Developers have submitted proposals that could see up to 567 homes built on the edge of Woodford, a village in the north of the Stockport borough. The application, lodged off Chester Road, also includes an extra care facility for over-55s and a collection of local services and community facilities.
What is included in the proposal
Documents accompanying the planning application, submitted by Michael Conroy on behalf of Stantec, set out a mixed housing-led scheme that would provide a range of dwellings and supporting uses. The main elements described are:
- Up to 423 new homes of various types;
- An extra care unit with up to 72 beds aimed at older residents;
- Local retail and hospitality units capped at 100 square metres each, plus new health services;
- A nursery or day centre and a proposed nature park.
The developers say the scheme has been included in a draft version of Stockport Council’s local plan, the document that will guide development across the borough up to 2042.
Scale and context
Between this proposal and a nearby major scheme, Woodford could see more than 1,300 homes come forward. The neighbouring Woodford Garden Village — a separate development on the former Woodford Aerodrome site — proposes up to 775 homes, together with a pub, an extra-care unit and a primary school.
| Scheme | Homes (maximum) |
|---|---|
| Chester Road proposal | 567 |
| Woodford Garden Village | 775 |
Current estimates put Woodford’s population at around 2,900 people (2024 estimate) and the 2021 Census recorded 858 households in the village.
Green belt, trees and the planning process
The Chester Road site lies within the green belt and contains a number of buildings and trees that would be removed if the scheme proceeds. The planning documents say no ancient woodland is recorded on the land, but they acknowledge the loss of existing trees and the undeveloped character of the site.
“The proposed vision is to create a new sustainable, high-quality neighbourhood which significantly improves the local housing offer in Woodford by delivering a range of house types to meet a variety of housing needs, including affordable dwellings, aspirational homes for young people and families, larger higher value homes”
Stantec point to the Garden Village scheme as an example of how the area is changing. That separate development was refused by Stockport Council before being allowed on appeal on the grounds that it would deliver housing and public open space. The council has sought a judicial review of that appeal decision, and that legal process is ongoing.
Residents will be watching closely as Stockport Council considers the Chester Road application, balancing pressures for new homes with protection for green-belt land and the local environment. The proposal also raises questions about the capacity of local services and infrastructure if the two large developments proceed.
Next steps will be determined by the council’s planning process; interested parties can expect the application to be considered against the emerging local plan and national planning policy once formal consultation and assessments have been completed.
