Stockport County’s long-awaited stadium expansion plans have hit a frustrating roadblock, with local councillors warning of an “impasse” nearly 12 months after the planning application was submitted.
The League One club revealed exciting proposals in 2024 to transform Edgeley Park into an 18,000+ capacity stadium, with a phased approach set to begin early in 2025. But despite public support and extensive plans, the application has yet to appear before Stockport Council’s planning committee.
Frustration Grows Over Delays
Speaking at a meeting on April 3, Edgeley ward councillor Matt Wynne described the situation as unacceptable, calling for urgent action to break the deadlock. He pointed to growing frustrations from residents dealing with outdated parking restrictions and traffic congestion on matchdays.
One resident expressed anger over not being allowed visitor permits on Clwyd Avenue, attributing the issue to the stadium application stalling efforts to update traffic management rules. Councillor Wynne confirmed that a sealed parking order from years ago still blocks permit adjustments — and can’t be revised until the stadium plans are resolved.
“It looks good to go from what we can see as the ward councillors… but each passing home game that goes by, Edgeley residents are suffering.” – Cllr Matt Wynne
The club’s redevelopment aims to expand in phases. Phase one would include:
- North Stand expanded by 600 seats to approximately 2,679 capacity
- New East Stand increasing capacity from 1,366 to around 4,500
Subject to approval, construction would begin in early 2025. Long-term goals include redeveloping the South Stand to 5,500 capacity and extending the North Stand westward, ultimately increasing total stadium capacity to around 18,300.
Stockport County also hope to improve catering, create more inclusive access for disabled fans, and enhance the green environment around Edgeley Park.
Council Response Offers Little Clarity
In response, a spokesperson for Stockport Council said: “Officers continue to review the planning application proposing expansion of Edgeley Park and are working with the club to bring the application forward to Central Area Committee as soon as it is ready to be considered.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the proposal will need to be presented to the Planning and Highways Committee for a final decision but gave no indication of timing.
Site Opinion
For a club on the rise, this delay feels like the brakes being slammed on progress. County’s growth on the pitch needs to be matched off it, but planning inertia is doing nobody any favours. Local residents are right to be annoyed — the stadium can’t be allowed to grow while the community around it is left behind. It’s time for decision-makers to act. A year is long enough.
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