Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

During the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation events held over November and December 2016 and through dialogue with communities and local members following these events, it is clear that there is a desire for communities to become more actively involved in the process of identifying sites.  Therefore, it has been decided that in advance of the start of any formal wider ‘call for sites’ exercise which will take place as part of the Issues and Options consultation on the Local Plan, that a specific ‘brownfield call for sites’ should be opened.  This will help to provide further information and evidence which will allow the Council to update data and provide further evidence to inform the GMSF and the Local Plan.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and put forward suggested sites.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161-474-3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information and the opportunity to comment on the policy for using Brownfield sites for development where possible.

Concern was expressed that there were a significant number of sites throughout the Borough which had received planning permission for residential development which had not yet been implemented.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.  

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration

This report was presented to Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 2 March 2017 at which it was agreed that this report would be circulated to all area committees together with an update in respect of this ongoing work to identify sites for potential housing and employment uses, and to strengthen and update the evidence base in respect of available brownfield land to inform the process of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) and the Stockport Local Plan.

The Area Committee is invited to note the accompanying Brownfield First report, and councillors are invited to use this cycle of Area Committees to consider putting forward suggested sites and promoting this work via their surgeries and discussions in our local communities. 

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161-474-3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of efforts by the Council to identify appropriate brownfield sites in Stockport for inclusion in the Stockport Local Plan. The report requested the Area Committee to comment on a report that had previously been considered by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• One of the problems was that some of the brownfield sites were deteriorating on a yearly basis and it was a lot more expensive for developers to build on brownfield sites.
• The Brinnington and Central Ward councillors requested a briefing on the possible establishment of a Town Centre Zone as it would primarily affect their Ward.
• It was important to ensure that there was no overdevelopment of existing urban areas.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report was presented to Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 2nd March 2017. It was agreed that this report would be circulated to all area committees together with an update in respect of this ongoing work.

The Area Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Emma Curle on Tel: 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information and the opportunity to comment on the policy for using Brownfield sites for development where possible.

Councillors welcomed the report but expressed disappointed that no officer had attended to present it and answer questions. Councillors requested further information in respect to the definition of a “deliverable site” as quoted in section 1.2 of the report, what is meant by “Council led intervention” and the refresh of the Council’s Mill Strategy.

RESOLVED – That the report and comments be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

During the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation events held over November and December 2016 and through dialogue with communities and local members following these events, it is clear that there is a desire for communities to become more actively involved in the process of identifying sites.  Therefore, it has been decided that in advance of the start of any formal wider ‘call for sites’ exercise which will take place as part of the Issues and Options consultation on the Local Plan, that a specific ‘brownfield call for sites’ should be opened.  This will help to provide further information and evidence which will allow the Council to update data and provide further evidence to inform the GMSF and the Local Plan.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and put forward suggested sites.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161-474-3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of efforts by the Council to identify appropriate brownfield sites in Stockport for inclusion in the Stockport Local Plan. The report requested the Area Committee to comment on the report that had previously been considered by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The fundamental problem was that there was no legal mechanism to ensure that brownfield sites were developed first.
• A Member that that the assumptions behind the twenty year plan for the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework were incorrect.
• There was no funding available to assist the clearing of brownfield sites which were on contaminated land meaning that the condition of some brownfield sites could not be tackled which would have an adverse affect on the environment as well.
• If more houses did need to be built, more higher density housing should be explored
• The infrastructure needed be in place to support housing developments. for example public transport, health facilities, schools, leisure facilities and employment. The discussion on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework needed to revert back to all these issues and not concentrate solely on targets for housing development.
• Air quality was an important issue as well, particularly with more motorists using roads as a result of housing developments.
• The Greater Manchester context needed to be looked as a core part of the Brownfield First strategy for Stockport.
• Many people under the age of 35 could not afford to own their own home therefore lower costs of renting houses were required.

The Chair reminded members of the public that as well as contacting the Council via the website or email with regarding to suggesting brownfield sites which could be developed, they could also contact their local councillors..

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration

This report was presented to Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 2 March 2017 at which it was agreed that this report would be circulated to all area committees together with an update in respect of this ongoing work to identify sites for potential housing and employment uses, and to strengthen and update the evidence base in respect of available brownfield land to inform the process of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) and the Stockport Local Plan.

The Area Committee is invited to note the accompanying Brownfield First report, and councillors are invited to use this cycle of Area Committees to consider putting forward suggested sites and promoting this work via their surgeries and discussions in our local communities. 

Officer contact: Emma Curle, 0161-474-3542, emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of efforts by the Council to identify appropriate brownfield sites in Stockport for inclusion in the Stockport Local Plan. The report had previously been considered by the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee.

It was commented that in light of the recent announcement by TfGM of the intention to test autonomous cars, the likely resulting shifts in the travel patterns may result in larger brownfield sites becoming available as a result. In this context a 15 year Local Plan would be unhelpful long as rapid technological change was likely to outpace the assumptions contained within it.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

During the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation events held over November and December 2016 and through dialogue with communities and local members following these events, it is clear that there is a desire for communities to become more actively involved in the process of identifying sites.  Therefore, it has been decided that in advance of the start of any formal wider ‘call for sites’ exercise which will take place as part of the Issues and Options consultation on the Local Plan, that a specific ‘brownfield call for sites’ should be opened.  This will help to provide further information and evidence which will allow the Council to update data and provide further evidence to inform the GMSF and the Local Plan.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and put forward suggested sites.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161-474-3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information and the opportunity to comment on the policy for using Brownfield sites for development where possible.

It was commented that the brownfield policy should have been brought forward in advance of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.   

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report was presented to Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 2nd March 2017. It was agreed that this report would be circulated to all area committees together with an update in respect of this ongoing work.

The Area Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Emma Curle on Tel: 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing the opportunity for the Area Committee to comment on a report that had previously been considered by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) answered questions in relation to the report and she encouraged all Councillors to inform the Corporate Director of any sites they believe could be added to the list of Brownfield sites.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report sets out the overall approach the Council wishes to adopt with regard to brownfield sites, the nature of the challenges presented, the current position in relation to brownfield sites and a plan to develop a proactive approach over the coming months that will form the basis for a long term Brownfield First Development Programme.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the overall approach the Council wished to adopt with regard to brownfield sites, the nature of the challenges presented, the current position in relation to brownfield sites and a plan to develop a proactive approach over the coming months that would form the basis for a long term Brownfield First Development Programme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·        A discussion took place around parking provision for high density developments within town centres and how demand for parking could be more effectively managed.

·        It was important to recognise that the Council’s housing requirement could not be met through the delivery of housing on brownfield sites alone; however, any additional housing delivered on brownfield sites would alleviate the pressure on the need for development in the green belt.

·        There were difficulties in bringing brownfield sites back into use, including the often expensive cost of remediation.  It was confirmed that there was currently no additional funding available to the Council to assist with this.

·        It was commented that vacant land within developed areas was often highly valued as amenity space by local residents.

·        There was a need to balance the need to increase development within the Borough against providing quality homes for future residents whilst ensuring that Stockport remained an attractive place to live and work.

·        Any increase in development needed to be matched y high quality transportation infrastructure.

·        It was noted that the report would be submitted to the next round of Area Committees for their consideration.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report sets out the overall approach the Council wishes to adopt with regard to brownfield sites, the nature of the challenges presented, the current position in relation to brownfield sites and a plan to develop a proactive approach over the coming months that will form the basis for a long term Brownfield First Development Programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         endorse a ‘Brownfield First’ approach to the identification of land for residential and employment development, as outlined in the report, subject to ensuring that overdevelopment of existing urban areas is avoided.

·         consider and comment on the issues and actions proposed in the report and endorse the further development of the approach.

·         note the proposal to engage strongly with Area Committees as part of the early stage of the Local Plan process, particularly to undertake a Call for Sites and update of the Council’s Brownfield Site Register.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the overall approach the Council wished to adopt with regard to brownfield sites, the nature of the challenges presented, the current position in relation to brownfield sites and a plan to develop a proactive approach over the coming months that would form the basis for a long term Brownfield First Development Programme.

The Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members requested that a briefing note be sent to all councillors on the Government’s proposals to enhance capacity in planning departments by the use of increased planning fees.

·         The proposal to engage strongly with area committees as part of the early stage of the Council’s Local Plan process was welcomed, particularly the intention to undertake a Call for Sites and update of the Council’s Brownfield Site Register.

·         A member felt that a register of brownfield sites should be put on the Council’s website, together with a way for members of the public to suggest additional sites for the register as a means of ensuring that the Council achieved as full a register of brownfield sites as was possible. This could form part of the Council’s Digital by Design initiative, be maintained and upgraded in the future, and widely advertised at minimal cost.

·         The Council was not in a position to adopt a sequential list of sites at this moment in time. The aim of the ‘Brownfield First’ approach was to ensure that the Council was in the best possible situation when deliverable schemes came forward. It did not mean that development would never take place in the Green Belt.

·         There was relatively low density housing in Greater Manchester. The problems occurred, particularly in the Green Belt, where there was higher density housing proposed without the infrastructure to support it.

·         The higher/minimum density requirement for new residential development on brownfield sites based on locational criteria, i.e. the more accessible the location the greater the potential to allow increased densities, was seen as an important requirement as well as the need to strike a careful balance between protecting the quality of the environment and existing amenities and ensuring that the quality of the residential environment was not compromised.

·         The Council had very little leverage to influence developers and leverage methods should be explored. It was acknowledged that local authorities’ compulsory purchase powers were slow and cumbersome.

·         A Member questioned the timing of the report and why the Council was only now putting forward a ‘Brownfield First’ approach. Under the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, Stockport was required to identify sites for 19,300 new homes over the proposed twenty years period of the plan (2015-2035). These sites must be demonstrably deliverable for development within the time period. The Corporate Director agreed to provide Members with a definition of what criteria was used to define ‘demonstrably deliverable’ development.

·         The aim was for the Council to remove as many barriers as possible to development and provide as strong an evidence base as possible on ‘deliverable development’.

·         Residential development in the town centre was more likely to be higher density with more apartments and flats, with greater connectivity to public transport. The report suggested that a more relaxed approach could be applied to car parking in the town centre and district centres, and consideration given to allowing further reductions in on-site parking provision.

·         The Council’s policies would not be able to deliver the number of sites required for new homes required under the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework without greater funding from Central Government. It was suggested that the elected Mayor for Greater Manchester and the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority  should lobby Central Government for increased funding to increase staff capacity, both planning officers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5