Listen to this article here
|
Following an extensive public engagement period, Stockport Council has published its Local Development Scheme, setting out proposed timescales for adopting a new Local Plan for the borough.
The Local Plan is a statutory document prepared by local authorities in England to set out development needs, such as new homes, transport, infrastructure and land suitable for commercial development. Stockport’s Local Plan will also consider commitments to environmental protection and climate change in line the One Stockport Borough Plan and Climate Action Now strategy.
Councillors approved the Local Development Scheme on the 30th November, which seeks to inform the public about current planning policies and set out the timeframes for preparing the new Local Plan.
Publication of the scheme comes following an extensive period of initial engagement with businesses, residents and other stakeholders in the borough regarding the overarching principles that will inform the development of the Local Plan. An online survey ran throughout August and September, along with online workshops, roadshows and private presentations to stakeholder groups. More than 30 workshops were also held with the voluntary sector, businesses, the youth sector, disability access forum, educational establishments and neighbourhood forums throughout the engagement period.
The Local Development Scheme, published on the Stockport Council website, anticipates that the next phase of consultation over the Council’s preferred options for the Local Plan will take place over Summer and Autumn 2022. The final plan is set to be adopted in Autumn 2024.
In line with advice from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Local Plan will not take into account any proposed changes to the planning system set out by a 2020 government white paper. Neighbourhood Plans, currently in place in Woodford, and being adopted in Marple, High Lane and the Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall area will also form part of the development plans for the wider borough.