Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The Council developed a bid which was successfully awarded OPE 6 funding in 2018, along with securing match funding from TfGM and Network Rail to develop a methodology to review the 19 Stockport Rail Stations and the surrounding land within which they reside, with the remit to assess the enormous potential to unlock land for housing, community uses, growth and wider development.  This was brought forward through a partnership approach with London & Continental Railways (LCR) a government department of the Department for Transport, Network Rail (NR), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and GMCA known as ‘The Alliance’.

The report details the exploration of opportunities around 4 stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6. 

The Cabinet is recommended to note the contents of this report and:-

(1) Endorse the work carried out to date and confirm that the Council should continue to progress the strategic relationship with LCR, TfGM and Network Rail with regards potential redevelopment plans around Cheadle Hulme and Hazel Grove Stations;

(2) Authorise the investigation of opportunities at the other Stockport stations;

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive Place and to the Deputy Chief Executive CSS in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Resources and Commissioning, and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to agree the terms of the strategic relationship with LCR, TfGM and Network Rail in order to provide the necessary commitment to LCR.

Officer contact Andy Prideaux on 0161 217 6926 or email: andrew.prideaux@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) confirming that the Council had been successfully awarded OPE 6 funding in 2018, along with securing match funding from TfGM and Network Rail to develop a methodology to review the 19 Stockport Rail Stations and the surrounding land within which they reside, with the remit to assess the enormous potential to unlock land for housing, community uses, growth and wider development. 

The report detailed the exploration of opportunities around 4 stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6.

RESOLVED - (1) That the work carried out to date be endorsed and confirmation be given that the Council should continue to progress the strategic relationship with LCR, TfGM and Network Rail with regards potential redevelopment plans around Cheadle Hulme and Hazel Grove Stations;

(2) That authorisation be given to the investigation of opportunities at the other Stockport stations;

(3) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive Place and to the Deputy Chief Executive CSS in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Resources and Commissioning, and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to agree the terms of the strategic relationship with LCR, TfGM and Network Rail in order to provide the necessary commitment to LCR.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out details of the exploration of four rail stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6. These proposals are at an early stage, but it is important that each of the opportunities are explored in detail to maximise the benefit to the Council and residents.

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

Officer Contact: Andy Prideaux on 0161 217 6926 or email: andrew.prideaux@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out detailing of the exploration of four rail stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6. The proposals were at an early stage, but it was important that each of the opportunities were explored in detail to maximise the benefit to the Council and residents.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed that Members had first become aware of the proposals from a source other than the Council.

·         The railway estate was large and disparate and presented a number of opportunities. The opportunity to make stations more attractive developments to help encourage a modal shift in transport was important.

·         Members enquired what criteria was used to choose the particular stations, given that no firm view had been taken as to what developments would take place.

·         There had currently been no approaches from companies regarding third party land acquisitions.

·         There was scope to look at opportunities in other parts of the borough in addition to those referred to in the report if it was felt appropriate.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy chief Executive

The report sets out details of the exploration of four rail stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6. These proposals are at an early stage, but it is important that each of the opportunities are explored in detail to maximise the benefit to the Council and residents.

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

Officer Contact: Andy Prideaux on 0161 217 6926 or email: andrew.prideaux@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out detailing of the exploration of four rail stations in Stockport as part of the Stockport Stations Alliance programme under One Public Estate (OPE) 6. The proposals were at an early stage, but it was important that each of the opportunities were explored in detail to maximise the benefit to the Council and residents.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members enquired what criteria was used to choose the particular stations, given that no firm view had been taken as to what developments would take place.

·          Nothing had been decided with regard to what development would take place and discussions were at a very early stage with the Local Planning Authority.

·         Concern was expressed that local Members had been informed of the proposals from a source other than the Council.

·         It was important to see how the proposals fitted in with the Greater Manchester Rail Prospectus.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That this Scrutiny Committee recommends that the Cabinet engages with members of the public at an early stage of the process.