Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 16 June 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RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority) as set out in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972,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 9 - ‘MDC Stockport 8 procurement’ and agenda item 10 - ‘Stockport Exchange – demolition of Wellington Road South properties’ in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendices.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 report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report sets out the draft 2022/ 23 Portfolio Agreement for the Economy and Regeneration portfolio, including priorities, delivery plans and budgets for the current year. 

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

Contact officer: Paul Richards 0161 474 2940 | paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft 2022/23 agreements for the Economy and Regeneration portfolio for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee.

Policy priorities for 2022/23 were set out in the Council Plan, which was adopted at the Budget Council Meeting in February. This incorporated the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet. These priorities were articulated within the Portfolio Agreements and formed the basis for regular in-year reporting.

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         In response to a question as to how the council would achieve the government’s intention for 50% of all public sector food to be found locally, it was noted that the detail of the government proposals in relation to the policy were as of yet unknown.

·         In response to a further question as to why there were 8 areas in Stockport classified as district centres, and not more, for instance, Heald Green, members were advised that the district centres were a planning designation within the local plan.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report and appendices set out the Final Draft Economic Plan for consideration. The plan details specific actions for both the council and other stakeholders, as well as anticipated timescales for delivery.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review, comment on, and endorse the Final Draft Stockport Economic Plan and Action Plan.  

Contact officer: Paul Richards 0161 474 2940 | paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the final draft Stockport Economic Plan 2022 for consideration. The action plan which accompanied the report, detailed specific actions for both the council and other stakeholders, as well as anticipated timescales for delivery.

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A covering report, including an action plan for 2022-23, now accompanied the final draft Stockport Economic Plan 2022.

·         The importance of the Stockport Local Plan underpinning all other plans was stressed.

·         Members were reassured that the Stockport Economic Alliance were committed to delivering the plan’s actions. The alliance were to review and scrutinise actions at each of its meetings.

·         A report on action progress, as well as a summary of the last 12 month period, would be brought back to meetings of the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee annually.

·         Members were to receive an update on the plan every quarter.

·         It was noted that work on the Stockport Local Plan had been paused in order to seek clarification from central government on their current agenda in relation to planning matters. Further, that a number of other local authorities had paused their plans for the same reason. The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration intended to write to the minister for this clarification; the letter would be drafted in consultation with Group Leaders.

·         It was suggested that other modes of transport be explored within the plan.

·         It was advised that, within the comparative geographies map, the locations were chosen for a number of reasons which included but were not limited to, the fact that they were close to cities and population size.

·         It was suggested that Alexander Hospital, Cheadle, be added to the key employer’s list.

·         One of the intentions of the plan was that it supported business to come to Stockport, survive and thrive.

At 6.33 pm, it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 6.22 pm on 20 September 2020.

The following comments were also made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that a Housing Development Plan was due to be released in December 2023.

·         Members were advised that it was unknown as to how long work on the Stockport Local Plan would be paused. The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration explained that as soon as clarification was given, members would be informed.

RESOLVED – That the final draft Stockport Economic Plan 2022 and action plan be noted and that the Cabinet be recommended to endorse the plans.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report and appendices set out an initial stage Plan which has been developed to articulate a set of priorities and potential interventions to address both the transport challenges but also the opportunities identified for Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review and comment on the draft Plan.

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 an initial stage plan developed to articulate a set of priorities and potential interventions to address both the transport challenges but also the opportunities identified for Stockport.

Members were pleased to have the watching briefing in relation to Metrolink, owing to the Scrutiny Review Panel and chosen topic.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

1)    consider the report and any agenda items for future meetings of the committee; and

2)    to note the report.

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 Stockport Local Plan be added as a standing agenda item to each meeting agenda in order to maintain momentum on the progression of the plan in achieving the December 2023 deadline.

RESOLVED – (1) that the report be noted; and

(2) that the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic and Monitoring Officer) be requested to make arrangements for a standing item to be programmed onto the agendas for future meetings of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Stockport Local Plan.

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner (a private sector development entity) to bring forward development on the sites in Stockport Town Centre West known as Stockport 8.

(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: Paul Richards 0161 474 2940 | paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk 

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking Cabinet approval for the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner (a private sector development entity) to bring forward development on the sites in Stockport Town Centre West known as Stockport 8.

Members noted that, although the report was written in June 2022, it remained fit for purpose; there was no significant variation from anticipated inflation as a result of national circumstances.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report seeks Cabinet approval to progress with the demolition and subsequent landscaping of 76- 84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road.

(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 of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which sought Cabinet approval to progress with the demolition and subsequent landscaping of 76- 84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members were advised that the proposal’s aim was to enable future growth.

·         Access to the site would be from the rear, and it was hoped that there would be no disruption to the A6 traffic route. It was noted that there may potentially be minimal impact on the footway.

·         A concern was raised about the possibility for anti-social behaviour owing to the risks around urbanised open space. It was asked that officers seek to ensure that the space be used appropriately.

·         Thanks were expressed to officers for a comprehensive report and progress on the work to date.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

On 31st August 2022 the Leader of the Council agreed that it would not be appropriate to bring the report on the commencement of the consultation on the draft Stockport Local Plan through the September committee cycle for the following reasons:-

·         the continued significant uncertainty at national government level in relation to proposed reforms to the planning system, including the standard methodology for determining housing need;

·         the significant uncertainty of the impact of the change of national government leadership; and

·         the cost of the proposed consultation process in the context of the pressures that our residents and businesses are facing regarding the costs of living.

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

Officer contact:  Emma Curle on Tel: 0161-474-3542 or by email on emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk or Michael Cullen on 07866 999 917 or by email on michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the reasons as to why the work on the Stockport Local Plan had been paused.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The commencement of the consultation on the draft Stockport Local Plan had been paused owing to:

o   the continued significant uncertainty at national government level in relation to proposed reforms to the planning system (including the standard methodology for determining housing need);

o   the significant uncertainty of the impact of the change of national government leadership; and

o   the cost of the proposed consultation process in the context of the pressures that Stockport’s residents and businesses were facing regarding the costs of living.

·         The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration advised members that it was prudent to pause work on the plan to seek clarification on the matters.

·         It was expected that the plan would be complete in time for the December 2023 deadline.

·         It was suggested that, if clarity was not forthcoming from government, that contingencies be made for restarting work by an appropriate deadline.

·         It was noted that the letter had not yet been sent to the minister owing to the period of national mourning for the late Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. It was suggested that a copy of the letter also be sent to local Members of Parliament for their information.

·         Members were advised that a further letter would also be sent to the minister in relation to planning fees in due course.

·         The Scrutiny Committee requested that the advice from counsel be circulated to members for their information.

·         The financial implications of not having an up to date local plan were stressed. Further, it was felt that there would always remain uncertainly in relation to local plans, and that plans could be amended to reflect changes as needed. Members were reassured that progress would be made as soon as practicable.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.