Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 April 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 April 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and Officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

There were no call-in items to consider.

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

The report provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the final update report, with a focus on the fourth quarter of the year (January to March). It includes out-turn performance and financial data (where this is available) for the Portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         Consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;  

·         Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2017/18;

·         Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

·         Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report;

·         Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email: alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk / Kora Yohannan on 0161 474 4032 or email: kora.yohannan@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the final update report, with a focus on the fourth quarter of the year (January to March), It included out-turn performance and financial data (where this was available) for the Portfolio, along with an update on the portfolio savings programme.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Support was given to the recognition of town centre management as increasingly important for the future health and viability of Stockport Town Centre. The Corporate Director undertook to advise Members of the cost of the free wi-fi.
• Concern was expressed that footfall in the market area was below target (Performance Indicator E&R 02). It was highlighted that the new operator for the produce hall and Blackshaws café would be open six days a week and would attract additional customers. Comparisons were drawn with Altrincham market where the food and drink offer had boosted the goods market.
• With regard to Performance Indicator E&R 05, C02 emissions (metric tons per capita) within the scope of influence of local authorities, Members enquired whether any analysis had been carried out to review what impact the Council had directly upon this. The Corporate Director agreed to provide information on the background and an explanation to this indicator.
• Concern was expressed that the percentage of occupied retail, commercial and business premises within the Borough’s district centres was below target. (Performance Indicator E&R10). The Scrutiny Committee was advised that Officers had commenced work looking specifically at the Borough’s district centres. This would help to provide detailed information on land usage and business occupancy levels etc.
• In response to a query why the square feet of office, retail and industrial space let or sold to new occupiers in Stockport Town Centre was below target (Performance Indicator E&R 13a), it was pointed out that this target included developments such as Redrock which were now fully occupied.
• A Member enquired what the new ‘marketing collateral’ for use at the MIPIM event in March comprised of and how much it cost.
• A Member enquired to what extent the Council could influence the standards for permitted development through its design guides.
• The Brownfield Register, which was available on the Council’s website, had proved invaluable to the compilation of a list of brownfield sites in the Borough.
• It may well be beyond the ability of the Council to halt the decline of the retail sector in the town centre.
• The Corporate Director undertook to provide a briefing for the new Marple Councillors on the package of mitigation and complementary measures for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on two work streams: the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight aspects of Inclusive Growth.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         note and comment upon the content of the report with regard to the two work streams reported on;

·         endorse the Council’s approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport;

·         endorse the creation of the Stockport Work and skills board in June/July so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin; and

·         in relation to Community Insight, support the app[roach as outlined in paragraphs 3.9 - 3.11 of the report.

Officer Contacts:

Richard Mortimer on 0161 474 3864 or richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk (Work and Skills Commission)

Joanna Foskett on 07875 990407 or email: joanna.foskett@stockport.gov.uk (Community Insight).

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on two work streams: the Works and Skills Commission and Community Insight Aspects of Inclusive Growth. The aim of the Work and Skills Commission was to identify the key issues and opportunities for Stockport and to create a skills system that could address the challenges of a changing economic landscape. The aim of the Community Insight work stream was to understand the causes and impact of poverty, particularly in relation to employment, skills and education.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Although one of the training workshops had focussed heavily on young people, others were attended by a variety of people, including people with disabilities and long term health problems.
• A Member requested details of the cost of the consultation workshops and the take-up. 
• In response to a Member’s question, the Scrutiny Committee was advised that Officers were currently working on a definition of poverty and information would be provided when this was available. In the absence of this, one of the national measures was currently being used.
• With regard to Priority 3 in the Work and Skills Action Plan, a Member enquired what the current pay levels for apprentices were.
• With regard to Priority 6 in the Work and Skills Action Plan, the Work and Skills Commission would advise on how to enable all in the community to be able to access work and skills advice and support that addressed their personal needs and situation.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and the overall approach of the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight work streams be supported.

(2) That the further background report on the Community Insight investigation be forwarded to all members of the Scrutiny Committee.

(3) That Members be provided with the definition of poverty used to calculate the families in Stockport living in poverty.

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

The report sets out a plan produced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, in partnership with the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester and Highways England, for tackling congestion across Greater Manchester.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the implications of the Greater Manchester Congestion Plan for Stockport and endorse the plan in advance of its submission to the Cabinet for approval.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a plan produced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, in partnership with the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester and Highways England, for tackling congestion across Greater Manchester.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Whilst offering general support to the report, Members queried how Stockport would benefit from what was contained in it.
• More emphasis should be placed on employers encouraging employees to work from home.
• Stockport was close to gridlock on the M60 at peak times and a Member requested information on traffic flows on the M60.
• For the benefit of new Members of the Scrutiny Committee, the Cabinet Member agreed to circulate the report on transport priorities for Stockport which had previously been circulated to Members of the Scrutiny Committee.
• Support was given to the ‘Streets for All’ programme to improve highways for all road users.

RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

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

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on the work which has been progressing to translate the transport priorities following the South East Manchester Multi Modal strategy (SEMMMS) Issues and Options consultation into a draft SEMMM Strategy document ready for public consultation prior to its final adoption by both Stockport and Cheshire East Councils.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the activities being undertaken as part of the consultation period and comment on the draft Strategy.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the work which had been progressing to translate the transport priorities following the South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy (SEMMMS) Issues and Options consultation into a draft SEMMM Strategy document ready for public consultation prior to its final adoption by both Stockport and Cheshire East Councils.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• It was requested that a consultation event be held in High Lane.
• A Member requested that the current situation with regard to SEMMMS be assessed with regard to its original aims when the study was published in 2001. It was requested that this response be circulated to all Members of the Scrutiny Committee.
• The possible extension of Metrolink to Stockport was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director Place Management and Regeneration.

This report seeks Member approval to progress with the development of an iconic regeneration scheme in Stockport town centre that will deliver a new state-of-the-art transport Interchange on the site of the existing bus station, combining a new green park, and high quality residential development with at-grade access from Wellington Road South.  The development will provide a link to the railway station and a new bridge over the Mersey which will take advantage of the opening up of the river planned as part of the scheme. 

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

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

A report of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) setting out progress with the development of an iconic regeneration scheme in Stockport town centre that would deliver a new state-of-the-art transport interchange on the existing bus station, combining a new green park, and high quality residential development with at-grade access from Wellington Road South. The development would provide a link to the railway station and a new bridge over the River Mersey which would take advantage of the opening up of the river planned as part of the scheme.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Clarification was sought on the financing of the scheme. The cost of the scheme was based on experience of funding developments within Manchester City Centre, although it was pointed out that there wasn’t a residential development in the City Centre that was comparable to this one. The Corporate Director agreed to provide Members with a full breakdown of the funding model.

RESOLVED – (1) That Cabinet be advised that the Scrutiny Committee supports the scheme.

(2) That Members of the Scrutiny Committee be provided with more details on the funding of the scheme.

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

This report, and the detailed Development Framework document included as an Annex, outlines the scale of the opportunity for Stockport’s residential market in light of the momentum generated by ongoing regeneration and transport infrastructure programmes, and assesses the barriers to bringing forward residential growth.

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

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) outlining the scale of the opportunity for Stockport’s residential market in light of the momentum generated by ongoing regeneration and transport infrastructure programmes, and assessing the barriers to bringing forward residential growth.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The aim was to start work on the strategy as soon as approval was given by the Cabinet.
• The more residential development in the town centre would reduce the pressure on the green belt.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be advised that the Scrutiny Committee supports the strategy.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director Place Management and Regeneration.

The report details a proposal to market for potential future sale the former Ritz Cinema site between Piccadilly and Fletcher Street for residential development in line with the Council’s Town Centre Living and Brownfield First priorities.

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

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

A report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to market for potential future sale the former Ritz Cinema site between Piccadilly and Fletcher Street for residential development in line with the Council’s Town Centre Living and Brownfield First priorities.

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

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be advised that the Scrutiny Committee supports the proposal.