Plans to build new £350m neighbourhood approved

The site is being delivered as part of a joint venture between Stockport Council and a developer

Planning permission has been granted for a new £350m neighbourhood as part of a major regeneration project in Stockport town centre.

Located next to the historic viaduct in the Greater Manchester town, the site, named Stockport 8, will include up to 1,300 new homes with a pedestrian-only street running through the centre.

This is just one in a series of projects led by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation as part of plans to develop land west of the town centre.

Council leader Mark Roberts said it was "about building a better Stockport for everyone".

"This is about making Stockport more connected, more vibrant and more sustainable," he said.

"Our ambition is simple: growth that's fair, sustainable and lasting – not just bigger buildings, but a stronger, more connected Stockport that people are proud to call home."

The plans will see industrial buildings to the west of Stockport Viaduct demolished to make way for the new community with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Detailed planning consent has been granted for Phase 1 which includes 435 highly-energy efficient homes that are designed to achieve net zero standards and the creation of a new public square adjacent to the viaduct.

Outline consent has been approved for the remaining phases.

The blueprints were approved by the planning committee on Thursday

The first phase is due to start on site in 2026 and complete in 2028, with the next phase expected to commence in 2029.

Councillor Anna Charles-Jones praised the accessibility of the development, which includes 59 new homes that are designed as accessible and adaptable dwellings.

She said: "There is an accessibility gap with the number of accessible homes and the number of people disabled.

"The disability group is one minority group you can become a part of at any point in your life, and the whole point is that these homes can be adapted for anybody so that they can stay in their home."

Councillor Rachel Wise acknowledged the concerns that come with building on brownfield sites but highlighted the "immense improvements for residents in Stockport".

She said: "I think it's the right thing to do to bring disused industrial space back into meaningful community use, so having people live there, community units on the ground floor, I think is very strong."