Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report provides an update on the developments of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

The Working Party is asked to note the report.

Officer Contact: Steve Johnson on 0161 474 3509 or email steven.johnson@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report which provided Members with an update on the developments of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members questioned whether there was a risk of central government getting involved in the Spatial Framework.  In response, Members were advised that if the timetable slipped then there was quite a big risk of central government intervening in local development plans.

·         Members questioned what the position was in relation to industry and warehousing, and considered that if this land could be released for housing, then this would be very helpful.

·         Members asked whether the Council had a list of all sites with extant planning permission and also a list of all the sites that were owned by the Council.  The Chair was advised that such information was available and following a discussion it was agreed that officers would provide Members with the relevant information.

·         Concerns were raised as to whether the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework could be slanting decisions that Members see as being in the best interests of Stockport.

·         The Chair raised the question of the extent to which market realities have been taken into account.  In response, Members were advised that Transport for Greater Manchester were working on this, and trying to formulate a view as to what sustainable development is.  There was some information relating to this on the website.  The Chair stated that he would like this issue to be considered as a specific agenda item at the next meeting of the Working Party.

·         Across Stockport, there are a large number of houses that are empty. Members questioned what the position was relating to these empty properties.

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That the Working Party meet more often in order to be kept up to date with developments.

(iii) That Members be supplied with information relating to extant planning permission and empty properties.