantly residential area.

Officers recommended granting planning permission. While acknowledging the significant number of neighbour objections, particularly concerning noise, disturbance, crime, and the suitability of the location for a children's home, officers concluded that the use would not cause undue harm to residential amenity. They noted that the building's detached nature would mitigate noise, and the level of occupation and activity was considered comparable to a large family dwelling. Greater Manchester Police raised no objections from a crime prevention perspective, and the Council's Highway Engineer found the access and parking arrangements acceptable. The proposal was also seen as contributing to the Council's strategy to increase internally managed children's homes for local children.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Enforcement Notices

The committee received a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement action. This included updates on several enforcement notices, including one at 10 Lawton Avenue, Bramhall, where an appeal against the notice to remove an unauthorised carport was dismissed. A second enforcement notice was served for the same unauthorised development, with a compliance period of six months. Appeal decisions were also noted for 306 London Road (refusal of planning permission for a dropped kerb and crossover, appeal dismissed) and land on the west side of Kingsway, Cheadle (appeal against refusal to grant express consent for digital displays, appeal dismissed). A new planning appeal was lodged concerning 456 Chester Road, Woodford, against the refusal of planning permission for a detached dwelling.

The committee was recommended to note the report.

The meeting was confirmed as held, and decisions were made.