Issue - meetings

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

There is also a high level update in this report on the early week following the announcement that Cheadle has been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative.

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

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

Paul Richards (Director of Development and Regeneration, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the recent Scrutiny Review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The potential impact of the proposed £300,000 loan fund was queried. In response, it was stated that the proposal was to stimulate the district centres and bring vacant units back into use.  The scheme was based on one that had been developed and used in Trafford where 37 grants had been made with a 97% repayment rate.

·         The Council’s finance team would undertake due diligence to ensure that loans were awarded appropriately.

·         The next phase of the programme was to look to undertake some of the ‘quick win’ interventions identified in the report for each district centre.

·         Many district centres were largely open during core business hours which meant that residents returning to the area from work were unable to use the majority of the shops and restaurants.

·         Consideration needed to be given to making improvements to the festive displays in the district centres which has less of an impact than those in some adjacent authority areas.

·         There remained a disconnect between the licensing and planning functions of the authority that in some respects served to disincentivise people to live within the district centres.

·         Concern was expressed that some of the larger local centres, such as Heald Green, were omitted from the scope of the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

There is also a high level update in this report on the early week following the announcement that Cheadle has been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative.

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

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres. It sought early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future regeneration and investment.

The report also proposed a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement took place over the coming months.

There was also a high level update in the report on the early work following the announcement that Cheadle had been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members were most interested in practical improvements, for example building improvements or improvements to the public realm.

·         The strategy had to look at how public behaviour could be influenced. Members of the public did have responsibility, for example they needed to be encouraged to support local businesses.

·         The designation of district centres as opposed to large local centres was largely driven by the planning process.

·         Members of the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee could influence the night time economy by the opening hours they agreed for places to eat and drink.

·         With regard to Appendix A – IPM High Street UK 2020 – 25 Key Factors, it was noted that the Cheadle area had strong networks and partnerships with the Council such as the village partnerships in Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme and Gatley. The Cheadle Village Partnership had been involved with the Town Fund initiative.

·         Support was given to the creation of a £200,000 interest-free loan scheme to cover an initial two year period to encourage businesses to occupy vacant premises by contributing towards the financial costs of physical property improvements.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

Paul Richards (Director of Development and Regeneration, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the recent Scrutiny Review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the report contained some factual inaccuracies such as the suggestion that the was a carnival and street parade in Romiley when in fact there had not been one for 20 years.

·         It was queried what baseline had been used to determine that Romiley’s cycling provision was average as there was little dedicated provision within the District Centre.

·         There needed to be publicity provided for the new £300,000 loan fund to ensure that businesses were aware of the opportunity.

·         While the work was directed towards District Centres, there needed to be a degree of focus on Stockport’s local and small shopping centres that were excluded from the scope of the review.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members welcomed the research and the review into the borough’s District Centres and looked forward to the next steps.

·         Clarification was sought on whether consideration would be given to the ‘older demographic’ who would be using the district centres and in particular seating and toilets in the District Centres. In response, it was commented that the next phase of the scheme would involve research into what local people and businesses needed in their local district centres.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres. It sought early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future regeneration and investment.

The report also proposed a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement took place over the coming months.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         The need for dedicated staff capacity in the district centres was essential in making the proposals in the report work.

·         There was a lot of work which needed to be carried out to increase footfall in Castle Street, Edgeley and there was a need to harness community groups to help attract people to the shops and facilities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought regarding the proposal for the district centres loan scheme and the process involved. In response, it was commented that the details of the loan scheme were still being worked out, but it would be for £10,000 and would need to be match-funded by the applicant and repaid over a two-year period.

·         Clarification was sought regarding how the proposals would be translated into clear action plans for the areas. In response, it was commented that based upon the research and the work being done already in Manchester’s District Centres it highlighted what could be achieved by bringing the community and different stakeholders together to take action and revitalise the economy.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the condition of pavements, traffic management and public transport in the Marple area which had been expressed by local residents as the reasons why they no longer go out to shop anymore in the Marple District Centre. In response, it was commented that schemes relating to the concerns raised were being looked at and would be split into interventions for the Area Committee to action and influence.

·         It was noted that the Marple area was a lovely place to live and work with the market place, societies and other community groups and already had a lot of good restaurants and cafes. It was commented that while public facilities in the area needed some improvement, the district centre still compared favourably in comparison to other areas in the borough. However, it would be good to see the empty retail units in the area being utilised again.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought relating to the ‘loan fund’ and its flexibility and if the ‘Trafford model’ had any delinquency.  In response, it was commented that it was commented that the details of the loan scheme were still being worked out, but it would be a rolling fund similar to the ‘Trafford model’ and their model operated at a 5% delinquency rate, with an administration fee on each loan.

·         Clarification was sought relating to the whether there would be officers dedicated to particular districts to support regeneration in the area. In response, it was commented that there would be support and resources to facilitate local groups and businesses.

·         It was commented that the report provided details on stage one of the scheme and follows the ‘Trafford model’ over a three-year period, so there were still a number of consultations and data to be collected.

·         Clarification was sought on why ‘charity shops’ were classed as ‘non-eligible businesses’ given that they attracted a lot of people to district centres. In response, it was commented that the schemes aimed to promote diversity in the retail offer in district centres.

·         It was noted that Great Moor and Brinnington were not designated district centres, but were similar to Hazel Grove in that they were vibrant places with facilities such as supermarkets and leisure centres and could benefit from the solutions identified for Hazel Grove.  It was commented that the classification of District Centres is based on Planning Policy Guidance and was predominantly a retail driven classification, but as the review qas conducted into district centres, smaller local centres would also benefit from the lessons learnt and the outputs as part of the Local Plan work.

·         Concern was expressed regarding ‘traffic lights’ in the district centres and balancing the flow of traffic and pedestrians crossing the areas, but it was a matter of prioritising in the interest of those district centres to reduce traffic and pollution and provide better air quality for local residents.

·         It was commented that the lessons learnt through the scheme and being rolled out into smaller local centres was welcomed because any loss of trade in the local centres would have a huge impact on those communities and any support that could be given would be positive.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

There is also a high level update in this report on the early week following the announcement that Cheadle has been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative.

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

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which built on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and was seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposed a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement took place over the coming months.

There was also a high level update in the report on the early weeks following the announcement that Cheadle had been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative.

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 Council’s proposal for the creation of a £200,000 interest-free loan scheme to cover an initial two year period to encourage businesses to occupy vacant premises by contributing towards the financial costs of physical property improvements was welcomed. However, the details of the scheme and the type of businesses to be encouraged were still being considered.
• It was noted that while the loan scheme was a finite resource, it was intended that monies repaid by business would be recycled and used to provide further such loans to new businesses.
• The issue was highlighted about what provisions were in place should the businesses who benefited from the interest-free loan fail.
• It was acknowledged that district centres were changing with, for example, the closure of banks and building societies, and the increase in internet shopping, but all district centres retained a retail function,
• Criteria would be put in place so that the resources were targeted at areas of greatest need.
• If the scheme was successful, Officers would look to build on the operation of the scheme in the district centres into the local centres. The definition of a district centre may need to be re-examined in the future and this work was ongoing.
• The Stage 1 report by the Institute for Place Management into Vital and Viable District Centres was a snapshot in time and would be submitted to the area committees for Members’ comments. Consequently some of the background information provided within the report in relation to each of the district centres was out of date. The Stage 2 report would come forward in the next year. For the stakeholder groups to be successful they would need to be self-sustaining.
• The money allocated by the Government to Cheadle as part of the Town Fund was for major pieces of work, but consideration could be given to assisting new businesses in the future.
• The different amount of car parking available in each of the district centres was referred to. In addition, there were issues such as those in Edgeley district centre where people parked to use the railway station or walk to the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of our District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into our Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months. 

There is also a high level update in this report on the early work following the announcement that Cheadle has been identified as part of the Government’s Town Fund initiative. 

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

Officer contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email:  paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on proposals that have been developed following a recent Scrutiny Review undertaken into the health and prosperity of Stockport’s district centres, and to shape a future programme of work that would feed into the development of the Local Plan and the future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The creation of a £200,000 interest-free loan scheme to encourage businesses to occupy vacant premises by contributing towards the financial costs of physical property improvements was welcomed.

·         It was noted that while the loan scheme was a finite resource, it was intended that monies repaid by business would be recycled and used to provide further such loans to new businesses.

·         It was important that all of Stockport’s district centres were able to benefit equally from the loan scheme and it was suggested that consideration be given to providing an allocation per district centre.  In response, it was stated that the detail of how the scheme would operate were still being developed, however each application would needed to be assessed on its own merits and would need to fit in with the criteria being developed by the Institute of Place Management.

·         Councillors needed to take responsibility for promoting the scheme within the district centres they represented.

·         It was commented that some of the background information provided within the report in relation to each of the district centres was out of date and needed further checking.

·         As part of the ongoing work on the development of the Local Plan, consideration was being given to the current district centre designations.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.