Stockport: Councillor Warns Decades of Disaster Loom with New Housing

A councillor wants developers to pay for upgrades. Many new houses are planned near Stockport. This councillor thinks problems will arise without new services. He mentions schools, doctors, and local amenities.

Peter Crossen says developers must help improve things. Otherwise, Stockport could face troubles for decades. His comments came after a housing plan was revealed. Jones Homes wants to build 250 homes in Bramhall. More homes are also planned for Woodford. A village with 1,500 homes may appear near Handforth.

Crossen criticized the council for lacking a housing plan. He claims this causes problems in some areas. One plan includes up to 750 homes in Woodford. Residents say this area often floods. People see surveyors checking land sites. Needed infrastructure has not appeared, locals report. Promises of services like doctors remain unfulfilled.

A road floods yearly, and traffic near Stanley Green is hard for everyone. Another 1,500 homes are planned nearby. Crossen says this signals disaster for residents. Jones Homes did not comment on their Bramhall plans. They will send leaflets to locals about new homes.

Harrow Estates says their plan has “great public benefits.” This plan could add around 540 homes; half would be affordable housing. Shops are included, plus the existing school could grow. Over 14 hectares of the site would be green space. Trails for walking and biking would connect areas.

The council has been asked for their comment. The government wants Stockport to build 2,000 homes per year. Stockport delayed its local plan last year. Now, they expect to adopt it by winter 2027/28. The council withdrew from a joint development plan in 2020.

Crossen said the area takes its share of new homes. He wants a fair plan with proper infrastructure. Council leader Mark Hunter says Crossen is wrong on the facts. Hunter claims government changes caused the local plan delay. The council seeks clarity from the government. He also says protecting green spaces is important.

Hunter states they are ready to consult on the local plan. He adds that developers targeting Stockport is not new. Local decisions should outweigh government targets, he adds.