Stockport communities eligible to access £1.9 million to prepare neighbourhood plans

Stockport’s district centres are set to access £1.9 million that has been earmarked to support communities to develop neighbourhood plans which give local communities a voice in how local areas will be developed.

Handforth, which has already submitted plans, will also receive £150,000 to further progress the development of its Garden Village, including 1,600 new homes.

Housing Secretary, Esther McVey, said:

Communities have the local insight to decide what new homes should look like and the kind of infrastructure they need in their area. This is what neighbourhood planning is all about, so I’m pleased this funding will ensure that the right homes are built in the right places.”

Woodford residents were the first in Stockport to adopt a neighbourhood plan, following a vote by residents in September 2019, which emphasised protecting the green belt.

As reported in the Manchester Evening News, Stockport Council are working with residents on neighbourhood plans in Marple, High Lane, Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall to develop similar plans, which will have access to support from the announced funding.

Funding can be used by communities to access advice and expertise from local authorities, arrange for independent assessment of the plans and pay for local referenda to give communities the final say on accepting neighbourhood plans.

Neighbourhood plans were first introduced in 2011, and proposals have been put forward by 2,600 communities nationwide since their launch.

Stockport and Rochdale are the only boroughs in Greater Manchester that will be eligible for the funding for neighbourhood plans.