Stockport Council has published its brownfield register as part of its efforts to maximise the use of previously developed and underused land for new housing.
In line with national regulations, the brownfield register sets out what land is available now for potential housing use. A full list of the areas is available on the Council’s website, as well as a map.
The content of the register is carefully prescribed by regulation, so it doesn’t provide the full picture of all housing opportunities within the urban area.
In March 2017, the Council endorsed an eight-point plan to promote the development of brownfield land. Measures include applying for external funding, direct intervention in some locations, reviewing policy and working collaboratively with key land owners.
Councillor Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “The publication of this register represents just one part of a wider effort to bring brownfield sites back into effective use across the borough.
“Alongside ensuring everyone has access to a decent home, we are eager to ensure proper use is made of derelict land and empty buildings. If we use the existing land resource effectively then we can minimise the use of open areas and greenfield land to meet future housing needs.”
Stockport Council aims to continue to support and promote a ‘Brownfield First’ approach to new development in the borough, placing an increased emphasis on the importance of delivery. The Council has a successful record over the last 15 years of ensuring that upwards of 90% of new development has been delivered on brownfield sites. However, as land is a finite resource, many of the more straightforward sites to progress have already come forward for development.
In order to minimise the pressure for development on greenfield sites and in the Green Belt, the Council is determined to identify all existing brownfield sites (including buildings) in order to explore and optimise their potential for development before considering greenfield sites/Green Belt.
For more information visit www.stockport.gov.uk/brownfield
