do not unduly deprive the property to be extended of private garden / amenity space including parking areas;

do not prejudice similar development by the occupants of neighbouring properties and

identify and assess the significance of any heritage asset affected by a proposal (including affecting its setting).

New residential development should provide sufficient space for everyday activities and enable flexibility and adaptability. This can be achieved by ensuring compliance with Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS)58. NDSS sets out internal space standards for new dwellings and is suitable for application across all tenures. NDSS also takes into account the spatial implications of providing improved accessibility and adaptability, particularly for older or less mobile people. All new-build schemes will be expected to comply with this standard, and conversions should aim to meet this standard on as many homes as possible, taking into account the constraints of the existing building.

The adequate provision of outdoor amenity space is important in supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents. It provides a space to dry clothes, grow plants and vegetables, and can provide shade and limit urban heat-island effects.

Building Regulations Approved Document M44 sets out 3 levels of accessibility for: ‘Visible dwellings M4(1)’, ‘Accessible and adaptable dwellings M4(2)’, and ‘Wheelchair user dwellings M4(3)’.

The Design Council’s report, ‘100 Year Life, the Role of Housing, Planning & Design’ recommends that to make communities age-friendly and inclusive there should be a national mandatory requirement set for 90 per cent of new homes to be built to accessibility standards M4(2) ‘accessible and adaptable dwellings’. Stockport has both an ageing population and increasing levels of disability within the community. The most recent Housing Needs Assessment (HNA)59 (2025) recommends that the M4(2) standard should be sought on all schemes. These homes will allow for adaptation as the needs of the residents change over time.

The HNA also outlines that 4% of new dwellings are required to be built to M4(3) standards to meet needs. Therefore, the policy sets a percentage requirement for this type of housing on larger sites. These homes will be required to meet the optional standard in Building Regulations Part M4(3) for wheelchair user housing. This policy will ensure that new homes are more accessible and adaptable to help meet people's needs as they change through their lifetime. These homes, whilst