There is no argument or denying that the Greater Manchester area needs more homes in it. This is the case across most of the United Kingdom where the demand for property outstrips the supply. The simple solution, on paper, is to add more homes but this is a process which is obviously a lot more difficult when it comes to real life. There is a need for a lot of planning and of course, the land has to be found.
This is the issue in Stockport and the volume of protests regarding the areas plans for helping the housing problem in the area means that the council may go back on previously made plans. Local media is saying that there are fears growing in the Greater Manchester Council that Stockport could place a veto on green belt development plans in the area. There has already been moved by the Liberal Democrat councillors to remove Stockport from the Greater Manchester property masterplan, but this is a battle that still has time to run. There is a full council meeting taking place in Stockport before the end of January and this could provide the opposition that protesters need.
Can the plans be scaled back?
It is believed that there are now councillors from the Conservatives and Labour who oppose the development, which could have a huge impact on the plans. At the very least, this may lead to the plans being scaled back in order to be approved by local councillors. There is even talk that Stockport could drop out of the Greater Manchester plans entirely, which is definitely something that could have a long term impact on the Stockport property market.
There was a major protest in the middle of January which ended in hundreds of local residents protesting outside the local town hall. The proposals for green belt development would bring thousands of new homes to the area, which is much needed. There will be people who support the proposals, opposing the protestors, but it is much easier to be vocal against an idea or plan as opposed to being supportive of it.
News of Stockport wavering on the plans has led to other areas in the region re-evaluating whether the more controversial aspects and elements of the plan are necessary. It is believed that there is concern in Oldham and we may see protests or local council concerns being raised in other parts of Greater Manchester before too long.
At Spencer Harvey, we are always looking for the latest news and information regarding the Stockport property market. We focus on these stories to ensure that we provide you with the most relevant and pertinent guidance on the local property market. If you want the best advice and assurances, come and see us, drop us an email or give us a phone.