Plans have been submitted to build up to 89 homes on fields on the edge of the picturesque Stockport village of Marple Bridge. Emery Planning is seeking planning permission from Stockport council for the development off Pear Tree Close, with Wain Homes as the developer behind the project.
The site is currently used for horses, with a number of stable buildings and paddocks. It sits within the green belt, and half of the homes are proposed to be classed as affordable. According to planning documents, the existing property on the site will be kept alongside a green corridor to the south.
Green space and housing mix
Part of the site will be kept as green space, with 'high quality' trees 'retained and preserved where possible' and new public space created. The homes will be a mix of housing types including 78 flats and 'will result in a well planned residential development of which will echo the vernacular of the surrounding area, and will therefore be easily absorbed into its immediate context'.
The documents say the plans will maintain 'the character and quality of the area' while helping address housing needs.
Developer's argument for approval
A planning statement produced by Emery reads: "The release of green belt land is necessary to help meet unmet housing need and this is acknowledged through the emerging local plan.
"Furthermore, the harm in relation to landscape and visual impact, which is an inevitable consequence of developing any greenfield site, would be localised and limited only and the harm in relation to agricultural land is limited for the reasons set out.
"There is no scenario whereby it could be reasonably said that the adverse harm arising from the grant of planning permission could substantially outweigh the benefits associated with the proposed development."
The statement highlights new government policy to encourage developments near to train stations, noting that the one in Marple Bridge is within walking distance. Stockport's 'substantial shortfall' of delivering new housing is also pointed to alongside a need for more affordable housing in the borough.
Council contact and housing shortfall
Emery argues the plans should be approved 'without delay'. They said they contacted Stockport council in March 2025 about the construction of 70 homes on the land but claim the council did not respond. As a result, the firm said they have 'had no option but to proceed with this outline planning application without the benefit of officer feedback'.
Stockport's poor housing delivery, with figures among the worst in England, is also highlighted in the report. As a result of this performance, the local authority is now expected to approve planning applications by default, unless there is strong evidence to refuse new homes. Pointing to the proposed release of green belt as part of Stockport's draft Local Plan, Emery added: "This reflects the inevitability that green belt sites are needed to address the substantial housing shortfall across the borough."
In recent weeks, councillors have criticised the UK Government over its approach and argued their hands were tied when recently approving new green belt housing in Hazel Grove.
