Issue - meetings

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

The report details the amended version of the draft Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of the 6 week public consultation.

The Committee is asked to note the contents of the report and the proposed amendments to the Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site (SPD).

Officer contact: Richard Wood on 0161 474 4386, email: richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the amended version of the draft Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which has been developed following a six week public consultation which ended on 15 October 2012.

It was noted that the SPD was also scheduled to be considered by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee on 10 December and the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 18 December 2012 prior to approval for the SPD being sought at the meeting of the Executive on 7 January 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·        The proposals contained within the SPD were largely predicated on the A555 link road being completed.

·        Concern was expressed that the use of 22-24 houses per hectare coupled with the 42 hectares of developable land produced a total development far in excess of the 750-850 quoted in the SPD.  In response it was stated that this calculation had not taken account of non-residential uses for parts of the site and that it was not a straightforward mathematical exercise.

·        It was confirmed that the Council had sought and obtained legal advice on the legal robustness of the SPD.

·        It was stated that the previous draft SPD had contained a sustainability appraisal, but the revised SPD did not.  In response it was stated that with regard to the SPD in its current form which set out a range of options it was not considered appropriate to do so.

·        The proposed employment use of the site would be commensurate with that found in a local centre in Stockport.

·        Any transportation assessment would be completed as part of a development application which would need to cover the fully completed development rather than any phased approach to development which may take place on the site.

·        Concern was expressed that the trigger for the development of the primary school on the site at 300 houses was on the high side.

·        A discussion took place in relation to the reliance of the development on just two points of access onto Chester Road which may become congested at peak hours.

·        It was important that the development integrated closely with the existing village rather than being seen as a ‘bolt-on’.

·        It was suggested that in the light of the number of changes that had been made to the original draft SPD that consideration be given to consulting further on the revised proposals.

·        The size of the proposed school was discussed with some members expressing concern that a single form entry school may be insufficient to cope with demand.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.