Design Guide approved for new town centre homes

Stockport Council has approved a new Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide, which sets a new standard for sustainable, high-quality housing developments in the heart of the borough as progress continues on the council’s £1 billion regeneration ambitions for the town centre.

Created with industry leaders Planit and 5Plus Architects and shaped by community feedback during a public consultation, the guide outlines clear expectations for developers to ensure new homes contribute to Stockport’s vision of a thriving, inclusive, and liveable town centre.

The guide, approved by Cabinet in November 2024, comes after a public consultation held between May and July 2024, during which time local residents and stakeholders had the chance to provide feedback. The final version has now been published after considering the feedback shared as part of the design process.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“This guide is a vital step in delivering our ambition to make Stockport the best place to live, work, and thrive. It ensures new developments are not only of the highest quality but also create sustainable, vibrant communities that reflect our bold vision for the future.”

Caleb Jones, Senior Urban Designer at Planit, said:

“We have been working with Stockport Council for a number of years to develop a set of design expectations that will guide positive and transformational change for the town.

“Increasing and enhancing the town centre’s residential offer is key to meeting the growing demand for urban living; whilst also protecting the town’s unique heritage assets and creating an attractive, green and clean place people want to work and live in.”

Andy Roberts, Director at Planit, said:

“Our work is based on the premise that towns should be the focal points of life for communities within Greater Manchester (GM). It is fundamental that we address their physical, social, and environmental decline with high quality design; creating the types of places for communities to thrive. Stockport Design Guide provides a tool for Stockport Council to realise their goals for zero carbon, social equity, and inclusiveness, within its town centre, and a model for other GM authorities to follow.”

Paul Norbury, Director at 5Plus Architects, said:

“Stockport Town Centre is undergoing significant change and has become a great place to live. The design guide covers key components of successful town centre living and showcases Stockport’s character. It will help ensure residential schemes are designed to a high standard, creating sustainable and “liveable” homes that respect the town’s rich heritage and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and provision of new homes in Stockport.”

The guide is the result of listening to residents and working closely with experts to ensure every voice is heard and every opportunity is seized. By blending contemporary design with Stockport’s heritage, the guide will ensure Stockport Town Centre grows in a way that respects its past while embracing the future.

Cllr Hunter added:

“This initiative sets Stockport apart as a leader in town centre regeneration. It’s an example of how bold local leadership and collaboration with industry experts can deliver real change.”

Aligned with Stockport’s wider regeneration plan, the guide is intended to support developers, designers, and decision-makers in shaping the future of Stockport. By working alongside industry experts, the council has ensured it includes practical and achievable recommendations to help create a town centre that is both modern and rooted in its local character.

This initiative is part of Stockport’s wider vision to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and liveable town centre that benefits everyone.

Alongside the publication of the Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide, Stockport Council is now also beginning work on a borough-wide Design Guide and is calling on stakeholders in the town to contribute by responding to a short online survey.