Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 July 2017 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and Officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

To consider call-in items (if any)

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during part of the consideration of the following agenda item which contains information “not for publication” by virtue of the appropriate category set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That it is in the public interest to exclude the public during part of the consideration of the following agenda item which contains information ‘not for publication’ by virtue of the appropriate category set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended):-

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

The report advises the Scrutiny Committee of an application submitted seeking to establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Zoe Senior on 0161 218 1517 or email: zoe.senior@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Scrutiny Committee of an application submitted seeking to establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 15 August 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

With the agreement of the Committee, Richard Jones, Interim Chair of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum, was permitted to address the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The names of the individuals who made the representations should have been included, as in previous applications.
• It was confirmed that the proposed High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area fell within the Marple South Ward.
• The scope for amending the Neighbourhood area boundary in the event that Hazel Grove submitted their own Neighbourhood Area application in the future was discussed.
• A Member expressed doubts about the robustness of representation 5 which concerned an objection by Taylor Wimpey with regard to the boundary of the Neighbourhood Area application, in the following ways:-

-       with regard to the assertion that the proposed neighbourhood area was too large and covered two very distinct areas (urban and rural), it did not state in the legislation or guidance that size was a reasonable consideration when deciding a neighbourhood area. According to the Government’s definition of a community of 10,000 people or more, the village was not urban. Officers were requested to define the term ‘rural’ and include mention of a town fringe in the Stockport Core Strategy.

-       the draft strategic housing allocation was the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework. The draft GMSF Policy OA21 High Lane (Stockport) should not in principle affect the applications for the High Lane Neighbourhood Area and Neighbourhood Forum.

-       the incursion of significant expense by the Local Planning Authority should not be material to the consideration of the Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area applications.

-       the assertion that the inclusion of the area of Draft GMSF Policy OA21 High Lane (Stockport) in the proposed Neighbourhood Area would create false expectations was not material to the case.

• The content of any resultant Neighbourhood Plan for the area should not be pre-judged.
• The infrastructure would be guided by the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and the Local Plan.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

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

The First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio is presented for consideration by the Committee. This provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects in the first quarter of the year (April to June). It includes forecast performance and financial data (where this is available) for the Portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme.

This is the first report to be based on the 2017/18 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement (PPRA). It was considered by the Committee on 25 May 2017 and approved by Cabinet on 13 June 2017.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         Consider the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;  

·         Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2017/18;

·         Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

·         Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report;

·         Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email: alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk / Kora Yohannan on 0161 474 4032 or email: kora.yohannan@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the First Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio for consideration by the Committee. It provided a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects in the first quarter of the year (April to June). It also included forecast performance and financial data (where this was available) for the Portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme.

This was the first report to be based on the 2017/18 Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreement (PPRA) which had been considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 25 May 2017 and approved by the Cabinet on 13 June 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised

• As part of the Redrock development, the Light cinema would be offering a mixture of full-time and part-time jobs. A jobs fair at the Town Hall in September would be dedicated to jobs at the Redrock development.
• A Member highlighted the reduction in unemployment for those people aged under 24.
• With regard to performance indicator E&R 01 relating to the percentage of occupied managed workspace and incubator floor space actively managed for start-up/micro-businesses, a Member enquired how many workspaces were being referred to and queried the status level indicated. The Corporate Director advised that proposals to let one of the larger units were being drawn up.
• With regard to performance indicator E&R 02 relating to footfall in the market area, the indicator predicted an increase from +0.2% in the first quarter of 2017/18 to +2.5% as a result of the work being undertaken to manage the market positively, as set out in paragraph 1.1.3 of the report. The issue of car parking in the vicinity of the market was being addressed as part of the car parking review.
• With regard to performance indicator E & R 13 relating to the square feet of office, retail and industrial space let or sold to new occupiers and performance indicator E &R 13a relating to the square feet of office, retail and industrial space let or sold to new occupiers in Stockport Town Centre, it was reported that the first quarter of the financial year was generally quite low with regard to letting units and tended to accelerate towards the end of the financial year.
• With regard to performance indicator E & R 16 relating to the number of FTE jobs created in relation to floor space let or sold to new occupiers, a Member queried what the actual forecasts were based upon and felt that the target would be difficult to reach despite the number of businesses moving into Stockport Exchange.
• A Member asked for more details regarding the Compulsory Purchase Order at Swann Lane, Cheadle Hulme.
• The £1.3m allocated in the current year’s capital programme for Brownfield Site Schemes included an allowance for the Compulsory Purchase Order costs of the Coach House, Swann Lane, Cheadle Hulme and the potential Compulsory Purchase Order costs of the Tatton Cinema, Gatley, in the event that the current developers did not proceed. It also included an allocation for Castle Yard, Market Place which was under review as the original scheme was not proceeding.
• There was a great deal of debate nationally with regard to whether the removal of speed humps would help to improve air quality.
• With regard to portfolio risk E & R 08, ‘Delays occurred in the planning process’, a Member enquired whether the delayed implementation of the uplift in planning fees could be raised with the local Members of Parliament.
• The potential approach to the development of an Inclusive Growth Framework for Stockport was discussed. The view was expressed that this should include the district centres, not just the town centre.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

The report gives Members of the Scrutiny Committee an early sight of the emerging issues and potential options being identifies through the ongoing work to refresh the SEMMMS Strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the Issues and Options paper and the proposals to undertake a public consultation in parallel with the Local Plan consultation.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing Members of the Scrutiny Committee of an early sight of the emerging issues and potential options being identified through the ongoing work to refresh the SEMMMS Strategy.

The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 15 August 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• A Member expressed the view that the original SEMMMS scheme had been ambitious and few of the sustainable transport objectives had been achieved. A Member expressed the view that the refresh lacked the strategic ambition of the original SEMMMS’ proposals. The objectives were vague and there were not enough environmental concerns or references to sustainable and public transport in the report.
• A Member raised concerns about the proposal to undertake the consultation at the same time as the consultation on the Local Plan and within the same tight timeframe.
• With regard to paragraph 5 of the Issues and Options Paper, the list of potential options in Stockport should be put in priority order.
• The extension of rail services at Reddish South station and the connection of rail services from Marple to Stockport should be referred to in the report.
• From the standpoint of Hazel Grove, a Member expressed support for the A6-M60 Relief Road to be constructed, improvements to the public realm in Hazel Grove and an aim that Hazel Grove should be one of the key beneficiaries of the SEMMMS Refresh.
• A Member expressed the view that the 192 bus service should stop outside Stepping Hill Hospital.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel reviewing the Mills Strategy 2005-2015 and addressing the future of Stockport’s Historic Textile Related Mills.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment upon the draft Final Report prior to its submission to the Cabinet.

Officer contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor Graham Greenhalgh, Chair of the Scrutiny Review Panel, submitted the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel reviewing the Mills Strategy 2005-2015 and addressing the future of Stockport’s Historic Textile Related Mills.

RESOLVED – (1) That the final report be approved and submitted to the Cabinet Meeting on 15 August 2017 for consideration and approval of the final recommendations and action plan.

(2) That all Members of Council be sent a copy of the report.

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

This report sets out for Members’ consideration an approach to how we can further support our ambition to create a thriving sustainable town centre by creating the right conditions for Town Centre Living.  Our proposed approach to increasing residential development in Stockport Town Centre is also supported through the Council’s  Brownfield First approach.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report and support further engagement in the development of the framework over the coming months.

Officer contact: George Perrin on 0161-474-4510 or email: george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out for Members’ consideration an approach to how the Council could further support its ambition to create a thriving sustainable town centre by creating the right conditions for Town Centre Living. The supported approach to increasing residential development in Stockport’s Town Centre was also supported through the Council’s Brownfield First approach.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• A Member requested that reference be included in the report to all forms of infrastructure, for example ‘green’ infrastructure and that relating to waterways.
• As well as Stockport town centre, plans for town centre living were also needed for the district centres.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Committee supports further engagement in the development of the framework for town centre living over the coming months

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

The report details a proposal to proceed with the acquisition, if necessary by compulsory purchase, and subsequent disposal of 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1LQ subject to securing an indemnity agreement from a development partner to enable its redevelopment for residential purposes. 1-3 Lower Hillgate is show edged red and marked “1” on the plan in Appendix 1. This will support the regeneration of the Market Place and Underbanks area.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: George Perrin on 0161-474-4510 or email: george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to proceed with the acquisition, if necessary, by compulsory purchase and subsequent disposal of 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, subject to securing an indemnity agreement from a development partner to enable its redevelopment for residential purposes. The proposed Compulsory Purchase Order would support the regeneration of the Market Place and Underbanks area.

The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 15 August 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

With regard to paragraph 5.3 of the report, Members asked to be updated when it was known if the existing owner was to continue with the planning application for the site.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet be recommended to approve the recommendations in the report.

(2) That a further report be submitted to this Scrutiny Committee in six months’ time updating Members on the negotiations.

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

The report details a proposal to proceed with the acquisition, if necessary by compulsory purchase, and subsequent disposal of Mansion House Chambers, High Street, Stockport, SK1 1LQ and adjacent land on High Street to enable its redevelopment for residential purposes subject to securing an indemnity agreement from a development partner. Mansion House is show edged orange and marked “1” in appendix 1 and the adjacent land on High Street is edged red and marked “2” on the plan in Appendix 2. This will support the regeneration of the Market Place and Underbanks area and generally and more specifically Russell Morley House.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: George Perrin on 0161-474-4510 or email: george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to proceed with the acquisition, if necessary by compulsory purchase, and subsequent disposal of Mansion House Chambers, High Street, Stockport and adjacent land on High Street to enable its redevelopment for residential purposes subject to securing an indemnity agreement from a development partner. This would support the regeneration of the Market Place and Underbanks area and more specifically Russell Morley House.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet be recommended to approve the recommendations in the report.

(2) That a further report be submitted to this Scrutiny Committee in six months’ time updating Members on the negotiations.

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

The report seeks authority to progress with the speculative development of Stockport Exchange Phase 3, utilising prudential borrowing. This decision is being sought in light of the success of Stockport Exchange Phase 2, where there was greater demand than the office building was capable of accommodating and the current letting profile. The report also seeks to commence the demolition works upon Vacant possession of Cineworld, which will provide the required land to construct Stockport Exchange Phase 3 and associated public realm and to progress Stockport Exchange Phase 6 to planning only.

NOTE: This report contains appendices which have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: George Perrin on 0161-474-4510 or email:  george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the comments of the Scrutiny Committee on a proposal to progress with the speculative development of Stockport Exchange Phase 3, utilising prudential borrowing. This decision was being sought in light of the success of Stockport Exchange Phase 2, where there was greater demand than the office building was capable of accommodating and the current letting profile.

The report to the Cabinet would also seek approval to commence the demolition works upon vacant possession of Cineworld, which would provide the required land to construct Stockport Exchange Phase 3 and associated public realm, and to progress Stockport Exchange Phase 6 to planning only.

The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 15 August 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         How soon the work on Phase 3 would commence

·         The Council would continue to look at interest in pre-lets, although it was acknowledged that there was limited development with pre-lets in the country at present.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be recommended to approve the proposals as set out in the report.

 To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report outlines a suggested process for the selection of Scrutiny Review topics for 2017/2018.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and confirm its preferred topic for inclusion in the 2017/2018 Scrutiny Work Programme.

Officer Contact: Craig Ainsworth on Tel: 474 3204 or email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining a suggested process for the selection of Scrutiny Review topics for 2017/18.

It was suggested that the Scrutiny Committee could undertake a joint scrutiny review with the Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee with regard to the development of a strategy for ‘Town Centre Living’ which would include consideration of what constituted the ‘town centre’; what type and form of residential accommodation was appropriate; the implications for current residents; and the necessary infrastructure to support new residential development.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to include a joint scrutiny review between this Scrutiny Committee and the Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee on ‘Town Centre Living’ within the 2017/18 Scrutiny Work Programme.

(2) That Councillors Graham Greenhalgh, Oliver Johnstone and Charlie Stewart be nominated to serve on the Scrutiny Review Panel from this Scrutiny Committee.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager

The report sets out planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items that fall within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any agenda items for future meetings of the Committee.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planned agenda items for the Committee’s next meeting and Forward Plan items which fell within the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.