Primary shopping areas are those parts of a defined centre where retail development is concentrated and where commercial, business and service uses may also be present. It is important that the shopping, leisure, business and service function of these areas is maintained to support the overall vitality and viability of that centre.

The Main Town Centre Use Area boundary for Stockport town centre, the District Centre boundaries and the Primary Shopping Areas within each centre are shown on the Policies Map.

Stockport's network of town and local centres play an important role in meeting the varied needs of people of all ages, through the provision of a range of shops, services, community, leisure and employment opportunities, and public transport options. The centres are an important contributor to local identity, acting as a focal point for surrounding communities.

Maintaining the vitality and viability of these centres will be an ongoing challenge as shopping patterns and service delivery models change, especially with the growth of online retailing. A thorough approach to the management of these centres will be required in order to ensure their long-term success, with a clear focus on sustaining and creating vibrant destinations where activity can continue into the evening, with the retention of a robust retail presence complemented by a varied mix of uses including a strong leisure and community offer.

National Planning Practice Guidance notes that there is uncertainty in forecasting long-term retail trends and therefore the role, function and hierarchy of centres should be focused on a limited period and regularly reviewed.

The NPPF defines ‘edge of centre’ for retail purposes as being up to 300 metres from the Primary Shopping Area, subject to local circumstances such as barriers or topography. The Great Portwood Street Area is outside the Primary Shopping Area for the town centre and whilst the site is not wholly inside the ‘edge of centre’ threshold it is physically separated from the Primary Shopping Area by a major thoroughfare and is recognised as a secondary location for retail in policy CEN 4. In particular, the Peel Centre contributes to the wider offer of the town centre and its position generates linked trips between this and the Primary Shopping Area which are important for vitality and viability. As such, applications for out-of-centre proposals under policy CEN 4 will take account of any significant adverse impacts on these linked trips.

1. The council will manage the improvement of each district centre with an emphasis on making the most of its unique character and requiring the delivery