Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 March 2022 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

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following items:-

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority) as set out in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda item:

12 – Debenhams Redevelopment;

agenda item 13 – Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation Strategic Business Plan 2022 – 2027; and

agenda item 14 – Cheadle Eco Business Park

in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendices.

There were no call-in items to consider.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Director of Place Management.

The report provides a summary of progress against portfolio priorities, performance indicators and budgets during the second half of 2021/22, with a focus on the fourth quarter (January to March 2022).

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:-

a.    consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;  

b.    review the progress against delivering key targets and budgets for 2021/22;

c.    highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

d.    highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report; and

e.    identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services. 

Contact officers: Alan Lawson 07890 563587 | alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

Lisa Joy (474 4044) | lisa.joy@stockport.gov.uk 

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio. The report summarised progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, performance indicators and budgets during the second half of 2021/ 22, with a specific focus on the fourth quarter (January to March 2022).The portfolio dashboard for the Economy and Regeneration Portfolio accompanied the reports.  

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) attended the meeting to respond to member questions. 

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         In relation to the Local Plan, members were advised that the council looked to bring forward an option for consultation in the autumn. It was noted that members of the Local Plan Working Party considered matters relating to development of the plan.

·         Further detail in relation to how many applicants had secured a job through Stockport Jobs Match would be circulated to members for their information.

·         Members were advised that Performance Indictor (PI) targets would be reviewed and brought back for consideration by the committee in the next meeting cycle. The aim was to set realistic targets as far as possible, and a number of factors were taken into account when assessing targets; this included the economy.

·         In response to a question as to why some of the PI’s did not have targets set, it was noted that some of the measures that were targets for the council were outside of the council’s control, such as, for example, partner measures.

·         Members noted that the number of job vacancies outnumbered the number of those unemployed in Stockport, and that this was reflected nationally.

·         It was noted that District Centres had been aligned to the Communities and Housing Portfolio.

·         In relation to addressing youth unemployment, members were advised that some companies were offering work opportunities to young people so that they could gain an insight into working in an industry. The Cabinet Members expressed that he would like to see further companies offering such opportunities.

·         It was noted that the Full Fibre Network programme was a Greater Manchester (GM) wide project that covered buildings (not residents of the borough). It was requested that status information on coverage be circulated to members for their information.

·         Members were advised that the A6 – M60 bypass scheme would be a matter for the Local Plan Working Party to consider.

·         Once the GM Clear Air Plan was published, there would be an opportunity for engagement with any companies impacted by the plan.

·         It was requested that information relating to where gas was being supplied from across the borough be sought and circulated to members for their information. It was noted that the council had not looked at where gas was supplied from outside of the council’s own supplies.

·         It was asked what the £410k unearmarked in reserves were previously earmarked for, and members were advised that a written response would be circulated to members for their information.

·         In relation to the Flood Management aspect of the SEMMMS scheme, an update on the scheme and ongoing work would be given to members in due course.

·         It was noted that the 14 schemes for tranche 2 of the Active Travel works were nearly complete, and the council were seeking funding from Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) to consider a further tranche of schemes.

·         A question was asked in relation to the pedestrianisation schemes around the marketplace, and it was noted that works were currently taking place on-site. The Cabinet Member advised members that he would seek to undertake a review of the scheme following a few months of operation at Churchgate.

·         In relation to earmarked reserves, it was asked whether the £548k capital finance update figure included the £51k allocated for district centres. A written response to the question would be circulated to members in due course.

RESOLVED –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides detail on the application and consultation for the redesignation of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum (HLVNF) as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and note the application of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum for redesignation as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

 Contact officer: Jonathan Mayo 0161474 4551 | jonathan.mayo@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed the application and consultation for the redesignation of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum (HLVNF) as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

Members noted that in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, a designation for a relevant body ceases to have effect after five years. The current designation of HLVNF would cease 13 September 2022. A body may apply to be redesignated; the application was considered a routine requirement to renew the designation of the forum.

RESOLVED – That the application of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum for redesignation as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report sets out updates required to the Transportation Capital Programme for 2022/2023.

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

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out updates required to the Transportation Capital Programme for 2022/ 2023.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         More funding had been awarded to Stockport since the last report to committee.

·         It was requested that members be informed by email of start dates for schemes when work was due to take place. It was noted that members would be informed once the finance had been approved to carry out proposed schemes.

·         In relation to Reddish Vale Road, it was asked whether canalising the river in a straight line would prevent any future potential flooding issues, and it was noted this would increase speed of flow of the river and cause issues. The rail viaduct in question was being monitored by Network Rail.

·         There was a discussion to be had as to where the proposed controlled crossing on Turves Road, Cheadle Hulme, would be located.

·         It was requested that work at the junction of Ladybridge Road and Councillor Lane be considered if funding were to become available.

·         Members were pleased to hear that £30k funding had been allocated to SIDS, and that these funds would provide half a dozen SIDS.

·         Members noted that the government generally granted transportation funding to Greater Manchester on a 5 year cycle and then there was a further process to split the funds locally. It was also noted that other opportunities for funding arose during the year.

·         In relation to the previous damaged SIDS, the Cabinet Member noted member concerns with regards to insurance. Any further consideration of this would be a matter for Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee members.

·         Thanks were expressed to officers for the work undertaken on the zebra crossing in Hazel Grove.

·         The proposed footpath in Devonshire Park was welcomed my members.

RESOLVED – That the report and proposed additions to the programme be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out updates needed to the Skid Resistance Policy Statement for highways in response to national guidance.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider the report and provide any comment on the update of the Skid Resistance Policy Statement, taking into account changes in national guidance from HD 28/15 to CS 228 and the GM framework.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising on the needed update to the Skid Resistance Policy Statement for highways in response to national guidance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Review Panel Lead Councillor.

The report details the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and sets out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and approve the final report for submission to the Cabinet.

Contact officer: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report on behalf of the Scrutiny Review Panel Lead Councillor. The report detailed the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and set out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The report framed the discussions that the Panel had had in relation to district centres.

·         The appointment of two District Centre Managers was a welcome development in supporting Stockport’s district centres.

·         It was requested that an update report which set out implemented recommendations and reviewed outcomes be brought back to the Scrutiny Committee in 6 months’ time. It was noted that Cabinet were required to provide a formal response to the report of the panel.

·         It was requested that the District Centre Managers make contact with members that had not yet been contacted, to discuss their local district centres.

·         An update on the work (phase 2) of the Institute for Place Management (IPM) would be brought back to a future meeting of the committee.

·         It was suggested that a lighting programme for Christmas lights in district centres be considered.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their support to members in carrying out the review.

RESOLVED – That the final Scrutiny Review Panel report be recommended for submission to Cabinet.

To seek suggestions for scrutiny review topics for inclusion in the 2022 - 2023 scrutiny work programme.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a suggested process for the selection of scrutiny review topics and an explanation as to how the reviews would be supported.   

The committee was invited to choose a topic for their next review. 

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to include ‘The Economic and Social Case for Metrolink in Stockport’ within the 2022/ 23 Scrutiny Work Programme.

 (2) That Councillors Louise Heywood, Oliver Johnstone, Will Dawson and David Meller be nominated to sit on the proposed scrutiny review panel.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance).

The report sets out planned agenda items for the scrutiny committee’s next meeting and forward plan items that fall within the remit of the scrutiny committee.

The scrutiny committee is invited to consider the information in the report, and put forward any agenda items for future meetings of the committee.

Officer contact: Charlie Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the planned agenda items for the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, and detailed forward plan items that fell within the remit of the committee for information. 

The Scrutiny Committee requested that the committee’s work programme be reviewed so that items of business to be considered are evenly spread throughout the municipal year.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic and Monitoring Officer) be requested to make arrangements for an item to be programmed onto the agenda for a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to KPIs around car parking, including occupancy rates and how the council could optimise occupancy rates, as well as current parking provision in district centres.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report sets out the council’s strategy for the vacant, former Debenhams building located on the A6 in Stockport Town Centre, and seeks Cabinet approval for investment in the council’s preferred option for the building.

(NOTE: The report contains confidential appendices that have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

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

Contact officer: Robert Goulsbra 0161 218 1764 | robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk   

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the council’s strategy for the vacant, former Debenhams building located on the A6 in Stockport town centre, and sought Cabinet approval for investment in the council’s preferred option for the building.

The Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report and proposals.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report and appendices set out the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Strategic Business Plan and Annual Action Plan for consideration.

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

1)    comment on and note the report; and

2)    note the proposal that an All Member Briefing be arranged with the Chair of the MDC, Lord Kerslake, and the Chief Executive of the MDC at the earliest opportunity to provide further detail of the work of the MDC, both ongoing and future.

Contact officer: Paul Richards | paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk 

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Strategic Business Plan and Annual Action Plan for consideration.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The Cabinet Member suggested that he arrange a briefing on the MDC for new and existing members of the Scrutiny Committee.

·         It was noted that the affordable housing policy would come forward as part of the Local Plan consultation.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the proposal that an All Member Briefing be arranged with the Chair of the MDC, Lord Kerslake, and the Chief Executive of the MDC at the earliest opportunity to provide further detail of the work of the MDC, both ongoing and future, be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report seeks Cabinet approval for the procurement of development management services for the Cheadle Eco Business Park project. The appointment would be following a pre-engagement marketing exercise and then subsequent procurement. Permission is also sought for delegated authority to appoint the Development Manager following conclusion of a procurement process. 

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

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

Contact officer: Robert Goulsbra 0161 218 1764 | robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought Cabinet approval for the procurement of development management services for the Cheadle Eco Business Park project. Permission was also sought for delegated authority to appoint a Development Manager following conclusion of a procurement process.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work on the project to date.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.