Agenda and minutes

Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 21st March, 2013 6.00 pm

Contact: Democratic Services 

Items
No. Item

Councillor John Smith

 

The Chair welcomed back Councillor John Smith to his first meeting of the Scrutiny Committee following his recent accident.

1.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 33 KB

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2013.

Minutes:

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 24 January 2013 were approved as correct records and signed by the Chair, subject to the addition of Councillor Syd Lloyd in the list of those present at the meeting.

2.

Declarations of Interest

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

Minutes:

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

 

The following interests were declared:-

 

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

 

Councillor

 

David White

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

 

Councillor

 

Christine Corris

and Hazel Lees

 

Interest

 

Agenda item 16 ‘Dialstone and Blackstone Fields Redevelopment’ as his partner is employed by Borough Care.

 

Councillor White left the meeting during consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote thereon.

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

That part of agenda item 6 ‘Third Quarter 2012/13 Performance Report’ relating to Otterspool Weir Hydro Scheme as shareholders in the project (This section of the report was not debated at the meeting).

 

Personal Interests

 

Councillor

 

Laura Booth

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Corris

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

That part of agenda item 5 ‘Medium Term Financial Plan – Executive Proposals’ relating to Parks and Open spaces as her son is a management trainee at Etherow Country Park.

 

That part of agenda item 6 ‘Third Quarter 2012/13 Performance Report’ and agenda item 10 ‘Greater Manchester Green Deal and Extending Home Insulation’ relating to Stockport Homes as a member of its Board.

 

 

 

3.

Exclusion of the Public and the Public Interest Test

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items:-

 

·         Item 13 ‘Development of creative Industries & Specialist Retail in Stockport Market Place – Strategic Property Acquisition’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in the appendices by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

·         Item 14 ‘Covent Garden Village’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

·         Item 15 ‘Brinnington Regeneration Plan’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in Appendices A and B by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

·         Item 16 ‘Dialstone and Blackstone Fields Redevelopment’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in the confidential appendix by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out I the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended) the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of:-

 

Item 13 ‘Development of Creative Industries and Specialist Retail in Stockport Market Place – Strategic Property Acquisition’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in the appendices.

 

Item 14 ‘Covent Garden Village’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in Appendices 2, 3 and 4.

 

Item 15 ‘Brinnington Regeneration Plan’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in Appendices A and B.

 

Item 16 ‘Dialstone and Blackstone Fields Redevelopment’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ in the confidential appendix.

 

4.

Call-In

To consider call-in items (if any).

Minutes:

There were no call-in items to consider.

5.

Medium Term Financial Plan - Executive Proposals pdf icon PDF 31 KB

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

 

All scrutiny committees are being requested during this cycle of meetings to comment upon the approach being taken by the Executive to address the need to make substantial savings over the next two years, and the specific proposals brought forward for consideration. The comments of the scrutiny committees will be reported to the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

 

The Scrutiny Committee are requested to comment upon the overall approach being taken by the Executive and the specific savings proposals detailed in the report.

 

Officer Contact: Steve Houston on 0161 474 4000 or e mail: steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Directors (Place Management) and (Place Development) submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Scrutiny Committee that the Executive at its meeting on 18 February 2013 had agreed the second tranche of savings proposals for 2013/14 and 2014/15 for consultation and that each scrutiny committee should have the opportunity to ask questions, review and comment upon the savings propositions which related to their remit. In addition, members of the Scrutiny Committees were invited to make comments upon the overall approach being taken by the Executive to respond to the very significant challenges faced by the Council.

 

The Executive Councillors for Economic Development & Regeneration (Councillor Iain Roberts), Public Realm (Councillor Kevin Hogg) and Sustainable Future (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following comments were made:-

 

           With regard to the proposal to reduce the District Centre and Roving Stewards to a part time presence within the District Centres, Neighbourhood Centres and larger Local Shopping Areas, the Scrutiny Committee debated how they considered the proposed three full days a week should operate. Members expressed a preference for the presence to be every other day or on half days, not, for example, for the presence to be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.

 

Clarification was also sought and provided on:-

 

           The redesign of operational arrangements in Parks and Open Spaces, moving from employing trained horticulturists to general multi-tasking operatives; and

           How the proposed savings in the waste collection round adjustments would be achieved.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Scrutiny Committee’s comments be referred to the Executive for consideration.

6.

Third Quarter 2012/13 Performance Report pdf icon PDF 24 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development) and Service Director (Place Management)

 

The report provides a detailed overview of performance which relates to this Scrutiny Committee.

 

The information is provided in the form of the Quarter 3 2012 Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports for each of the Economic Development and Regeneration, Public Realm and Sustainable Future Portfolios.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

 

(1)  Review the current levels of performance;

(2)  Highlight key areas of, and responsibility for, taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast performance issues;

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

 

Officer contact: Doug Holland on 0161 474 2976 or e mail: doug.holland@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) and the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a detailed overview of performance which related to this Scrutiny Committee. The information was provided in the form of the Quarter 3  2012/13 Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports for each of the Economic Development and Regeneration, Public Realm and Sustainable Future Portfolios.

 

The Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration), (Public Realm) and (Sustainable Future) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

 

           Although more shops were opening than closing in the town centre, the report did not outline which shops were closing.

           The section on the Portas Pilot Project did not demonstrate enough new developments from the previous performance report and some of the impetus for the project appeared to be being lost. Further information was requested on the outcome of the last teenage market and an update on the membership of the Town Team Committee.

           Whether any specific measures were being put in place to help stimulate the evening economy in Stockport.

           In the light of the proposals for the Bridgefield development, what dialogue was taking place with the traders currently operating on Princes Street and whose premises may be subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order.

           The Council’s performance with regard to planning applications was now under further focus given recent Government announcements. This was particularly important given the risk to Stockport should performance (especially on major planning applications) not continue to improve.

           The successful prosecution of a store in Shaw Heath which had sold alcohol to an under age child was welcomed.

           A telephone scam where residents were advised that they were in the incorrect Council Tax band.

           The slight reduction in the number of visitors to Stockport’s museums compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Applications for museum accreditation were required to be submitted by 2 November 2013. The Council was continually looking at ways at linking its diverse range of visitor attractions and promoting them.

           As the second ranking authority in Greater Manchester with regard to its overall employment rate and proportion of population aged 19-64 for males and 19-59 for females qualified to at least Level 2 and Level 3 or higher, Members enquired whether the Council could learn anything from the highest ranking authority and whether there was value in this being examined further by the Scrutiny Committee.

           

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

.

(2) That Members of the Scrutiny Committee be provided with further information on the outcome of the last teenage market and an update on the membership of the Town Team Committee.

7.

Tree Management Policy pdf icon PDF 28 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

 

The draft policy aims to ensure a standardised approach to the management of the Council’s tree stock, excluding trees managed by Stockport Homes, and also those trees that are subject to protection.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the draft Tree Management Policy, prior to its consideration by the Executive Meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

Officer Contact: Megan Black on 0161 218 1410 or e mail: megan.black@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Service Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) enclosing a draft Tree Management Policy which aimed to ensure a standardised approach to the management of the Council’s tree stock, excluding trees managed by Stockport Homes, and also those trees that were subject to protection.

 

The Executive Councillor (Public Realm) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The following issues were raised:-

 

           Tree branches from Council trees that obstructed footpaths, the carriageway, highway signage, street lighting or CCTV would be inspected and have the necessary pruning work undertaken within a timescale appropriate to the situation.

           There was currently no legal right to good television reception, and no legal requirement to rectify a loss of television or radio service in respect of trees.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

8.

A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road - outcome of the first phase of consultation and emerging preferred scheme. pdf icon PDF 3 MB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Major Projects)

 

This report provides information on the initial outcomes of the first phase of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road which took place between October 2012 and January 2013. The results of the consultation are being used to inform the development of an emerging preferred option for the scheme which will be subject to further consultation. The report also describes the process for finalising the option for the scheme which will be used as the basis for the second phase of consultation later this year.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report, prior to its consideration by the Executive.

 

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Major Projects) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information on the initial outcomes of the first phase of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road which had taken place between October 2012 and January 2013. The results of the consultation were being used to inform the development of an emerging preferred option for the scheme which would be subject to further consultation. The report also described the process for finalising the option for the scheme which would be used as the basis for the second phase of consultation later in the year.

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

In response to a Member’s question, it was clarified that

the second phase of consultation would be as extensive as the first phase.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 

9.

A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road - Update Report on Procedural Issues pdf icon PDF 79 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Major Projects)

 

The report provides an update on the various work streams required to support the development of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme. These work streams are the development of a lead management approach using powers in Section 8 of the Highways Act 1980, the development of a procurement strategy, the development of an approach to requests for compensation in advance of the scheme and the potential for early purchase of land required for the scheme.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on:-

 

·         the Draft Section 8 Agreement in Appendix 1 and the authority to enter into the Section 8 Agreement be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Member Economic Development and Regeneration to finalise the terms  with Cheshire East Council and Manchester City Council;

·         the Procurement Strategy – appendix 2 and the approval process for appointing a contractor which includes delegating approval of the short list of potential contractors to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) and requesting Executive approval of the proposed contractor; and

·         the proposed Land Acquisition Strategy and compensation approach.

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Major Projects) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the various work streams required to support the development of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme. These work streams were the development of a lead management approach using powers in Section 8 of the Highways Act 1980, the development of a procurement strategy, the development of an approach to requests for compensation in advance of the scheme and the potential for early purchase of land required for the scheme.

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issue was raised:-

 

           How the considerable amount of conveyancing work which would need to be carried out with regard to the land acquisition would be managed.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

10.

Transportation Capital Programme 2013/2014 pdf icon PDF 226 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

 

The report identifies the proposed transportation capital programme for 2013/14 and identifies the various funding sources that contribute to the programme.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the draft Transportation Capital Programme for 2013/14, prior to its approval by the Executive Councillors (Economic Development and Regeneration) and (Public Realm).

 

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 3451 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

Minutes:

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) identifying the proposed transportation capital programme for 2013/14 and identifying the various funding sources that contributed to the programme, prior to its determination by the Executive Councillors (Economic Development & Regeneration) and (Public Realm).

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           Additional information was requested on slurry sealing.

           The alternative options being explored to repair potholes and footways as part of the Highways Maintenance Options Appraisal.

           SSK value for money analysis – the benchmarking of Solutions SK’ prices with the Council’s other service providers as part of the Alliance contract arrangement.

           The quality control of planned highway maintenance work.

 

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

 

(2) That Members of the Scrutiny Committee be provided with a written response to the issues raised above.

11.

Greater Manchester Green Deal and Extending Home Insulation pdf icon PDF 89 KB

To consider a report of the Service director (Place Development)

 

The report summarises the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, the Greater Manchester approach, activity already carried out through previous programmes and future plans,

 

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report, join a wider discussion on the programmes and request further specific detail regarding programmes and opportunities.

 

Officer contact: Marion Gordon on 0161 474 4350 or e mail: marion.gordon@stockport.gov.uk

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, the Greater Manchester approach, and activity already carried out through previous programmes and plans.

 

The Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           Stockport Homes were undertaking work and offering incentives to encourage former tenants who had bought their properties to have their cavity walls insulated.

           The Community Energy Savings Programme was targeted at low income communities and Stockport Homes had benefited from significant investment through the programme. A Member asked to be advised when further work was being carried out by Stockport Homes under the programme so that she could advise tenants in her ward.

           By working together at a Greater Manchester level, individual local authorities would realise efficiency savings in terms of start up and procurement costs.

           The Green Deal would help deal with properties where it was difficult to install cavity wall insulation.

           The success of the Marple, Mellor and Marple Bridge Energy Saving Strategy (MESS) and Sustainable Living in the Heatons (SLH) were highlighted and that the development of similar community projects in other parts of the Borough was underway.

 

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and update reports be submitted to future meetings of the Scrutiny Committee.

 

(2) That Members of the Scrutiny Committee be advised of the programme of low carbon retrofit works to be carried out by Stockport Homes.

12.

Home Energy Conservation Act pdf icon PDF 19 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

 

The report provides information which the Council is required to publish by 31 March 2013 under the Home energy Conservation Act.

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the detailed proposals, prior to the approval of the Home Energy Conservation Act report by the Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future). 

 

Officer Contact: Marion Gordon on 0161 474 4350 or e mail: marion.gordon@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information which the Council was required to publish by 31 March 2013 under the Home Energy Conservation Act.

 

The Executive Councillor (Sustainable Future) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           The effect of Government changes to the fuel duty escalator.

           The effect of increases in fuel costs on fuel poverty.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 

13.

Development of Creative Industries & Specialist Retail in Stockport Market Place - Strategic Property Acquisition pdf icon PDF 52 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

 

The report outlines the proposed strategy for encouraging the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport, focussed primarily on the Market Place, and the anticipated outcomes of the strategy and the importance of the acquisition of property in order to meet its objectives.

 

This proposal will be considered by the Executive at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

(NOTE: The Appendices contain information ‘Not for Publication’ and have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note and comment on the contents of the report.

 

Officer Contacts: Nicola Turner/Henrietta Achampong on 0161 218 1635/0161 474 4406 or e mail: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk/henrietta.achampong@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed strategy for encouraging the development of creative industries and specialist retail in Stockport, focussed primarily on the Market Place, and the anticipated outcomes of the strategy and the importance of the acquisition in order to meet its objectives.

 

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within the appendices that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           Whether it was appropriate to use Adult Social Care Capital Resources as match funding for a bid to the Heritage Enterprise Programme, and any other relevant funding sources, for funding to deliver the strategy.

           Whether this was the right use of properties in the Market Place. It was noted that the Portas Pilot had highlighted the need for there to be uses other than retail in the Market Place in order to assist the regeneration of the area,

           If Arts for Recovery in the Community (Arc) were based in the town centre this would be in addition to their current operation in Reddish.

           

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments of the Scrutiny Committee be forwarded to the Executive for its consideration at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

14.

Covent Garden Village pdf icon PDF 362 KB

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services and Service Director (Place Development)

 

The report sets out the current financial position to enable the delivery of the Covent Garden scheme, outlines the delivery strategy for the total scheme and the proposed strategy for the identification of a preferred developer partner to bring forward future phases of the Masterplan.

 

This proposal will be considered by the Executive at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

(NOTE: Appendices 2, 3 and 4 contain information ‘not for publication’ and have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note and comment on the contents of the report.

 

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or e mail: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the current financial position to enable the delivery of the Covent Garden scheme, outlining the delivery strategy for the total scheme and the proposed strategy for the identification of a preferred developer partner to bring forward future phases of the Master Plan.

 

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within appendices 2, 3 and 4 that had been circulated to Members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions

 

In response to a Member’s question, it was clarified that there were other possible developer partners who were interested in working with the Council on the scheme.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

15.

Brinnington Regeneration Plan pdf icon PDF 7 MB

To consider a joint report of the Service Director (Place Development) and Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services.

 

The report provides the Scrutiny Committee with an update on progress in the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan; advises Members of the outcome of a recent tendering process to identify a developer partner to take forward new housing development in Brinnington; outlines work on site assembly for the relocation of Castle Hill School in Brinnington to existing and improved accommodation at the former Offerton School site including the demolition of Castle Hill School and the redevelopment of the site for housing purposes; and outlines the proposed community consultation which forms part of these regeneration proposals.

 

This proposal will be considered by the Executive at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

(NOTE: Appendices A and B contain information ‘Not for Publication’ and have been circulated to Members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

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

 

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or e mail: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with an update on progress in the delivery of the Brinnington Regeneration Plan; advising Members of the outcome of a recent tendering process to identify a developer partner to take forward new housing development in Brinnington; outlining work on site assembly for the relocation of Castle Hill School in Brinnington to existing and improved accommodation at the former Offerton School site including the demolition of Caste Hill School and the redevelopment of the site for housing purposes; and outlining the proposed community consultation which formed part of these regeneration proposals.

 

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within Appendices A and B that had been circulated to Members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           Castle Hill School pupils would be re-located to the Vernon block of the former Offerton High School which would be fitted out with new education and sports facilities.

           How the capital receipt for that part of the Offerton site unaffected by the relocation of Castle Hill School would be used.

           It was clarified that the proposal did not include any socially rented properties.

           A Member felt that the proposal should include more larger properties, for example 4 bed properties, and requested that this be explored with the developer.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments of the Scrutiny Committee be forwarded to the Executive for its consideration at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

16.

Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields Redevelopment pdf icon PDF 784 KB

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services and the Service Director (Place Development)

 

The report seeks the Scrutiny Committee’s views on the revised agreement reached with THI Riverside Limited (with GB Buildings Solutions as the guarantor) to facilitate the delivery of a revised regeneration and development proposal to meet Council and community objectives on the Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields sites.

 

The proposal will be considered by the Executive at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

(NOTE: The Appendix contains information ‘not for publication’ and has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only)

 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the report and the recommendations detailed in paragraph 4.

 

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or e mail: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) and Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) submitted a joint report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Scrutiny Committee’s views on the revised agreement reached with THi Riverside Limited (with GB Buildings solutions as the guarantor) to facilitate the delivery of a revised regeneration and development proposal to meet Council and community objectives on the Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Fields sites.

 

(NOTE: the report included information ‘Not for Publication’ contained within its appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

 

           Whether any current or former Members of the Council had been involved with the scheme.

           Members of the Committee and Ward Councillors would be advised of the total cost of the remediation works at Blackstone Fields once these were known.

           It was clarified that the revised proposal would mean that an element of open space would be lost.

           How the additional net cost of approximately £0.750m would be funded.

           The proposal was that the revised agreement with THi Riverside Limited/GB Buildings would mean any ‘overage’ being shared between the Council and the developer.

           The developer’s intention was to use the 1 acre plot to build a primary health centre. This had been difficult to confirm due to the imminent changes to the structure of the Health Service in this country.

           There were contingencies built into the scheme and, subject to the approval of the Executive, the Council would be doing everything in its power to ensure that it proceeded, as proposed in the report.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments of the Scrutiny Committee be forwarded to the Executive for its consideration at the meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

17.

Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Development Plan Document (GMJMDPD) pdf icon PDF 27 KB

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

 

The report advises the Scrutiny Committee of the development of the Joint Minerals Development Plan Document for Greater Manchester.

 

The views of the Scrutiny Committee are requested, prior to the Minerals Plan and the agreed changes to the existing proposals map for the allocation of Areas of Search and Mineral Safeguarding areas being submitted to the Council Meeting for adoption.

 

Officer Contact: Richard Wood on 0161 474 4386 or e mail: richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Scrutiny Committee of the development of the Joint Minerals Development Plan Document for Greater Manchester.

 

It was reported that the report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 2 April 2013.

 

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 

18.

Resume of the Stockport Economic Alliance pdf icon PDF 44 KB

To note the resume of the meeting held on 13 February 2013   

 

Officer contact: Charlotte Forrest on 0161 474 3208 or e mail: charlotte.forrest@stockport.gov.uk.

Minutes:

The Scrutiny Committee considered a résumé (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Stockport Economic Alliance held on 13 February 2013.

                                                                                   

RESOLVED – That the résumé of the meeting held on 13 February 2013 be noted.

 

19.

Resume of the Adult Education, Skills and Employability Partnership pdf icon PDF 39 KB

To note the resume of the meeting held on 21 February 2013.

 

Officer contact: Charlotte Forrest on 0161 474 3208 or e mail: charlotte.forrest@stockport.gov.uk

Minutes:

The Scrutiny Committee considered a résumé (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Adult Education, Skills and employability Partnership held on 21 February 2013.

                                                                                   

RESOLVED – That the résumé of the meeting held on 21 February 2013 be noted.

 

20.

Agenda Planning pdf icon PDF 26 KB

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 e mail: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

Minutes:

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which have 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.