Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 August 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 August 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Executive.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Executive Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Executive, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Executive on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

11 questions were submitted. Four of the questions had been submitted by members of the public who were not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, written responses would be provided to these questions.

(1)  The first question asked what compensatory measures had been discussed and the timescale for their implementation, in connection with the proposed disposal of open space in Brinnington (see Minute 7 below).

In response the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) stated that discussions were ongoing between the Council and the Friends of Reddish Vale regarding the compensatory measure and consideration was being given to the Group’s suggestion of replacement toilets at Reddish Vale Visitors Centre, the estimated cost of which was £60,000 - £70,000. The provisions of the Development Agreement underpinning the disposal of these sites meant that the monies to be paid to the Council would be in stages as the project progresses, so resources for the compensatory works would not be available immediately. The Council was therefore exploring the feasibility of ‘front funding’ these works to avoid significant delays. It was emphasised that at this stage it could not be cannot guaranteed that the Council would be able to carry out the works prior to the receipt of the first payment from the developer.

(2)  The second question sought clarity on why the Investing in Stockport Business Case for Public Realm and Solutions SK made no reference to staffing reductions in Reddish Vale Country Park, what the significance was of references to ‘Key Parks’ and what bearing this had on the status of the Country Park.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) stated that no reference had been made to staffing in the Country Park as there were no proposals to alter this. It was also clarified that the term ‘Key Parks’ had no significance beyond the Business Case and was simply to identify the fact some parks would be affected.

(3)  The third question referred to the Marple Place and Underbanks Proposals report (see Minute 6 below) and asked what consultation would be undertaken over the proposed move of the Market, including who would administer and evaluate the consultation.

In response, the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) stated that the Council had already undertaken some consultation with Traders, and was committed to ongoing dialogue and engagement with Traders and other interested parties as the details of the proposals were developed. The Executive Councillor gave an assurance that a timeline for consultation would be provided and that he was committed to ensure that these proposals would be developed promptly to remove uncertain for traders. It was also stated that the Council had already worked with particular traders to discuss their potential relocation options.

(4)  The fourth question asked if the Council would produce a further detailed report on the possibility of keeping the market in the Market Place and improving it in its present location with the emphasis on a new start for Stockport Market.

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) responded by stating that the Council had previously commissioned and implemented the Market Improvement Plan, which aimed at improving the market in its current location.  Although significant improvement had been achieved, this had not stopped the decline of the market.  As a result, the Council was now proposing an alternative location for the existing market traders.  Specific proposals would be subject to a detailed business case that would be presented to the Executive for decision. It was further stated that the Council was committed to enhancing the market as this was a key element in promoting and enhancing the vibrancy of Stockport.

(5)  The fifth question asked why the Council was supporting the establishment of a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED - That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to the following item, in the event of the content of this appendix needing to be discussed:-

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy)

The purpose of this report is to update the Executive on progress with the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Strategy. There has been significant progress achieved, however the area is still very fragile.   It is recognised that an overall framework for intervention is required, in order to support and deliver the strategy and outcomes for the area. To take this forward, regeneration consultants Urban Vision were commissioned to develop a vision and an urban design plan to regenerate the core Market Place and Underbanks area and their report is attached at Appendix 1. The report before the Executive proposes a vision for taking forward proposals to further enhance and support this area.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         approve the overall approach;

·         agree to accept further reports setting out the business case for specific proposals including relating to alternative uses for the market halls and relocation of the market.

Officer contact: Nicola Turner, 0161 218 1635, nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the progress in delivering the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Strategy and to consider proposals for enhancing this work, based on a study undertaken by Urban Vision. That study made a series of recommendations to further enhance the Market Place and Underbanks area and approval was sought from the Executive to endorse this strategic vision and to develop more detailed proposals to support it.

Executive councillors explained that while the previous measures and the hard work of traders had led to improvements in the look and quality of the facilities of the market, this had not led to significant increases in footfall. Concerns were expressed that further incremental change would have little effect on the levels of footfall and that bolder measures were needed to make the most of the opportunities the market had to offer.

Executive councillors acknowledged the need to develop proposals as soon as possible, involving and engaging traders and businesses through the process. Suggestions made at the recent Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee that greater management control of the market be given to the traders organisations were welcomed and it was suggested that this be explored further.

RESOLVED – That

·         the overall approach to the future of the Market Place and Underbanks as set out in the report be approved;

·         further reports be submitted to the Executive setting out the business case for specific proposals including relating to alternative uses for the market halls and relocation of the market.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy)

The report concerns land in Brinnington which is the subject of regeneration proposals under the Brinnington Master Plan which was approved by the Executive at its meeting on 14 March 2011. There are six plots of land within the report, mostly consisting of open space which has planning approval for housing development by a preferred developer (Countryside Properties). There are no suitable alternative sites within the urban area of Brinnington and it is crucial to the regeneration strategy that a critical mass of new family housing is built in Brinnington.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         note and have regard to the representations received and summarised in Appendix A relating to the intention to dispose of parcels of open space for development;

·         agree that the land identified in sites A and C be declared surplus to requirements for community use;

·         agree that the land identified in sites A, B, C, D, E and F be appropriated to planning purposes pursuant to S.122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972;

·         reaffirm its intention of the 2 April 2013 and agrees to dispose of the land shown in sites A, B, C and E to Countryside Properties and sites D and F to Stockport Homes Ltd for the purpose set out in the report, subject to 5.5;

·         agree to the disposal of the open space land within Site E, subject to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration being satisfied that the Council has the capacity to dispose of and appropriate to planning purposes the open space land.

·         agree to the inclusion of Stockport Homes Limited in the partnership Development Agreement with Countryside Properties Limited for the disposal and development of land at Brinnington.

Officer contact: Murray Carr/ Andy Kippax, 0161-474-3019/ 4319, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk / andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider proposals to dispose of plots of land in Brinnington to facilitate regeneration of the area. The intention to dispose of these plots had been subject to public consultation, in line with legislative requirements, and a summary of the responses was set out in the appendix to the report.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed disposal of parcels of open space for development in Brinnington

(i)        the representations received and summarised in Appendix A be noted;

(ii)       the land identified as sites A and C in the report be declared surplus to requirements for community use;

(iii)      the land identified as sites A, B, C, D, E and F be appropriated to planning purposes pursuant to S.122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972;

(iv)      the intention of the Executive as detailed in the Minutes of the 2 April 2013 be reaffirmed and agreement be given to dispose of the land shown in sites A, B, C and E to Countryside Properties and sites D and F to Stockport Homes Ltd for the purpose set out in the report, subject to resolution (v) below;

(v)       the disposal of the open space land within Site E be agreed, subject to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration being satisfied that the Council has the capacity to dispose of and appropriate to planning purposes the open space land;

(vi)      the inclusion of Stockport Homes Limited in the partnership Development Agreement with Countryside Properties Limited for the disposal and development of land at Brinnington be agreed.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places)

The report provides an update on the ongoing discussions with Highways England regarding the property along the route of their former A6 (M) scheme which is now part of the proposed SEMMMS Relief Road A6 to M60 scheme. The report also provides information on the Government’s funding for a study into this scheme and the commissioning of a review and update of the SEMMMS Strategy.

The Executive is requested to support the proposed approach to the Highways England Property and the A6 to M60 SEMMMS Relief Road Study and the review and updating of the SEMMM Strategy and agree that following final comment from TfGM and Highways England, the brief can be finalised.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider an update on negotiations with Highways England regarding the property along the route of the former A6 (M) scheme which was now part of the proposed SEMMMS Relief Road A6 to M60 scheme. The report also provided information on Government funding for a study into this scheme and the commissioning of the review and update of the SEMMM Strategy.

RESOLVED – That the proposed approach to the Highways England Property and the A6 to M60 SEMMMS Relief Road Study and the review and updating of the SEMMM Strategy be approved, and that following final consultation with Transport for Greater Manchester and Highways England, the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to finalise the brief for a study of the economic and financial case for the proposed road.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places)

The report provides an update on the strategic approach to transport asset management that has been adopted by this Council and an introduction and overview of the proposed Transport Asset Management Strategy (TAMS) included in appendix 1. Stockport Council adopted an asset management approach to the maintenance of transportation assets a number of years ago and the Highways Investment Programme commenced in 2014 is an example of the implementation of a more strategic approach to the investment and maintenance of the transportation networks.

The TAMS provides the guiding principles, objectives, processes, actions and current estimated investments that are needed to ensure that the performance of Stockport’s transport infrastructure can support our corporate aspirations whilst maintaining long term financial sustainability over the period from 2015 to 2034. It clarifies the links between our approach to management of transport assets and specific objectives for economic growth, environmental sustainability and the promotion of greater independence of people in Stockport to enable them to get out and about. The strategy identifies a preferred approach to investment but identifies that further work is required to clarify funding requirements for certain types of assets and that additional funding mechanisms would need to be investigated to achieve the investment required.

The Executive is recommended to:

·         Approve the Transport Asset Management Strategy as Stockport Council’s strategy for investment in maintenance of the transport network.

·         Approve that the financial profile in ANNEX 4 of the TAMS is used as the basis for future bidding for additional maintenance capital.

·         Support the development and implementation of the performance plan in Part 3 of the TAMS.

Sue Stevenson on Tel: 0161-474-4351 or by email on sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider an update on the implementation of the Council’s strategic approach to transport asset management and providing an introduction and overview of the proposed Transport Asset Management Strategy (TAMS). The TAMS provided the principles, objectives, processes, actions and current estimated investments that were needed to ensure that the performance of Stockport’s transport infrastructure could support the Council’s corporate aspirations whilst maintaining long term financial sustainability over the period from 2015 to 2034.

RESOLVED – That

·         the Transport Asset Management Strategy (TAMS) be approved as Stockport Council’s strategy for investment in maintenance of the transport network;

·         the financial profile in Annex 4 of the TAMS be approved for use as the basis for future bidding for additional maintenance capital;

·         the development and implementation of the performance plan in Part 3 of the TAMS be supported.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy)

This report seeks authority to proceed with the acquisition, if necessary by compulsory purchase, and subsequent disposal of the former Tatton Cinema site, Gatley. Throughout the 15 years the site has been vacant the Council has sought to encourage redevelopment without success and remains in a similar position presently. Although negotiations continue for a satisfactory outcome it is considered the Compulsory Purchase Order should now be made to ensure that the whole site is finally returned to beneficial use.

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ within one of its appendices and has been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive is invited to:-

·         authorise the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to Section 226 (1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and all other relevant powers to acquire all outstanding land and interests for the purpose of development, redevelopment or improvement in respect of the land needed to facilitate the proposed redevelopment of land comprising the former Tatton Cinema site, Gatley as shown edged red on the plan appended hereto (Appendix 3) and now displayed with the objective of promoting and improving the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the local and wider community of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport;

·         authorise that if the Compulsory Purchase Order is confirmed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and brought into operation, that the Executive agrees to the acquisition of the land contained in the Compulsory Purchase Order, subject to there being no material change in circumstances that would mean that the Council could not properly pursue the Compulsory Purchase Order;

·         authorise the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Support and Governance) and (Thriving Economy) to take such action as is necessary, including the disposal of the former Tatton Cinema site so as to return the former Tatton Cinema site to beneficial use;

·         authorise that the acquisition be funded by the disposal proceeds and any shortfall from capital reserves;

·         authorise that if deemed to be necessary, that the Executive agrees to carry out and enter into arrangements to secure the appropriation for planning purposes of the land required for the proposed redevelopment of the former Tatton Cinema site in order to utilise the power contained in Section 237 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Officer contact: George Perrin, 0161 474 4510, george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider proposals for the acquisition of the former Tatton Cinema site in Gatley, including through compulsory purchase powers. It was proposed that negotiations would continue with developers to seek to reach a satisfactory outcome for this site, but it was considered the Compulsory Purchase Order should now be made to ensure that the whole site was returned to beneficial use.

Executive councillors welcomed the proposals and the steps being taken to resolve the unsatisfactory situation and to improve a prominent site within Gatley village.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ within one of its appendices and had been circulated to executive councillors only)

RESOLVED – That in relation to the former Tatton Cinema site, Gatley

·         authorisation be given to the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and all other relevant powers to acquire all outstanding land and interests for the purpose of development, redevelopment or improvement in respect of the land needed to facilitate the proposed redevelopment of land comprising the former Tatton Cinema site, Gatley as shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 3 of the report with the objective of promoting and improving the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the local and wider community of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport;

·         if the Compulsory Purchase Order was confirmed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and brought into operation, that authorisation be given to the acquisition of the land contained in the Compulsory Purchase Order, subject to there being no material change in circumstances that would mean that the Council could not properly pursue the Compulsory Purchase Order;

·         the Corporate Directors for Corporate and Support Services and for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Councillors (Support & Governance) and (Thriving Economy) be authorised to take such action as was necessary, including the disposal of the former Tatton Cinema site so as to return the former Tatton Cinema site to beneficial use;

·         agreement be given to the acquisition be funded by the disposal proceeds and any shortfall being met from capital reserves;

·         if deemed to be necessary, authorisation be given to carry out and enter into arrangements to secure the appropriation for planning purposes of the land required for the proposed redevelopment of the former Tatton Cinema site in order to utilise the power contained in Section 237 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy)

The report seeks approval for Stockport Homes to continue with solar PV investment.  An offer from Empower Communities would see Stockport Homes/SMBC continue with solar PV within the borough and truly cement Stockport as the Solar PV ‘capital’ of Greater Manchester.  The ‘Rent a Roof’ (RaR) Model offered by Empower Communities offers great benefits to be realised by the tenants who are expected to save around £158 each year on their electricity bills. The Council/SHL will also receive approximately £3m over a 20 year period.

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         note the contents of this report;

·         to approve that further work is carried out as described, with a view to the Council/SHL entering into a contractual relationship with Empower Communities to take forward this proposal; and

·         delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services to prepare and enter into a legal agreement with Empower Communities to facilitate the installation of the solar panels, as described within this report.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to continue with solar PV panel investment through the ‘Rent a Roof’ (RaR) Model offered by Empower Communities. The offer also provided benefits for those tenants who took part in the scheme and had panels installed who could save approximately £158 per year on electricity bills.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the Council and Stockport Homes Limited entering into a contractual relationship with Empower Communities to take forward the proposed ‘Rent a Roof’ model for the provision of solar PV equipment, subject to the additional work being carried out as described in the report.

(2) That the Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services be authorised to prepare and enter into a legal agreement with Empower Communities to facilitate the installation of the solar panels, as described in the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy)

The Council is required to produce a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) setting how it will engage local communities and other interested parties in producing their Local Plan (LDF) and determining planning applications. An update to the Council’s current (2010) SCI is now required so as to reflect changes to the Council’s planning service structure and in-house processes, to national legislation/regulations governing both plan-making and development management processes, to some specific stakeholder agencies and to set out specific consultation arrangements for the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF). The report seeks approval to adopt the revised SCI.

The Executive is requested to recommend to the Council Meeting that it approve the adoption of the revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) as set out in Appendix 1, subject to the amendments set out in Appendix 2 and below paragraph 2.8 of the report.

Officer contact: Richard Wood, 0161 474 4385, Richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the draft revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) that formed part of the Local Development Framework, and which set out how the Council would engage local communities and other interested parties in producing the Local Plan and determining planning applications. The draft SCI had been subject to public consultation and the responses were detailed in an appendix to the report.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the adoption of the revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) as set out in Appendix 1, subject to the amendments set out in Appendix 2 and paragraph 2.8 of the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy)

The report provides a summary of some of the key issues and trends within the borough in relation to homelessness, and outlines the service developments that have been or are being made to prevent and alleviate homelessness. This information was requested by the Adult Social Care and Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The report also seeks approval for a pilot scheme that would enable the Council to discharge its homelessness duties by offering private sector accommodation. This approach would enable offers to be made more swiftly given the shortage of some types of social housing within the Borough, but still ensure that families had a quality offer of accommodation and a high level of on-going support.  It will also mean that homeless households are not just concentrated within Council estates, but housed more evenly across the Borough.

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         note the content of the report;

·         approve a pilot scheme that would enable the Council to discharge its homelessness duties by offering private sector accommodation.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a proposal to pilot the Council discharging its homelessness duties by offering private sector accommodation that it was hoped would allow housing offers to be made more swiftly given the shortage of some types of social housing within the Borough, but still ensure that families had a quality offer of accommodation and a high level of on-going support. The report also summarised some of the key issues and trends within the borough in relation to homelessness, and outlined the service developments made to prevent and alleviate homelessness.

RESOLVED – That report be noted and approval be given to the pilot scheme that would enable the Council to discharge its homelessness duties by offering private sector accommodation.

To consider a joint report of the (Independence & Wellbeing) and (Supporting Adults).

The purpose of this report is to approve the 2015/16 Section 75 / pooled fund agreement between the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).     

In addition the report highlights the in principle agreement to significantly increase the value of the pooled fund in 2016/17 and the work to be completed to ensure that the future S75 agreement recognises the larger and more volatile areas coming into view.

The Executive is asked to approve the 2015/16 Section 75 / pooled fund Agreement.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen, 0161 474 4631, Michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Executive Councillors (Independence & Wellbeing) and (Supporting Adults) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to approve a revised Section 75 Agreement for 2015/16 to support the pooling of budgets by the Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group. The Agreement had been amended to take account of the pooling needed to support the recently introduced Better Care Fund.

Executive councillors emphasised that proposals to expand the pooling arrangements to support health and social care integration would be subject to further consideration and decision, including the establishment of robust governance arrangements.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the 2015/16 Section 75 pooled fund Agreement.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Executive is recommended to nominate Councillor John Taylor to the Stockport Fostering Panel for the remainder of the period until the first Executive Meeting of the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the nomination of Councillor John Taylor to the Fostering Panel.

RESOLVED – That Councillor John Taylor be nominated to the Stockport Fostering Panel.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Executive is invited to note the decisions of the GMCA Board meeting held on 28 August 2015.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA Board at its meeting held on 28 August 2015.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the significant allocations made by GMCA as part of the Housing Growth Fund since the Fund’s launch in July 2015.

RESOLVED – That the report noted.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Executive Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider.