Stockport Council could be compelled to approve more than 3,000 new homes, including developments on green belt land, after the borough was placed at the bottom of the government's housing delivery league table for the North of England. The council missed its target of 3,408 homes between 2022 and 2025, delivering only 1,457, according to UK Government figures. As a result, the authority must now add a 20% buffer to its housing land supply and decide residential applications with a presumption in favour of approval, making it easier for developers to gain planning permission.
Government targets and the 20% buffer
The government's latest figures show Stockport delivered 1,457 homes against the 3,408 required, placing the borough at the bottom of the league table for housing delivery not only in the North West but across the whole of northern England. The 20% buffer on land allocated for housing over the next few years is intended to address this shortfall, but it could increase pressure on the council to permit green belt development. Developers have already submitted a wave of planning applications to the town hall, many of which are for sites on protected countryside.
While the presumption in favour of approval makes it easier for developers, it does not automatically green-light green belt schemes, as policies protecting these areas remain in place. However, the changes may help brownfield schemes move forward, and the council will now be required to demonstrate that the negatives of rejecting a plan significantly outweigh the positives, including for countryside sites.
Political reaction and criticism
Stockport Labour has criticised the situation, with Coun Rachel Wise telling the Manchester Evening News: "The numbers are worse now than they were then, and the borough has gone backwards while every other council in the North moved forward." In response, Liberal Democrat leader Coun Mark Roberts said they were delivering a new plan that would provide 'sustainable housing on our brownfield sites within our town and district centres'. He added: "Stockport is buzzing, with new homes being delivered for all to see, our town centre regeneration is being hailed as a blueprint for towns across the country by the new [Prime Minister]."
Major planning applications awaiting decisions
Regardless of political disagreements, the latest government order means a number of major developments across the borough could now be approved. The following are the key outstanding planning applications currently on Stockport's planning portal:
Heald Green East (675 homes)
Developer Bloor Homes has submitted plans for 675 homes on land north of Stanley Road and west of the A34 in Heald Green, between the A34 and A555. The masterplan would see more than £100m invested into the local area if approved, creating more than 500 construction jobs. The plans include a new local centre with a health clinic and space for a future park and ride facility and train station, which would need to be brought forward by Network Rail or Transport for Greater Manchester. A decision is due on September 16, 2026.
Cheadle Hulme (126 homes)
Stonebond Properties wants to build 126 homes off Grove Lane on former sports pitches now described as 'rough grassland'. The site is said to be 'close to a vibrant mix and choice of retailing, cafés, bars, restaurants and employment opportunities'. A design and access statement says: "The proposed development comprises new residential dwellings including new landscaping and areas of public open space," adding: "The development at Grove Lane, Stockport, will provide an attractive area to live with high quality designed homes." A decision was due on June 9, 2026, but has not been made.
Woodford (up to 130 homes)
Miller Homes has put forward plans for up to 130 homes off Moor Lane. A design and access statement says: "The proposed development provides a unique opportunity to create a new vibrant place to live, with connections to the existing movement networks and natural features." It adds that the development will increase local housing supply and provide accessible public open space, improving public access across the site. A decision is due by August 25, 2026.
Woodford (75 homes on Jenny Lane)
Richborough has proposed up to 75 homes plus new green space on land off Jenny Lane, promising at least 50% (around 38) will be affordable. The site, currently private, would be opened up to the public. A decision is due by November 5, 2026.
Upper Swineseye Farm, Woodford (455 homes)
Barratt David Wilson Homes North West and Michael Glen Kingsley hope to deliver up to 455 new homes on the farm, with 50% affordable. A design and access statement says: "This planning application marks a major step forward in the exciting opportunity that the development of the Site at Upper Swineseye Farm, Woodford, represents." The site sits next to Woodford Garden Village. A decision was due on August 12, 2026, but has not been made.
Chester Road, Woodford (423 homes plus care facility)
Russell LDP and Stantec have submitted plans for up to 423 new homes off Chester Road, including an extra care facility for over-55s with up to 72 beds. The scheme also includes shops, food and drink venues up to 100 square metres, new health services, a nursery or day centre, and a new nature park. A design and access statement says the plans 'provide a framework to deliver a high quality, well-designed and sustainable place for the future'. A decision is due by October 6, 2026.
Lytham Drive, Bramhall (200 homes)
Wain Estates wants to build up to 200 new homes across nearly five and a half hectares. A design and access statement says: "The site is capable of delivering up to 200 new homes, providing a mix of family homes and affordable housing." A decision was due on June 26, 2026, but has not been made.
Mill Bank Farm, Hazel Grove (134 homes)
Bellway Homes has submitted plans for 134 new houses on fields just north of the A555 in Hazel Grove, an area currently designated green belt. The site covers nearly five hectares of farmland that has never been developed. A design and access statement says the development will 'create a well-informed attractive neighbourhood, not overly dominated by the car'. A decision was due on August 10, 2026, but has not been made.
Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove (176 homes)
Bellway also wants to deliver 176 homes off Jacksons Lane, a mix of two to four-bed dwellings up to two storeys. A design and access statement says: "The development will create a high quality, sustainable residential neighbourhood which maintains and enhances the key existing features of Hazel Grove." A decision was due on June 19, 2026, but has not been made.
Buxton Road, Hazel Grove (75 homes)
Hollins Strategic Land wants to build up to 75 new homes plus public space. Documents say approximately 33% of the site will be dedicated to open space, including play areas and walking and cycling routes. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible, and tree cover significantly enhanced. A decision is due on October 8, 2026.
Mill Lane, Hazel Grove (31 homes)
Hollins Strategic Land also wants to build up to 31 homes plus public open space. Documents say the site is a "suitable and sustainable location for new housing development" and that the scale of development can be successfully accommodated. A decision is due on October 8, 2026.
Simpson Business Centre, Hazel Grove (9 homes)
Developers argue the land at the Simpsons Business Centre is grey belt, proposing nine new homes. A decision was due on May 5, 2026, but has not been made.
Mill Street, Hazel Grove (174 homes)
Northstone Development Ltd is looking to develop up to 174 new homes here. A decision was due on May 12, 2026, but has not been made. Northstone hoped to submit a planning application in May but this appears delayed; they said earlier this year they hoped to finish construction by 2030 if approved.
Hyde Bank Meadows, Romiley (250 homes)
Seddon has put forward early-stage plans for up to 250 homes, which could 'include a mix of small dwellings and larger family homes'. A decision on whether an environmental impact assessment is needed was due by April 23, 2026, but has not been made.
Bredbury Industrial Estate expansion
FI Group hopes to extend Bredbury Park Industrial Estate on an 'unoccupied and overgrown' site, providing 'much needed jobs and industrial units'. Documents say: "Unlike previous proposals for this site, we are proposing a much smaller employment development... a mix of units – from starter units to mid-range." A large part of the site will remain as green undeveloped countryside, with potential for a community nature park. A decision was due on June 22, 2026, but has not been made.
Shakespeare Road, Bredbury (134 affordable homes)
Westchurch Homes wants to build 134 affordable homes, which they said 'would deliver a range of high quality, high specification homes for the local community in a sustainable location'. A decision is due by October 28, 2026.
These applications, if approved, would add over 3,000 homes to Stockport's housing stock, potentially reshaping the borough's green belt and addressing its housing shortfall, but also raising concerns about infrastructure and environmental impact.
