Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change.

The Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) was created in September 2019 to deliver the Council’s ambitious agenda to deliver a new residential neighbourhood adjacent to the existing town centre, increase the long term viability of the whole town centre and deliver much needed new homes.

Given the progress achieved by Stockport MDC in Town Centre West, it is proposed that the area covered by the MDC should be expanded, enabling it to become the delivery vehicle for housing led regeneration across the entirety of the town centre.

This report outlines the process for expanding the boundary of the MDC and seeks an endorsement from Cabinet to proceed.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Endorse the proposal for public consultation on the expansion of the MDC boundary to cover the east of the town centre; and

(2) Note that a paper will be submitted to GMCA to request that the Mayor go out to consultation in April and May 2025 on the proposal to designate the east of the town centre as a Mayoral development area; and

(3) Note the process that must be followed under the legislation to designate an area of land as a Mayoral development area.

Officer contact: Frances Jones on 0161 218 1910 or email: frances.jones@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal that the area covered by the Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) should be expanded, enabling it to become the delivery vehicle for housing led regeneration across the entirety of the town centre and further outlining the process for expanding the boundary of the MDC.

RESOLVED - (1) That the proposal for public consultation on the expansion of the MDC boundary to cover the east of the town centre be endorsed.

(2) That it be noted that a paper will be submitted to GMCA to request that the Mayor of Greater Manchester go out to consultation in April and May 2025 on the proposal to designate the east of the town centre as a Mayoral development area.

(3) That that the process that must be followed under the legislation to designate an area of land as a Mayoral development area be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report outlines the process for expanding the boundary of the MDC and seeks Cabinet approval to proceed with the proposal. 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the report. 

Officer contact: Frances Jones 0161 218 1910 | frances.jones@stockport.gov.uk   

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) to seek comments from the Committee on the proposed consultation to expand of the boundary of the Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation (Stockport MDC) to the entirety of the town centre.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted for clarity that whilst Cabinet would be asked to endorse the proposed consultation on 28 March, the final decision would rest with the Combined Authority.

·         There were many comments from Members on the new boundaries of the Stockport MDC was important to there was not a cut-off in the development of areas surrounding the new Stockport MDC boundaries. It was noted in reply that whilst there needed to be a firm boundary with the statutory legislation and this specific boundary was part of the consultation, it wouldn’t prevent the social value benefits of the work in areas near to the boundary and across the borough.

·         There were questions regarding the consultation and what sort of questions could be included on this. It was noted that the questions would need to be considered carefully but could allow for alternative proposals to come forward. It was affirmed that the Stockport MDC was just a part of the Council’s wider regeneration programmes for areas across the Borough.

·         It was commented that the work of the Stockport MDC was important and that whilst the expansion was welcomed, this should not reduce its successful targeted approach to development.

·         It was noted that all Members were encouraged to participate in the consultation when it goes live.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.