The UK Government has threatened to intervene at Stockport Council, accusing the local authority of failing to progress its long-delayed local plan. Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, warned the Liberal Democrat-run council that Westminster could take over if it does not meet revised deadlines.
Plan Details and Public Concern
The local plan, which will guide development in the borough, includes the construction of 25,000 homes by 2042, with a target of 50% affordable housing, prioritising brownfield sites. Public interest has been high, with 3,800 responses to a feedback exercise last year. One resident, Alan Burke, expressed fears that 'mass overdevelopment is now inevitable' due to the council's delays.
Stockport Council expects to adopt the plan in winter 2027, but must meet interim deadlines. The government's letter on July 2 noted compliance so far but raised concerns over a request to extend the submission deadline to New Year's Eve 2026.
Minister's Warning
Mr Pennycook stated: 'I have been very clear that where councils are failing to progress plans, I will not hesitate to make use of the Secretary of State’s intervention powers.' He agreed to amend the submission date, allowing a one-month delay for the next stage, but warned of regular monitoring and potential further intervention if milestones are missed.
Council's Response
At a meeting on July 9, top Liberal Democrat councillors defended their efforts. Coun Jake Austin said they inherited a complicated situation when taking control in 2022, and faced obstacles including Labour doubling housing targets in 2024. He added that the one-month delay aligns with other councils but called the deadline 'incredibly tight'. Austin emphasised that local decision-making is preferable to Westminster control, stating: 'I firmly believe it is our council and our officers that are in the best place to make those decisions, not Westminster.'
