Concerns have been raised over a delay in Stockport County’s ambitious plans to increase capacity at Edgeley Park, as councillors call for clarity on why the application has yet to be brought before committee.
The League One side unveiled proposals last year to expand the historic ground from 10,900 seats to approximately 18,300 in a phased redevelopment. However, with the application first submitted in June 2024 and a decision deadline missed in September, questions are growing over the current standstill.
Planning Stalemate Raises Local Frustrations
At a council meeting on April 3, Edgeley ward councillor Matt Wynne highlighted the lack of progress, describing the situation as an “impasse” between the club and the town hall. His concerns echoed those of nearby residents who spoke about parking restrictions and traffic issues on matchdays being affected by the delay.
Wynne, who leads the Edgeley Community Association, said sealed parking orders from a decade ago – when the club’s attendances were much lower – are no longer fit for purpose. However, he said Stockport Council’s highways department is unwilling to review the current parking scheme until the stadium application is heard.
“We’re in this limbo now where there’s an impasse between the club and the council… Each passing home game that goes by, Edgeley residents are suffering.” – Cllr Matt Wynne
The redevelopment plan’s first phase includes enhancing the North Stand with 600 new seats and building a new East Stand to increase its capacity from 1,366 to around 4,500. These initial upgrades are hoped to begin in early 2025, pending planning approval.
A council spokesperson said officers are still reviewing the proposal and are working with the club to bring it before the Central Area Committee “as soon as it is ready.” It would then progress to the Planning and Highways Committee for a formal decision.
Further phases include a South Stand overhaul to boost its capacity to 5,500 and a western extension of the North Stand. The club also hopes to improve catering, accessibility for disabled fans, and green space around the stadium.
Writer’s View
Stockport County’s vision is one of progress and ambition, but bureaucracy may be blunting momentum. For fans and residents alike, clarity is overdue. While the council must get things right, the delay is beginning to erode trust in the process. Edgeley Park is ready to grow — the question is, when will the red tape let it?
