3. Development that would prevent delivery of key town centre transport projects under policy INF 16 and INF 17 will not be permitted.
4. Meeting the requirements of policy INF 7 is of particular importance within Stockport Town Centre. Proposals will be expected to contribute towards transport hubs and shared mobility services such as car clubs and cycle hire, helping to ensure appropriate provision for parking (whether on or off-site) and electric vehicle charging across the town centre.
5. Development proposals must incorporate measures to ensure adequate access for servicing and delivery vehicles, including cycles and cargo bikes, without compromising the town centre's role as a high quality, higher density, thriving, highly accessible and sustainable destination.

Explanation

425. The NPPF highlights that patterns of movement, streets, parking and other transport considerations are integral to the design of schemes and contribute to making high quality places. Furthermore, it notes that growth should be managed in support of this and other objectives by focusing significant development on locations which are or can be made sustainable.
426. Stockport town centre is already highly accessible by road and rail, and has considerable potential for the reuse of previously developed land. However, if the town centre is to be a successful growth location, then its existing infrastructure needs to be upgraded and ‘future proofed’ to support the anticipated needs of future residents, workers and visitors. Proposals should seek to ensure that transport networks and systems are robust and capable of responding to changing travel patterns and behaviours.
427. There are several key issues relating to transport in the town centre:
428. High reliance on the highway network with vehicle use being significant and a potential to make more efficient use of land for car parking provision;
429. Opportunities to further support the resilience of bus services by improving bus facilities along key corridors;
430. The rail station is the busiest in Greater Manchester outside the regional centre however significant improvements are required to increase capacity, local connectivity and passenger facilities; and
431. Benefits from multiple dedicated cycle routes including traffic free routes but permeability and topography remain a barrier to walking and cycling.
428. Transport is a key strand of the IDP programme and is expected to require the largest proportion of funding. Aligned to this are key projects across Stockport Town Centre West which aim to improve access to key areas, corridors and sites, seeking to improve efficiency and reliability of the road network.