Hazel Grove
Hazel Grove is a suburban village in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England, lying within the historic boundaries of Cheshire and positioned along the A6 road south-east of Stockport town centre.[1] The area, which encompasses the electoral ward of the same name, had a population of 14,022 according to the 2021 census.[2] Originally known as Bullock Smithy after a 16th-century smithy operated by Richard Bullock, it was renamed Hazel Grove in 1836 to evoke a more refined image associated with local hazel tree groves.[3] The village developed as a key stop on the historic London-to-Manchester turnpike road and later benefited from the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, with Hazel Grove railway station now providing services on the Manchester to Sheffield line.[4] Its high street features a mix of retail, independent shops, and amenities, supporting a community-oriented suburban lifestyle with access to schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces.[5] Recent urban planning assessments highlight opportunities for sustainable residential development at densities of 80-300 dwellings per hectare, particularly around transport nodes, while preserving traditional red-brick architecture and enhancing public realms.[1] Hazel Grove also forms a parliamentary constituency noted for competitive elections, reflecting its position as a marginal seat in national politics.[6]Geography and Demographics
Location and Topography
Hazel Grove is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, within Greater Manchester, England, approximately 13 kilometres southeast of Manchester city centre.[7] Its geographic coordinates are roughly 53.38° N latitude and 2.12° W longitude.[8] The area lies on the western fringe of the Pennines, bordering the Peak District National Park to the east, marking a transitional zone between the urban lowlands of Greater Manchester and the upland moors.[9] The topography of Hazel Grove consists of gently undulating terrain, with elevations averaging around 90 metres above sea level and ranging from approximately 80 to 170 metres.[10] [11] This landscape reflects the underlying geology of Carboniferous strata, including sandstones, shales, and coal measures, which form low ridges and shallow valleys through differential erosion of harder and softer rock layers.[12] The eastern extremities exhibit more pronounced ridge-and-valley patterns due to the outcrop of Millstone Grit, contributing to a subtle rise towards the adjacent Dark Peak uplands.[12]Population Trends and Composition
The population of Hazel Grove ward increased from 13,577 in the 2001 census to 14,035 in 2011, reflecting modest growth of approximately 3.4% over the decade, before declining slightly to 14,022 by the 2021 census, a net change of -0.09% from 2011. This trend indicates stability with minor fluctuations, contrasting with broader Greater Manchester growth driven by urban migration, as Hazel Grove's semi-rural character and green belt constraints limited expansion. Population density stood at 3,341 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2021.[2]| Census Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 13,577 |
| 2011 | 14,035 |
| 2021 | 14,022 |