4. Planning applications should demonstrate an understanding of the local context through proportionate written material and drawings.

Well-designed places are founded on a thorough understanding of context, including the location of development and the physical, environmental and cultural characteristics of its immediate, local and wider surroundings.

Key features of Stockport that contribute to its character and identity include but are not limited to:

Varying topography

Rivers, canals and other waterways

A strong network of green infrastructure

Landmark transport infrastructure

The borough's relationship to the Peak District National Park

Distinctive district and local centres

A rich and varied heritage, including historic buildings and areas

All development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they have been informed by an understanding of the character of their local area.

To support this, Stockport Council has produced and adopted a range of documents and evidence that provide an understanding of the borough's character, including:

The Stockport Character and Urban Density Study, which provides detailed analysis of townscape character and existing residential densities across key areas of the borough;

The Town Centre Residential Design Guide, which analyses the character of Stockport Town Centre and provides bespoke design guidance;

Neighbourhood Plans and Design Codes, which set out place-specific design policies;

Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Action Plans; and

Landscape Character Appraisals.

Development proposals must be shaped by the relevant up to date and relevant evidence contained within these documents. The policy also recognises that character can evolve over time, and that it is not necessarily appropriate to replicate the immediate surroundings. For example, low-density cul-de-sac development patterns that were common in the late twentieth century are no longer considered to represent an efficient or sustainable use of land. Accordingly, departure from the prevailing character may be acceptable where it is clearly justified and contributes to high-quality, sustainable design and placemaking.