Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and for Sustainable Stockport.

The Council’s long-term ambition for the future of Town Centre West as a location for new housing and the social infrastructure and amenity needed to support a growing community has been the subject of a number of reports over recent years.  The publication of the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area in July 2019 marked a significant step forward in defining and articulating the Council’s overall vision for the area.

The public consultation on the draft SRF was held over a seven week period in summer from 18 July to 6 September and included three drop-in sessions in Merseyway designed to give people the opportunity to discuss the proposals in detail with the Council officers and specialist consultants who produced the document.  The consultation generated 367 online responses, visits to the drop-in sessions from approximately 120 interested people, and a small number of written submissions from landowners and statutory public agencies.

This report includes a comprehensive summary of the responses to the consultation (Appendix A) and an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework document (Appendix B) for consideration.

The Cabinet is invited to note the outcome of the consultation and approve the Strategic Regeneration Framework and agree that it form the basis of a Supplementary Planning Document for the Town Centre West.

Officer contact: Caroline Simpson, 0161 474 5000, caroline.simpson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a comprehensive summary of the outcomes of the consultation on the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Town Centre West, including an updated SRF that set out the Council’s vision for this area.

The Leader of the Council and cabinet members welcomed the engagement from the public in the consultation and the endorsement of the Council’s vision for Town Centre West. The aspiration for 50% affordable housing in Town Centre West was highlighted.

RESOLVED – That the outcome of the consultation on the Town Centre West Strategic Regeneration Framework be noted and the Strategic Regeneration Framework be approved, to form the basis of a Supplementary Planning Document for Town Centre West.

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

The Council’s long-term ambition for the future of Town Centre West as a location for new housing and the social infrastructure and amenity needed to support a growing community has been the subject of a number of reports over recent years.  The publication of the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area in July 2019 marked a significant step forward in defining and articulating the Council’s overall vision for the area.

This report provides a comprehensive summary of the responses to the consultation (Appendix A) and an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework document (Appendix B) for Members’ consideration.  Subject to Members’ views it will be submitted to Cabinet for approval on 12 November 2019.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note and comment on this report and the full updated Strategic Regeneration Framework at Appendix B prior to its submission to Cabinet on 12 November 2019.

Officer contact: Caroline Simpson on 0161 474 5000 or email: caroline.simpson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with a comprehensive summary of the responses to the consultation on the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) document for Town Centre West. A finalised copy of the SRF was also submitted for consideration prior to a decision by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The results of the consultation had overall been very positive with greenspace issues central to the development, although there had been concern from a number of businesses over a lack of consultation.
• All elements of delivery must be sustainable – including growth and travel to ensure air pollution was controlled and the Council and Greater Manchester’s commitments to zero carbon supported.
• The issue of affordability had been highlighted through the consultation and the revised Strategic Regeneration Framework had given greater prominence to this in the response. The aim to include up to 50% affordable housing across the entirety of development in the area over the lifetime of the Mayoral Development Corporation was accepted, although there were challenges around delivering this on early schemes with viability issues a concern until values had risen.
• There was disappointment from Members that they hadn’t got better leverage with developers in the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Council’s long-term ambition for the future of Town Centre West as a location for new housing and the social infrastructure and amenity needed to support a growing community has been the subject of a number of reports over recent years.  The publication of the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework for the area in July 2019 marked a significant step forward in defining and articulating the Council’s overall vision for the area.

This report provides a comprehensive summary of the responses to the consultation (Appendix A) and an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework document (Appendix B) for Members’ consideration.  Subject to Members’ views it will be submitted to Cabinet for approval on 12 November 2019.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note and comment on this report and the full updated Strategic Regeneration Framework at Appendix B prior to its submission to Cabinet on 12 November 2019.

Officer contact: Caroline Simpson on 0161 474 5000 or email: caroline.simpson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with a comprehensive summary of the responses to the consultation on the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) document for Town Centre West. A finalised copy of the SRF was also submitted for consideration prior to a decision by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Councillors welcomed the aspiration for 50% affordable housing across the Town Centre West area. Further comment was made about the need for family properties and social rental provision. Assurance was sought on the phasing of such provision, what constituted ‘affordable’ and on design guidelines. In response it was stated that the MDC was still in its infancy and the details of future provision had not yet been fully considered, but the SRF did reflect the NPPF’s position on viability of developments. Specifically in relation to design guidelines, these were currently in the process of being drafted.

·         The need to for usable greenspace was emphasised, particularly as the population grew. It was acknowledged that the SRP made provision for sustainability but it was important to ensure this was considered and built into developments.

·         Stockport Homes was also a key partner in delivering future social housing in the Borough and should be part of the discussions about Town Centre West. The Council’s positive record on affordable housing provision in Town Centre was acknowledged, particularly working with Registered Social Landlords and Homes England on schemes that were less viable for commercial developers. Homes England was a partner with the MDC.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.