designing out of car dependency and reducing vehicle emissions;

maximising renewable energy sources;

the improved use of public realm and natural assets to enhance biodiversity and provide green space for the growing population; and

the prioritisation of zero carbon construction by building to BREEAM, Passivhaus and/or NABERS standards in accordance with policy CR 1.

The prominent locations where environmental improvements would be welcomed include but are not limited to:

Stockport Station Gateway;

Mersey Square;

Great Underbank;

A6 Wellington Road South; and

Piccadilly area.

There is a desire from town centre partners, including the BID, to make the town centre more welcoming for families. It is also recognised that changes in levels and the terrain of some parts of the town centre can make accessibility for the disabled and mobility-impaired challenging.

The aspiration for high quality design in the Local Plan is set at policies ENV 14 and 15, although the status of the town centre as a significant growth location and the impacts this will have on the built and natural environment demands a tailored response to ensure we get the balance right. Applicants will be expected to undertake a design review where requested.

The Stockport Integrated Drainage Strategy (IDS) outlines a coordinated, place-based approach to managing surface water and flood risk in the town centre through measures like watercourse creation, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and nature-based solutions. It requires new developments to manage runoff using a hierarchical SuDS approach, prioritising on-site infiltration and storage before discharge to watercourses or sewers, to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity. The IDS will guide future development, investment, and public realm improvements in the town centre, serving as a key reference for planners, developers, and the mayoral development corporation (MDC) team, with ongoing input from the lead local flood authority (LLFA) and partners.

Development proposals in the town centre must be designed so that walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport, including Metrolink, become realistic default options for those travelling to, from and within the area.

Development proposals in town centre gateway locations must be designed to enhance the sense of arrival and wayfinding.