Consultation Hub

We asked the public views on the Draft Woodford Neighbourhood Plan, written by the Woodford Neighbourhood Forum, this document sets out development policies that the group have proposed for their local area.

53 Responses where received to the proposals, they were broadly supportive however alterations where suggested.

All comment that where submitted where included as evidence that was submitted for independent examination. This was alongside all other evidence that helped create the Draft Neighbourhood Plan. The outcome of the independent examination can be found here

Several alterations to the Neighbourhood Plan where recommended by the Examiner, all amendments where accepted by the Woodford Neighbourhood Forum. The final document was presented and accepted by Full Council 4^th July .

The Neighbourhood Plan will now go forward to Local Referendum.12^th  September. More than 50% of votes must be in favour to formally accept the document. The Neighbourhood Plan would then become part of the Boroughs Development Plan and used to determine planning applications decisions within the Woodford Neighbourhood Area.

We consulted on how to improve our fostering service and how we communicate it to the public.

The consultation formed part of our discovery phase, investigating people’s attitudes and thoughts about fostering, and how they experience the online and offline aspects of the service.

The survey results highlighted that the majority of people first find out about fostering through word of mouth or personal experiences (through family and friends), and would then use their online browser or the Council's website to find out more about fostering in Stockport.

The finding that most people hear about fostering through word of mouth along with the findings that people engage most with social media and hobby/leisure groups, has helped us refine how we market fostering and which channels are best to motivate people to enquire/get in touch with the fostering team.

You can read more about our findings and what we have done since by clicking on the link below:

Gaining Insights into the Fostering User Journey

The Council asked whether residents agreed with their proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prevent dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership.

These proposals included: strengthening the existing provisions to prevent dog fouling by increasing the fine from £50 to £100; excluding dogs from enclosed children’s play areas and other enclosed sports areas; requiring dogs to be kept on leads in cemeteries; no more than four dogs to be under the control of one person in parks and other public open areas; requiring people to have dog bags or the means to pick up after their dog when they are walking their dog and require people to put dogs on a lead when requested by an authorised officer.

802 people responded to this survey. 

Overall there was 88.8% agreement that dog fouling is a problem in Stockport. When asked about increasing fines, 89.1% agreed with this.

On the subject of dogs being excluded from children’s play areas, there was overall agreement of 86.6%. 

When asked about excluding dogs from other recreational areas such as bowling greens and tennis courts, there was overall agreement of 83.3% whilst 11.2% disagreed.

There was 90% overall agreement that dogs should be kept on a lead in cemeteries.

The subject of walking a maximum of four dogs had 79.7% overall agreement. 71% of dog owners agreed with this and 20% disagreed. Those who are not dog owners had 92% agreement with this statement. Agreement was lowest from those with dog walking companies at 56%.

98% of overall respondents agreed that dogs must be put on a lead if they are causing a nuisance. 

Following the public consultation, the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to promote responsible dog ownership was approved by Cabinet on 14^th August 2018.

You can view the full PSPO here:

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Public Space Protection Order to Promote Responsible Dog Ownership