Stockport’s long-term housing strategy has been delayed for a second time, with council bosses awaiting 'clarity' on planning policy once a new PM is in place. The only borough in Greater Manchester not involved in the joint ‘Places for Everyone’ masterplan, a public consultation on a draft ‘Local Plan’ was due to be launched later this month.
This had already been pushed back by the former Labour administration, after the government hinted councils could soon have ‘greater leeway’ over the number of homes they need to build each year. Now it has stalled again, with town hall bosses citing ‘turbulence’ at national government level and the pressures residents and businesses are facing due to the ‘cost of living crisis’.
Councillor Mark Hunter, Lib Dem leader of the council, said: “Unfortunately, with a new Prime Minister due to be announced next week followed by the formation of a new government and no clarity about their intentions around planning matters, we have taken the difficult decision that this is not the time to launch such a consultation.
