Stockport council is set to launch a review of its green belt land ahead of proposed changes to national planning laws.

Councillors will meet on November 25 to sign off on a 'more detailed update and review of the green belt' before the government shares an update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which is expected to be published before Christmas or in early 2025.

Proposed changes to the NPPF could mean the council needs more land to boost housing and employment.

The green belt review will take place as the council looks to restart work on a local plan for housing.

Areas of green belt previously looked at for new homes include the former Woodford Aerodrome, Heald Green East and West, High Lane, Jackson's Lane and Sandown Road in Hazel Grove, and the former Offerton High School.

Stockport's draft local plan was delayed in August when the Labour government announced plans for new housebuilding targets. The local plan aims to build 15,000 homes in the borough over the next 15 years, with 8,000 of these based in the town centre.

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But the new housebuilding targets could mean the council needs to build nearly 2,000 homes a year, up from the 1,000 currently being planned.

Despite the green belt review, the council's housing lead said 'brownfield first' remains the town hall's policy for new homes.

"This [green belt review] is anticipating the new NPPF given we have to double our housing targets," Cllr Colin MacAlister said.

Stockport is the only council in Greater Manchester not part of the region-wide Places for Everyone plan, which aims to create thousands of new homes and jobs across the nine boroughs.

The borough is also facing major housing problems, with some having to wait up to 12 years for a social home, and rising levels of homelessness.

Opposition councillors in the Labour group have called for more homes to be built on the 'grey belt' – poor quality or previously developed land which falls in green belt areas.

The government may ask councils to look at grey belt land to meet its housing targets as part of its changes to the planning system.

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