Plans for new estate in Offerton could cause traffic 'carnage', residents fear
By Declan Carey - Local Democracy Reporter 17th Feb 2026
People in Stockport have shared fears of traffic 'carnage' if new homes are built along a major road in the borough.
Story Homes and Stockport Grammar School have submitted plans to the council to build 106 homes on land off Dialstone Lane in Offerton.
Planning reports describe the proposed estate as a 'green gateway' with the homes sitting along 'treelined' streets.
Half the homes would be affordable according to the plans, with a mix of shared ownership and 'affordable rent' prices.
Stockport has an urgent need for new housing with around 9,000 people on the social housing waiting list.
But locals in the neighbourhood said the plans have caused concern among the existing community over how much the houses could cost, and the impact on the roads.
Dialstone Lane is a busy road close to the A6 and Stepping Hill Hospital.
Nathan Lawson, 34, said: "People are desperate to move to an area like this, you can get to Manchester and Stockport easily, it's a very desirable place to live.
"Some of these homes will be shared ownership, but that's not a viable solution for a lot of people, so it's really difficult.
"The reality will be they are going to build new houses for people who will pay upwards of £400,000.
"It's going to be carnage on the roads if these homes are approved, we're close to the A6 and Stepping Hill is up the road too."
The land off Dialstone Lane is owned by Stockport Grammar School but has not been used for the last seven years because of its distance from the main school site, which is a 12-minute walk away.
Some residents suggested the land could be turned into a public park to serve the community.
Sheila Hulme, 86, said: "I have no objection to it but where are all the services? Doctors and schools.
"The traffic on this road is terrible, Stepping Hill Hospital is up the road, it will be a nightmare if these homes get built, it's dangerous.
"I see the need for new homes but it has to be affordable, we need affordable housing in Stockport. This land could be reopened as a park for the public, that would be nice."
A planning statement submitted by Story Homes to Stockport council found that there would not be a major impact on the roads if the development is approved and built.
The report explained: 'Some junctions on the wider highway network are predicted to operate close to capacity in the future year traffic scenarios, but the impact is considered to be negligible and physical mitigation is not considered to be necessary.'
There are also a series of measures set to be rolled out to encourage use of public transport alongside walking and cycling in the area.
This includes providing information about active travel in welcome packs for potential future residents on the estate.
Some objectors to the scheme live along Brooklyn Road which is based next to the application site.
Half the existing houses on Brooklyn Road have their back gardens facing towards the empty land.
One resident on the street called Lorraine said Stockport needs new housing, but that there are concerns about some of the proposals for Dialstone Lane by Story Homes.
She added: "I'm not against new homes, I know they are needed. We went to the consultation and said our objection and in the new plans they've not taken any notice of what we said to them.
"They're going to build the side of a house with a brick wall right at the back of our garden. It just seems completely thoughtless and inconsiderate. I do feel let down in the process, they have changed some of the plans but they've not listened to everything."
Story Homes highlighted the benefits of the plans in its application to the council.
A report stated: 'The development will result in the creation of a well-informed attractive neighbourhood, not overly dominated by the car and will also integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, responding positively to the existing character of the area.'
Stockport Council has set a target date of April 29 to make a decision over the future of the site.
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