Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 16 November 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 which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

To consider a presentation from CBRE.

The Panel at its meeting on 2 October 2017 gave approval to holding three thematic meetings based around three strands identified during the scoping of the Review.

The second of these meetings is based around an examination of the type and design of accommodation that would be considered appropriate in the town centre, and the necessary infrastructure to support that development.

Alistair Chapman (CBRE) attended the meeting and made a presentation providing an analysis of the type and design of accommodation that would be considered appropriate in the town centre, and the necessary infrastructure that would be needed to support that development

The following comments were made in relation to the presentation:-

·         82% of new residential development currently taking place in the town centre were conversions of existing properties

·         There was some evidence that landowners were obtaining planning permission as a means of increasing the value of their land.

·         Density was a key factor in residential development within town centres across the north west.

·         Stockport town centre was a highly connected and sustainable location for residential development.

·         A significant resident population in the town centre could be a key driver for the local economy.

·         Higher density development encourages and creates a social cohesion for residents.

·         There was a demographic of 25-35 year olds who needed access to residential accommodation of a type deliverable in the town centre.

·         It was requested that a copy of the design guide used by Manchester City Council be circulated to members of the Panel.

·         The quality of the ongoing management of high density developments was an important factor in their future success.

·         The value of the proposition in Stockport town centre was amongst the highest in Greater Manchester.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the level of density that may be considered appropriate for residential development in the town centre.

·         Any development needed to be sympathetic to its setting and respectful of its character, particularly around buildings of historic importance.

·         Particular value was attached to the amenity afforded by open space.

·         The initial interest from private developers in 2006/06 diminished following the crash in the housing market in 2008.

·         It was important that there was a framework in place to guide the type and location of development that the Council would like to see.

·         Sufficient flexibility needed to be incorporated within any framework to allow developers to develop innovative solutions in the use of limited space.  It was noted that the Collective development in London had smaller than average units, however 40% of the space within the overall development had been given over to communal amenity space.

·         The Housing Need Assessment has identified that there was significant demand for all types of housing.

·         In response to a comment in relation that people resident in Stockport town centre, but working in Manchester would elect to socialise in Manchester, it was stated that the evidence demonstrated that people wanted facilities that were proximate to where they lived.

·         It was commented that an improved residential offer was vital to the regeneration of the town centre and would support the leisure offer.

·         Work continued to take place to analyse the current level and capacity of social infrastructure in the town centre and at what point any further increase in the resident population would result in a requirement for additional facilities.

RESOLVED – That Alistair Chapman be thanked for his attendance and presentation.