Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Council has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places within the borough to meet the population's educational needs. However, we face significant challenges in providing school places due to a growing population caused by increased housing development and inward migration, condition issues within the school estate, and a growing cohort of children with special needs.

A draft Education Contributions supplementary planning document (SPD) has been prepared which clarifies how and when the council will seek developer contributions.

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

Officer contact: Hannah Mitchell 0161 474 3771 | hannah.mitchell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) on the proposed Education Contributions supplementary planning document (SPD) and consultation approach.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that all section 106 contributions would be subject to a viability test.

·         The importance of infrastructure around developments, particularly schooling provision, was stressed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director Planning and Place Making.

The report details the proposed Education Contributions supplementary planning document (SPD) and consultation approach.

The Development Plan Working Party is requested to note the proposed Supplementary Planning Document and the intended period of consultation.

Officer contact: Hannah Mitchell 0161 474 3771 | hannah.mitchell@stockport.gov.uk

The Assistant Director Planning and Place Making submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed the proposed Education Contributions supplementary planning document (SPD) and consultation approach.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked how large the consultation would be and in response, the Working Part was advised that it would be around 30 pages long.

·         Concerns were expressed relating to birth rate variations and the differences in different parts of the Borough.

·         In response to a Member question, the Working Party was advised that there was a standard consultee list that would be contacted.

·         In general, Members welcomed the work that was being done in this area and the public response would be very interesting.  Members were encouraged to promote the consultation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.