Kieran Henry, a local solicitor, has accused Stockport Council of 'stabbing a knife in the back' after they used compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers to acquire his properties at 72 and 74 Wellington Road South against his will. The council argues the purchase was essential to advance the £145m Stockport Exchange development, a major regeneration project including offices, homes, retail, and leisure facilities.
Council's Justification for Compulsory Purchase
In June 2025, Stockport Council's cabinet approved the CPO for the two properties, which Mr Henry has owned since 2001. The council stated that all other land in the area had been acquired except this site, which 'acts as a barrier between the town centre and the railway station' and was holding back the entire scheme. The council plans to demolish the existing buildings and create a grass area.
A report before councillors noted: 'Despite the council's sustained efforts to engage and negotiate with the landowner over a prolonged period of over 10 years, voluntary agreement for the acquisition of the site has not been possible.'
Landowner's Opposition and Inquiry
Mr Henry opposed the CPO, leading to an inquiry on April 1, 2026. He argued the scheme lacked viability, a compelling public interest case, and sufficient evidence, and claimed the council had not made enough effort to engage. Despite his objections, the council moved to buy the land on July 3, 2026; financial details have not been disclosed.
In inquiry documents, Mr Henry said he bought the property as an investment for his children and maintained it to a high standard until the council left nearby properties in poor condition. He accused the council of damaging part of his property, a claim the council disputed.
Plans for Redevelopment
Mr Henry stated he always planned to redevelop the building with commercial space downstairs and flats upstairs, offering to invest his own money. However, he told the Manchester Evening News the council was not interested. He said: 'Whilst I respectfully and wholeheartedly welcome the optimism of the council in Stockport with its ambitious plans for improvement I do believe that they have not fully considered or time tested the proposals that they so eloquently portray.'
The council's assistant director of regeneration, Jude Barker, responded that there was no 'reasonable prospect of concluding an agreement in the near future' and that funding options were available. The council's inquiry submission stated Mr Henry's claims of insufficient office demand were 'not supported by evidence' and noted a shortage of top-grade office space in Stockport.
Council's Perspective on Negotiations
Ged Massie, a council-appointed surveyor, said all offers had been refused: 'The landowner has indicated willingness to sell but his price expectations have consistently been far above market value. Despite ongoing discussions, voluntary agreement has not been reached.' He added that Mr Henry had been 'largely uncooperative over a decade of negotiations, and his price expectations remain unrealistic.'
Mr Henry, however, described the council's approach as 'belligerent and obstructive,' telling the Manchester Evening News: 'It was just harassment and underhand techniques they were playing to p*** me off.' He added: 'It's like Julius Caesar. It's like getting a knife in the back. I live in Stockport. It's good to see the town being developed but developed in the right way and developed with the people.'
Impact on the Landowner
Despite being a solicitor, Mr Henry felt powerless: 'You are fighting barristers and lawyers from the best legal teams you can have so there's no way I could win.' He expressed frustration that the council plans to demolish the building for a grass area, while he wanted to create commercial and residential space. Stockport Council was approached for comment but did not respond.
