Marketing Stockport have been named among the top 10 best places to live in England and Wales The latest ‘Best Places to Live 2025’ rankings by Garrington Property Finders celebrate locations that combine quality of life with three Stockport neighbourhoods all making the top 10 Garrington is one of the UK’s most established independent property finding companies and its annual rankings are widely reported as a barometer of up-and-coming The accolade is the latest praise given to Stockport as a great place to live. The town was named the Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live in the North-west in 2024 with The Heatons also making the top 10 in the 2025 ranking “While Stockport town centre continues to make headlines with the biggest town centre regeneration in the country it’s our district centres that tell the real story of what makes Stockport special “I’m absolutely delighted to see Marple Gatley and Bramhall all ranked in the top 10 best places to live in England and Wales in Garrington’s 2025 report That’s an extraordinary endorsement of our borough – and a real testament to the strength of our local communities “Marple is climbing the national ranks for good reason – its beautiful setting strong sense of community and the exciting plans for the new Marple Hub are putting it firmly on the map The Hub will have a huge and lasting impact on the prosperity health and wellbeing of local people – and shows what’s possible when you back a place to succeed “Gatley and Bramhall’s recognition reinforces what so many residents and visitors already know – that these neighbourhoods are thriving and rooted in a brilliant mix of people and local pride “At a time when many towns are struggling this kind of national recognition shows that Stockport’s approach – backing local places and building for the long term – is delivering real results “We’re proud of every corner of this borough And we’re only just getting started.” Read News Read News Read News Sign our campaign for a grant funding review Stockport Rugby Club and the residential plot are separated by Wallbank Road A pair of schemes in Bramhall and Hazel Grove are in line for consent this week as the council continues to make concessions to its brownfield-first approach to development At Stockport Rugby Club’s Memorial Ground in Hazel Grove, Russell Homes and the club are seeking permission for 60 houses and a 70-apartment extra care scheme for over 55s This project has received 49 objections and more than 70 letters supporting the scheme Meanwhile, in Bramhall, Wain Estates wants to build 60 homes off Lytham Drive This proposal generated 161 objections and three letters of support Both projects have been recommended for approval by Stockport Council’s planning team This is due in part to the council’s under supply of land for housing. The authority cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which has resulted in the loss of recent planning appeals in Cheadle and Hazel Grove.  members are advised to approve the applications by the council’s planning team The authority concedes both will result in some harm to the Green Belt but that very special circumstances exist to justify development “The adverse impacts of granting planning permission would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits” Read our comments policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The Oldham 31 – are you following this If it isn’t the consequences of their own actions Green belt is essential is there for a reason roads not built for heavy construction vehicles Any safety consideration for safety of pedestrians just a matter of time before the floods … I’m going to set up a rubber rubber dinghy company company and I wil be a millionaire in no time There is very little green belt in and around these two areas – so leave them alone Find grey / brown belt areas there are plenty If houses are going to be built on green belt then every possible attempt should be made to keep and improve some of the green space around them Landscaping should be an important factor in the planning process to minimise the loss of habitat and green areas Greener materials should also be important in the buildings and provision for a more aesthetic overall development No infrastructure planned for extra traffic Whatever happend to the long promised A6 bypass Hazel grove still has 4 lanes of traffic running through it The mismanagement of the planning process by the councillors in Stockport is staggering The chickens are coming home to roost and by complete coincidence Mark Hunter the leader of the council is stepping down The Bramhall one is hardly green belt – its got a few sheds and a repair garage on most of it Brownfield development is exactly what the borough needs but there’s no convincing the NIMBYs Why bother having an objection procedure that the council then totally ignore I would of thought the hundreds of flats being built in Stockport is plenty without having to build on brown sites Stockport is becoming one big car park… If you voted Labour you’re getting what you voted for Stockport has no choice but to build as the current Government and previous one have set targets which they have to meet Most of the planning decisions are to be made by officers using the current planning law which Labour have decided on It is effectively being taken out of the hands of local people Stockport has no money to fight anything in court There are so many brown sites in the borough that should be used not greenbelt this is disgusting and all money nothing else not tge environment or impact on the services and infrastructure Absolute shame on Stockport council for even considering these propsals And where is the additional infrastructure Everywhere choked as it is .this is ludicrous to fill these areas with housing and cars brought to you especially by Stockport Liberal Democrats 👏🏻 Think it’s dreadful the way these plans look as if Build housing on the unused industrial estates . because green belts hold bigger profits11 roads-2 cars or more at each of the houses Build houses on all rugby clubs and public spaces JA – Yes central government set housing targets for local authorities to meet but it is for the councils to decide how they are delivered The problem at Stockport is that they pulled out of the Greater Manchester planning framework without any alternative plan The council in Stockport has repeatedly failed to draw up a local plan therefore allowing developers almost free reign to develop where they like including Green Belt land The Lib Dem council are to blame and their leaders way of dealing with it is to run for the hills So many planning experts commenting here and yet council’s still struggle to find planning experts they can employ I support the new houses on Jackson Lane as im looking to downsize to a smaller house not surprised that the council planning department has let the community down again I Hardly think that it’s high density housing and very much doubt if it will do little if anything to effect the housing situation but it will make a tidy profit of a few…if the council are serious about the shortage why not built multi occupancy dwelling or even a couple of tower blocks… I’m 100% against greenbelt development but these are not really greenbelt Surely they should be holding people responsible Of course the Green Be.t is important but a balance has to be struck between community need and the environment The houses constructed need to be reasonably priced and purchase must reflect local earnings Should contain elements for recreation and the natural world Are these new homes going to spoil your view No problem we won’t build them but we are going to have to increase your council tax to £20,000 a year or perhaps we should create a tent city for all the homeless people Its typical of the selfish attitude that has polluted Britain.If you don’t want the houses built there it’s simple MOVE ELSEWHERE! Thank God Labour has put a stop to it otherwise NO! I do enjoy reading the ludicrous hyperbole that emerges from local residents on these sort of schemes You’d think their very existence was under threat They are going to pass every development and concrete over the whole of GM and only the truly naive will believe its ’affordable’ homes for everyone 😂 Some of the attitudes on here show why sanity and reason have left the building when it comes to housing Deary me the keyboard chewers are out in force on this one Fascinating mis of comments for and against My two-penneth is simply to say that anyone that thinks congestion on Jacksons Lane is ‘horrendous’ and/or that this development will make it materially worse has no real grasp of travel demand and/or road capacity analysis… Anonymous 12.24pm – The Lib Dems are in power in Stockport not Labour All these comments apposed to the development already sit in a cushy home and 75 independent living homes on a 72-acre plot Plans have been lodged with Stockport Council to bring convenience retail to the Marple Road site Register for free North West property intelligence Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" One of the pleasant features of marshalling is that you venture out onto the course before the masses and see the park in all its splendour told been safely re-located to a park in Cheshire but Mother duck was proudly showing off her new brood and a hungry heron was eyeing up breakfast 130 female runners and 34 ‘unknown.’ 35 were first timers and what a beautiful day to join the Park Run community I don’t know whether this is unique or not but our first three finishers today were all junior runners This mean they were babes in arms or toddlers at the time of The London Olympics Our lead runner was Adam Jewell (18:23) who came first in his very first ParkRun He was followed home by Joseph Allen (18;30) and Tim Edgar in (19;09) The leading female athletes were Samantha Jones (21:32) Katie Cooper (22;19) and Millie Crump-Clarke (22;30) Millie is another outstanding junior runner As people tick off more runs and walks on a Saturday morning Saturday morning is probably not their favourite time of the week They are probably quite glad when we’re finished and packed up They can then get back to their simple quiet life of swimming across the pond and being fed seeds and vast amounts of stale bread for the rest of the week Our local heron will hopefully have found a fish or two by then as well a working week or a holiday week perhaps beckons But come next Saturday …….morning discipline again try not to get annoyed if anyone talks over it and go again for event 782 at Bramhall or whichever other venue you might be at © parkrun Limited (Company Number: 07289574) No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner Housebuilders Redrow help the Bramhall Summer Festival to take place by sponsoring the acoustic stage By NOTICEBOARD · 23 April 2025 Organisers of the Bramhall Summer Festival with Redrow's Tyler Adams PLANS are well underway for this year’s free summer festival taking place in the village of Bramhall Organised by The Bramhall Together Trust (BTT) the Bramhall Summer Festival will be held on Saturday June 28 and promises ‘something for everyone’ building at nearby Woodford Garden Village has sponsored the acoustic stage which will features an array of performances throughout the day said: "The festival will be buzzing with live entertainment throughout the day on two stages; the Redrow acoustic stage on the Village Square and the Strawberry Radio Stage on Bramhall Lane South singers and performers filling the air with music and good vibes “Thank you to all at Redrow for sponsoring the acoustic stage this year which means we can continue offering this free wonderful festival to both residents and visitors to the village.” the festival will extend to the Woodford Road Parade where kids of all ages will be able to enjoy gigantic games bringing interactive activities for children and adults alike said: “We are very pleased to be supporting this year’s festival which promises to be a great day out for all the family.” LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} JavaScript offTo get the best experience on this website please use a browser with JavaScript enabled There is plenty going on in Stockport over the Easter school holidays – with many low cost or free events and activities for all the family to enjoy There’s lots happening whatever the weather Staircase House - visit Stockport's oldest town house and discover how our ancestors lived from the 15th to the 20th centuries. there's plenty to discover and touch along the way - write with a quill, try to build a wall and make a coin rubbing. During the Easter holidays you'll be able to make a model of a timber framed house to take home. Plan your visit here: Staircase House And as part of the I Am Greater campaign, developed with young people from Greater Manchester to encourage them to take positive actions and promote wellbeing – there are local events taking place throughout April – take a look at the I Am Greater website and search for what’s going on in Stockport “There's lots happening across the borough of Stockport this Easter With so many events and activities - many of which are completely free or low cost - there's plenty for all the family to enjoy in our libraries Alongside the special Easter celebrations there are opportunities to get creative be adventurous or to have some great family fun together this Easter and over the Easter holiday period.” For a comprehensive list of what’s going on in and around Stockport visit our events calendar located between Ack Lane East and Bramhall Lane South has been acquired by Sheet Anchor Commercial Property Wain Estates put Bramhall Village Square on the market earlier this year with a guide price of £8.8m The parties did not disclose the ultimate value of the transaction the complex boasts 31 units and generates £726,700 annually part of commercial property investment and management company M Core Wain Estates acquired the Village Square in 2011 for £5.5m before re-positioning the asset through investment into customer-facing areas including installing a children’s play area and hosting a series of community-led events throughout the year Wain Estates property director Paul Wrigglesworth said: “The Village Square is a hugely popular centre in the heart of Bramhall village it allows us to concentrate on Wain Estates’ core business of strategic land development and properties with value-add potential We are pleased to hand over the reins to a respected operator like LCP.” CBRE and Freeths advised Wain Estates on the sale said: “It has been a pleasure dealing with the Wain Estates’ team who were quick to deal with matters and provided clear instructions when required This enabled us to meet the tight deadline set down in the heads of terms and agree this major deal.” Metis Real Estate acted on behalf of Sheet Anchor Commercial Property Hope the new owners get rid of that terrible children’s playground – what an eyesore and so dangerous – try dodging kids on bikes and scooters hurtling round the square whilst people are trying to go about their business The area is an asset for people using the shopping facilities and allows them to watch the children while enjoying coffee,lunch etc Another Village HUB and lifeline going for what By Another Village HUB going for Flats etc a critical aspect of the Liverpool Bay carbon capture storage project can now start after the government and Eni shook hands on a deal for the first slug of public cash The Village Square shopping precinct in Bramhall has been sold by Wain Estates to new owners Sheet Anchor Commercial Property for an undisclosed sum The retail-led development was put up for sale by Wain Estates earlier this year Despite being fully occupied following investment into customer facing areas since Wain Estates acquired the site 2011 the company has chosen to dispose of the asset to focus on its core strategic land development business “The Village Square is a hugely popular centre in the heart of Bramhall village it allows us to concentrate on Wain Estate’s core business of strategic land development and properties with value-add potential We are pleased to hand over the reins to a respected operator like LCP.” Under the new ownership of international property management company Sheet Anchor Commercial Property Wain Estates has been advised by a team from national law firm which comprised real estate partner Stephen Lewis director Ciara Sweeney and managing associate Laura Owens “It has been a pleasure dealing with the Wain Estates’ team “This enabled us to meet the tight deadline set down in the Heads of Terms and agree this major deal.” CBRE advised the vendor and Jonathan Phillips of Metis Real Estate acted on behalf of the purchaser Half of the planned homes will be affordable Stockport Council’s Conservative group has accused the ruling Lib Dems of “inviting chaos” to Bramhall after plans for hundreds of homes on 30 acres of protected land emerged this week The jibe has prompted the council’s leader to hit back reminding the Tories that they voted with the Lib Dems to pull out of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework a decision that –  combined with elevated local housing targets and an out of date local plan – has left the borough vulnerable to Green Belt development Jones Homes is preparing a planning application for 250 homes – half of which would be affordable – immediately north of the Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road and east of Hall Moss Lane The scheme is located within the Green Belt without a demonstrable five-year housing land supply or an up-to-date local plan The site would be accessed via Hall Moss Road and feature a linear park and upgrades to existing green space Stantec is advising Jones Homes on its plans Local Conservative councillor Peter Crossen is unhappy about the scheme and blasted the authority’s leadership for opening the door to more development in the area “I am deeply concerned that the Liberal Democrat-led council has invited chaos across Bramhall and Woodford due to its delays and failure to present a local plan on housing for the borough,” he said coupled with other developments in the area – including Redrow’s 750-home Woodford scheme – “signal disaster for residents” “Residents of our ward have been and continue to be more than hospitable when it comes to new homes in our area but there comes a time where we need to pause and ask is Bramhall South & Woodford being asked to take more than its fair share of the borough housing targets?” Stockport’s Green Belt is currently vulnerable to speculative development given the council’s housing land supply shortage the council opted to approve plans for 78 Green Belt homes recognising that it would be difficult to defend any subsequent appeal The planning committee’s chair said he recognised the “discomfort” among some members but added: “We need to recognise the fact that our housing land supply is now at 1.77 years [below the five-year expected by the government] In planning terms that is a very significantly weighted issue.” Leader of the council and of the Liberal Democrat Group said the Conservatives should look closer to home for the reasons for the delay in devising an up-to-date local plan hitting out at the Liberal Democrats without letting the facts get in the way of a good rant,” he said “They know perfectly well that the only reason our local plan for Stockport has been delayed is because of significant policy shifts by the last Conservative government He added that work to resolve the situation was ongoing “Only this week we have sent a private letter from group leaders to the Secretary of State seeking clarity on the latest official guidance so that we can make progress and able to finalise and launch its statutory local plan consultation just as soon as we get the green light from central government “To suggest anything else is entirely disingenuous it seems to be a fact of political life in Stockport that Conservatives will always carp and criticise from the sidelines while Liberal Democrats get on with the job.” The need for an up-to-date Stockport local plan intensified in 2020 when the council’s Lib Dem and Conservative councillors voted together to pull out of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework due to concerns about Green Belt release Hunter said he would make “no apology” for wanting to protect the Green Belt “We have always recognised the need for new homes but they must be the right homes in the right places,” he said “Central government targets should never trump local decision making.” What’s wrong with that…… I’m sorry Stockport… you’ve made this bed Can a single councillor amount to a political group This is farmland in the Green Belt and has always been such Talk about loss of control of planning policy No strategy whatsoever has led to a developer free for all changing the face of what was a semi rural area forever All the in fighting between woeful politicians trying to blame each other is playing out to the detriment of the established local communities they supposedly serve so that’s what the markings on the adjoining A555 cycle path were for There was me thinking that someone was finally sorting out the massive water run-off issue from the adjoining fields by putting in appropriate drainage rather than letting the water run across the cycle path and down the embankment into the A555 drainage system just above the now often flooded Hall Bank Road underpass Maybe a housing estate with appropriate drainage might at least sort that out Who can afford these houses its all over the country..Not everyone is in well paid jobs but no affordable homes..financial crisis don’t think so The “we are against Places for Everyone” T-shirt has people asking a lot of questions already answered by my T-shirt They didn’t want to build on green belt which means they must now build on green belt Surely the local demos will rejoice at this I hope the “Oldham 31” are following this!! Stockport have a greenbelt assessment document on their website from last year (when they published a draft local plan and all sorts of accompanying evidence but then pulled it because of the new NPPF) so if they do ever bring a local plan forward again this site might well be in it regardless of this planning application The ‘right homes’ just happens to always be none and the ‘right place’ elsewhere The chickens are coming home to roost in Stockport Oldham you are next unless you get back in the Places for Everyone initiative The Spiderman meme where hes pointing at himself leaps to mind Both parties stuck the knife in and are now blaming each other for the result At least the proposal could be an opportunity to address the Council’s incompetence with the A555 design and ensure the section of the A555 at the Hall Moss cutting no longer turns in to a canal at the first sight of drizzle 250 homes – haIf of which wiII be affordabIe has to be a good thing in this area sureIy ? 125 AffordabIe homes in this Iocation – get it buiIt! Even when the article says ‘half will be affordable housing’ a commentor says there will be ‘no affordable housing’ Cant wait for the development to commence more home are desperately needed A few weeks ago the Towns Rivers flooded & many mill flats were damaged Remember it’s ‘History’ of cloth & hatting as it needed the rivers for spinning Also a house would subside down bog land no matter how much you firm it black (that’s the LidDems and Tories) it’s all got out of control by planning depts these builders idea of affordable housing is a joke and Peter Crossen is absolutely right the infrastructure in this area will NOT support the number of new housing developments the drainage and sewage systems are victorian and the flooding is getting worse the traffic is at a virtual standstill at peak times and it took my carer 25 minutes to travel from Torkington lights to Chester Road just a few yards but that is time she doesn’t get paid for and leave many service users waiting for the help they need and let’s face an ambulance has no chance of getting through too many immigrants in hotels are not helping the situation either as there’s no housing for them never mind all our people living on the streets none of these problems are being addressed and I’m saddened to see what was once a beautiful place to live with a great local community all gone ! Everyone going on about affordable housing…you do realise that only equates to an 80% discount So if the market value of the houses is 400k then houses discounted to 320k count as affordable Good luck buying your £300,000 affordable home that’s not how affordable housing works in Stockport Take a look at the affordable housing pages on their website where they set the prices I imagine at least 50% of the affordable will be for social rent too Anonymous at 9.01am 21st Feb raises an interesting point – they are pointing to Stockport Council’s “Transfer Values for Affordable Homes” policy As the Council don’t have an up to date Local Plan don’t have a 5 year land supply for housing along with the fact that this policy was introduced by the Council without being tested at Public Inquiry it is entirely possible that this scheme (and others) can make the case for this policy to be discarded and national rules apply instead of local (untested) policy The combination of the new NPPF and leaving Places for Everyone could really impact on the Transfer Values for Affordable Homes policy in Stockport Stockport pulled out of GMSF because its politicians were too scared to admit to voters it needed to allocate a few sites for housing on green belt Now it is a free for all and it will end up with twice as many homes on green field and green belt sites than what it would have had if it had grasped the nettle when it needed to but typically “affordable housing” is defined as 80% of either market rent or market sale The pot and kettle Conservatives in Stockport have a short memory of what they did alongside the Lib Dems in pulling out of GMSF To now blame the Lib Dem leadership makes them look like they’re lost in the woods with the weasels Of course the developers are going to target the higher value areas first Pull your finger out and get on with your Local Plan and stop the petty politicking One solution is to rid councillors of planning decisions They are too myopic and small-minded to have that kind of power Major planning decisions should be made on the GMCA level – not by parochial local councillors who are only in it for themselves Insufficient infrastructure including poor access It comes as no surprise however that plans for housing on this land is now being proposed and very unlikely given the area that it will include affordable housing for the average ftbuyer Simply Books is hosting an evening with bestselling and critically acclaimed author Taking over Duttons Bramhall on Tue 7 Jan and billed as the ultimate girls’ night out Holly will be diving into her latest work So Thrilled For You with the help of host and fellow author Rebecca Ryan (My (extra) Ordinary Life Audience members can grab a cocktail from the bar before joining a no-holds-barred hilarious and thoughtful conversation that covers everything from first-time motherhood to female friendships part dark take-down of motherhood’ by Gillian McAllister So Thrilled For You follows university friends Nicki they are reunited when Charlotte organises the ‘baby shower of hell’ for Nicki happily child-free but feeling judged by her friends desperate to conceive and jealous of those who have who is finding motherhood far harder than she imagined Holly’s previous work includes several hit adult novels including the Spinster Club series and How Do You Like Me Now and her own experiences of everyday sexism Holly is a passionate mental health advocate and proud feminist Tickets to Simply Books’ An Evening with Holly Bourne are £20 which includes a copy of So Thrilled For You which Holly will sign and dedicate on the night Enter your email address below to sign up for Manchester Wire’s email newsletter Accessing Family Hub support in these areas is easy to speak to staff trained to connect families to the right people and resources With all Stockport libraries now offering family support, more families have local access to information, help, and support with all aspects of family life. To find your nearest Family Hubs access point, visit our One Stockport Family Hubs web pages for a complete list and map Families and Education said: “We want to ensure parents young people and children are supported and know where they can turn for information and help on all aspects of family life There is now a clear and simple way for families with children of all ages to access help and support through our Family Hubs network and One Stockport Local community partners.” Alongside the network of Family Hub buildings, support is also available from our Family Hubs web pages The online hub brings together a lot of information and tools young people and professionals to access a whole range of information and advice in one place It is another crucial way to reach more families and continue our support work Cllr Meikle continues: “One Stockport Family Hubs form a vital part of One Stockport Local which is bringing together help and support to make it easier for people to help themselves whether in local neighbourhoods or accessed digitally help and support can be easily found in one place.” Relationships are at the heart of everything we do in Family Hubs which already have connections with families These services work together and offer access to other council and community support through one ‘front door’ reducing inequality and improving outcomes for children and families They are places where parents of children aged between 0 and 19 (or 25 for young people with special educational needs or disabilities) only need to tell their story once to receive a whole host of information Family Hubs are part of our One Stockport Local neighbourhoods and prevention ambitions which aim to create happy and healthy lives for everyone living in Stockport From Stockport Local appointments in libraries to Stockport Local money maximiser roadshows and our Stockport Local online directory we are introducing a whole host of ways to get early help and support to make it easier for people to help themselves Please be aware that by proceeding you are purchasing a professional pesticide product You must ensure the end user of these products complies with the DEFRA/HSE Code for the Safe use of Pesticides: everyone who uses pesticides professionally must have received adequate training in using pesticides safely and be skilled in the job they are carrying out.\" More information can be found here Course Manager Ian Kirwan has been in turfcare since he was sixteen years old; he welcomes change and took a risk with his current position at Bramhall Golf Club Ian explained why now was the right time for a different opportunity: “I initially applied for this role simply because I saw it as personal progression - plus it's a bigger club with more staff After speaking to the general manager at the interview all-round professional approach and that lined up with my personal ambitions and future goals.” He also reflected on the challenges that have come with change: “A new role at a new club can always bring challenges The greenkeeping team here have all come on board with my plans and ambitions for the course and are all looking forward to the journey we are going to take.” one major challenge is the weather with wetter conditions becoming what we expect now I've put a comprehensive drainage plan together to run alongside the already extensive drainage system and the club have supported me with purchasing new equipment for us to commence the project AFT 45 whizz wheel kit and ordered a new Dakota 410 trailed 2-tonne topdresser for April 2025.” Ian said: “Change can be a really good thing - as long as you do your due diligence into the potential new place of work Moving from somewhere you are happy and comfortable at can be a stress and also a risk so making sure the change is right for you is seriously important.” where I was not supported and felt stuck at a place that didn’t deserve my loyalty I knew I'd made the correct move and I wish I’d done it sooner.” “A few months into this new role at Bramhall and I'm loving it It has been great to see the course and the team progress in a short space of time and I’m really enjoying the new challenges it presents.” Ian reflected on his time at his previous club with a positive assessment: “I was really happy at Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club and they allowed me to progress with opportunities such as involvement with TPC Sawgrass and the BMW at Wentworth Championship take your heart out of the equation and look at things logically; sometimes maybe even selfishly.” after a long hard think and wrestling with the decision I decided I'd be foolish to turn this role down Giving yourself a new challenge is a great thing; it keeps you fresh and stops you from being in a comfort zone which can sometimes stop your progression I think having constant new challenges within your job keeps the role interesting.” Ian also reflected on the differences in resources and machinery: “I've always used predominantly John Deere fleets but at Bramhall it is mainly Toro equipment - aside from an additional John Deere fairway mower I purchased when I started All tractors are Kubota and the utility vehicle as well It's the first time I've ever had a fully electric mower which is our Toro greens mower and it's an excellent piece of kit; giving an awesome cut and finish The battery life is surprisingly good too… easily handling a double cut of the greens.” “I'm very much team-orientated; I want everyone to be a part of the journey and feel involved with every step The first thing I did was to ask the team where they felt they were unhappy with things and most of the issues were easily ironed out I told the guys where I wanted us to be in five years and every one of them jumped straight on board with the ideas.” He alluded to the importance of developing a team: “Upskilling the team has been a major positive that I've implemented Things like starting our youngest member on his NVQ level 2 taking the time to show everyone how to use equipment properly and more efficiently working alongside them and being hands-on rather than managing from an office This has made the team mentality very easy to establish Simple things like making sure we all have a uniform – to not only show members we are the greenkeeping team and to look professional but to also visually appear as a team around each other and show that we are all in this together.” I began as a summer helper at my local course; Blundells Hill Golf Club Merseyside and I loved everything about it but the team environment and the banter that comes with it I served an apprenticeship here and completed NVQ level 2 then began a Foundation Degree at Myerscough College - which I was promoted to head greenkeeper at the age of 23 and stayed in that role for fourteen years.” “I then moved to Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club Manchester and took on the role of course manager with an excellent greenkeeping team as well as a great management team of Directors who all pushed the club in the same direction I'm still a playing member here and often go back to play of a weekend.” © 2025 Agrovista UK Ltd - Pitchcare is a trading name of Agrovista UK Ltd Company number: 3525529 - VAT number: 595495381 they are trialling a new way of working focusing on physical activity Stockport Council is delivering the Wellbeing Prescription in partnership with Life Leisure and local GP surgeries in Brinnington and Bramhall The prescription offers a non-medical activity-focused solution for patients and residents who may be feeling low Residents can also self-prescribe by filling out a form and posting it at community hubs such as the library The prescription provides access to community services and activities through community connectors like Daniel Drayson from Age UK Stockport and Lisa Arrandale from Life Leisure Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: "The Wellbeing Prescription is a powerful tool that gives the individual the control over their situation whilst connecting them to a friendly and local support network which finds a solution that’s right for them Supporting our partners and our One Stockport One Future Plan aims of improving wellbeing making activity and movement available to all.” Sarah sought help from the healthcare professionals at her Brinnington GP surgery to lose weight and improve her fitness With the support of the Wellbeing Prescription she joined the weekly confidence walks and community gym sessions at Life Leisure which are gentle introductions to exercise in a friendly and social environment I gained the confidence to walk long distances and achieve my fitness goals which has positively impacted my weight and mental health Liam struggled with social isolation and motivation to get active alone He was introduced to the community gym sessions after his mum encouraged him to get help filling out the Wellbeing Prescription he started to feel more motivated to exercise regularly and make new friends and he said: "The sense of community and support I've found has helped to reduce my feelings of isolation; the group are super supportive." Ann was feeling isolated after moving to Brinnington so she joined the free BOOST boxing sessions through the Wellbeing Prescription and found a supportive community which has led to her feeling happy and settled; she said: “I love the BOOST boxing sessions and hardly ever miss a session it’s more than exercise it’s a family I even convinced my partner to join me in exercising It has made such a difference to how we both feel about ourselves and where we live.” Daniel was socially isolated and struggling with low motivation and was referred to a personal contact at the community gym Exercise has become the catalyst for creating a positive routine for Daniel but I am pleased with my determination and progress and feel comfortable in the community gym because it’s friendly and I’m not alone in my struggles.” said: "Seeing the positive changes in people's lives through the Wellbeing Prescription is incredibly rewarding It's about building relationships and supporting each other Our role is to guide individuals into community activities helping them overcome barriers and build confidence." The next steps for this trial involve expanding the Wellbeing Prescription model into Offerton future plans include rolling it out across the borough To find out more, watch our Wellbeing Prescription video For more information on ways to get active, visit Healthy Stockport CBRE is marketing Village Square in Bramhall on behalf of Wain Estates Wain Estates is looking to sell the 55,900 sq ft shopping centre and office complex which sits between Ack Lane East and Bramhall Lane South in the Stockport community Boasting 31 retail units, 75 ground-level parking spaces, and a series of offices, Village Square has been a staple in Bramhall since it was built around the early 1970s. Wain Estates, under its old name of HIMOR Group, acquired Village Square in 2011 for £5.5m The Village is nearly all let – with only one 200 sq ft office remaining vacant The shopping centre and offices bring in an annual rental income of £726,700 WAULT to expiry is a little under six years while the WAULT to break is approximately 4.6 years CBRE is marketing the property on Wain Estates behalf – listing it with a guide price of £8.8m This reflects a net initial yield of 7.75% and office investment opportunity that the current landlord has owned for over 10 years,” said Rob Woods “The square provides continual asset management opportunities as well as an opportunity in the future to add a residential element,” he continued “The square has benefitted from continual investment over the years and has always achieved strong occupancy levels.” ‘was built around the early 1970s’ – and what a fine example of that era it is too At least the neighbouring old Barclays / new Sainsbury’s has a bit of brutalism going for it Bramhall Village Square really is an ocular feast of archtectural banality (and not in a good way) Such a shame that continual investment didn’t stretch to some bulldozers and a design that is a lot more aesthetically pleasing I guess the man has to make some money somehow a director of the building consultancy since 2016 is now the firm’s sole director having bought David Stafford’s shares in a management buyout The single-storey Manchester structure is owned and operated by Blossom Motors as a car repair shop but the firm wants to convert it into a market space Vernon Building Society has relocated to bigger premises in the heart of Bramhall village in a move that aims to improve the experience for its members and colleagues Relocating from Woodford Road to Bramhall Lane South the mutual spent £200,000 and three months renovating the 1334 square foot premises This was part of a £1.2m investment programme across all six branches in Greater Manchester and Cheshire As with its recent branch refurbishments in Reddish Hazel Grove and its St Petersgate HQ in Stockport The Bramhall branch was designed by Standing Space and work has been carried out by local contractors Monks Morton Design Interiors The Vernon in Bramhall has been given a contemporary interior with a modern looking but traditional counter service two interview rooms for customer privacy and a customer seating area.  said: “Offering Members face-to-face banking services is what we are proudly known for “Whether they want to deposit a cheque receive mortgage advice or discuss their online banking local colleagues who are happy to help with a personal “We’ve had a branch in Bramhall since 1985 and have been looking for bigger premises in the village for some time we couldn’t find a space that would tick all the boxes.” He added: “We’ve been able to create this branch from scratch with an additional private meeting room for members and more room for our employees which makes for a better experience all round.” Bramhall Village Square in Stockport has been sold by Wain Estates to international property management company Sheet Anchor Commercial Property the privately owned commercial property investment and management company Wain Estates acquired the Village Square in 2011 re-positioning the asset through investment into customer facing areas During this time the Square achieved high occupancy rates and attracted new businesses including Trek Bikes Cash Access Banking Hub and Anytime Fitness Wain Estates property director Paul Wrigglesworth said: “The Village Square is a hugely popular centre in the heart of Bramhall village it allows us to concentrate on Wain’s core business of strategic land development and properties with value-add potential Bramhall Village Square.credit: leeboswellphotography.com Wain Estates was advised by law firm Freeths on the sale The Freeths’ team was led by real estate partner Stephen Lewis supported by director Ciara Sweeney and managing associate Laura Owens Lewis said: “It has been a pleasure dealing with the Wain Estates’ team This enabled us to meet the tight deadline set down in the Heads of Terms and agree this major deal.” LCP Group is a privately owned commercial property investment and management companies headquartered in Kingswinford in the West Midlands Bristol and Glasgow as well as operations in Romania and Poland has relocated its Bramhall branch to bigger premises in the heart of the village in a move that will improve the experience for its Members and colleagues the Mutual has spent £200,000 and three months renovating the 1334 sq ft premises part of its £1.2 million investment programme across all six branches in Greater Manchester and Cheshire The building was occupied by NatWest before it closed its doors in November 2021 A new banking hub has taken over some NatWest and other high street bank services but has received mixed reviews with some residents expressing disappointment in it two interview rooms for customer privacy and a customer seating area.  Enhancing the experience for colleagues too it has a more spacious back office and rooms for lunch and breaks Steve Fletcher, CEO at Vernon Building Society said: “Offering Members face-to-face banking services is what we are proudly known for we couldn’t find a space that would tick all the boxes We’ve been able to create this branch from scratch with an additional private meeting room for Members and more room for our employees