Decision details

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planning briefs for the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration and Investment Programme area and 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Stockport Town Centre.

The planning briefs served the following purposes:-

•           An ‘umbrella’ planning brief setting out the overall planning policy coverage and requirements in relation to development proposals which came forward at all sites within the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Investment Strategy Programme Boundary Area (the Part 1 brief).

•           Separate site-specific planning briefs where these were required to provide greater detail beyond that in the Part 1 brief or where there was a departure from the normal approach set out in the Part 1 brief. The only Part 2 brief currently included was for 1-3 Lower Hillgate, a property which was a priority due to the state of the site and an opportunity for the delivery of development. Further Part 2 Planning Briefs would be prepared for Dumvilles Brow, 6 Lower Hillgate and the White Lion Hotel.

The planning briefs were intended to not only help in the delivery of the Regeneration and Investment Strategy Programme by stating the planning framework (which was already established by the Core Strategy and other parts of the Local Plan/Local Development Framework) but may also be necessary to enable the initiation of Compulsory Purchase Orders which may be required to being forward sites for redevelopment.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member welcomed the possible use of Compulsory Purchase Orders in order to progress development in the area.

·         Members expressed concern that provisions in the Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16 would alter the Council’s ability to require affordable housing.

·         The problem of providing car parking for the occupiers of the increased amount of accommodation in the town centre was increasing.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Members of the Area Committee be provided with information on the Council’s affordable housing policy with regard to the Government’s proposals on affordable housing which are included in the Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16.