Where the construction of Metrolink infrastructure is permitted through statutory processes the council will seek to ensure that there is:

a requirement for the submission and approval of a design code (or similar) establishing guiding principles and rules for the development, ensuring a high-quality built environment that integrates well with its surroundings;

a requirement for the submission and approval of assessment information relating to the environmental impacts of the infrastructure both in construction and operation. This should include the identification of mitigation measures and a scheme of monitoring as appropriate. It should cover potential impacts including but not limited to noise, vibration, dust and light pollution; and

a requirement for the submission and approval of a scheme or schemes detailing how land required during but not after construction of the infrastructure will be restored.

Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 sets out, in policy 29, an intention to expand the coverage and capacity of the city-region’s rapid transit network including Metrolink. This will deliver improved connectivity to employment and other opportunities within the city-region.

In June 2025 the Government announced that funding would be made available for investment in regional transport infrastructure, including delivery of Metrolink to Stockport.

There are a variety of possible statutory processes through which the necessary powers to construct Metrolink might be brought about. It is the council's desire to ensure that, whatever the process, this is enabled as swiftly as possible whilst ensuring the best possible outcomes in terms of the short, medium and long-term economic, social and environmental benefits that Metrolink will bring to Stockport.