CEC Official Update

See below excerpts from a letter received from CEC. Positive acknowledgement that a bypass 'preparation work' was a recommendation for the SEMMMS refresh. The delay is explained by SMBC pulling out of the GMSF...

Proposals for both an extension of the A6 Manchester Airport Relief Road (A6 MARR) to the M60 and preparation work for a local bypass of Disley were initial
recommendations of the Southeast Manchester Multi Modal Strategy (SEMMMS) refresh transport study in 2019.

The finalisation of the study has been delayed to fully take into account the proposals for the level of development growth and identify the point where Stockport Council adopts the bypass. You may be aware that Stockport withdrew from the Greater Manchester planning framework process (GMSF) in late 2020 to take forward their own planning framework. More recently, Stockport has paused its local plan process while it seeks clarity on revised national planning guidance. High Peak Borough Council are also consulting on new planning proposals.

Subject to a bypass proposal remaining a priority for the SEMMMS refresh, which will also be part of the evidence base for the Stockport planning framework, it will then be necessary for the promoting authorities to seek support from central government to release funds to begin the design and development stage. The council recognises this is not a quick win, and the lack of a firm timetable for the finalisation of the study provides no real clarity; however, without the full picture being OFFICIAL available in terms of future travel demand - generated in part by new housing and employment plans - the study would have little weight.