Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2018 (copies of which had been circulated) were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and Officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

No declarations were made.

To consider a verbal report from the Chief Planning Officer.

The Chief Planning Officer provided a verbal report on the latest position relating to the GMSF.

It was reported that the papers for the Combined Authority would go out on 18 October 2018.  Officers will continue to feed into this process.  Stockport Council was linked into communications with the Combined Authority, however Stockport’s communications team were also preparing a number of communications in advance.  All Members will be invited to briefings when appropriate, Officers were keen that Members should be aware of developments before details are released on social media.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a verbal report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Chief Planning Officer provided a verbal report on the latest position relating to the GMSF and the Local Plan timeline.

It was reported that the Local Plan will follow as closely behind the GMSF as possible, and this was vital for the evidence base.  Officers were currently working on refining policies and would keep Members informed about the process.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked whether it was possible to have contradictory policies between the GMSF and the Local Plan.  What could the Local Plan cover that the GMSF didn’t?  In response, Members were advised that strategic allocations were contained within the Local Plan, along with allocations for open space and employment areas.  Contradictory policies would not be allowed, but the Local Plan could go further than the GMSF.

·         It was felt that the Joint Development Plan could make things clearer particularly in terms of what resonated with the public.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report from the Chief Planning Officer.

The report informs members of the latest position for all four of the relevant areas.

The Committee are requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Steve Johnson Tel 474 3509 Email: Steven.johnson@stockport.gov.uk

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated).

The report informed Members of the latest position for all four of the relevant areas.

Woodford Neighbourhood Forum (WNF) is furthest advanced in its progress with a neighbourhood plan (WNP).  The Forum is currently making amendments to the document with a view to submitting the updated version to the Council by the end of September.  Following the publication of the Inspector’s findings, a final version of the plan will be made, taking into account the recommendations of the Inspector, before the Council decides whether to send the plan to a referendum.

The Council continues to work with Marple Neighbourhood Forum on the development of their plan.  The Forum has set out a prospective timeline for the publication of the draft plan, envisaging a formal period of consultation commencing in October.  At present this is considered ambitious, but officers are committed to making this happen and developing a robust and achievable plan.

High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum (HLVNF) undertook a short consultation in the summer in relation to Issues and Option of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan. Having received around 200 responses the HVLNF is currently considering the content of that feedback before commencing on the next stage of the process.

Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall does not have a designated forum or area but representatives have been liaising with the Council in order to submit an application, possibly in the Autumn.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked how the planning inspectors were chosen.  The response that a list of Inspectors who are available would be provided and then officers may choose on the basis of experience.  Ultimately, the Inspectorate would decide but the Local Authority would have some input.

·         Members complimented officers on the work that had been done with the Woodley Neighbourhood Forum.

·         Has the Schedule of Engagement been working?  In response, Members were advised that this had worked better in some areas rather than others.  There is an officer dedicated for each Forum, but this was more for advice and communication rather than completing all the work.

·         Members commented on how far the neighbourhood forums brought value and concluded that this was difficult to assess as there were so many variables.

·         How far do the various groups talk to each other? Officers commented that this had been encouraged in order that they could learn from each other.  Each forum was also encouraged to speak to Forums outside the borough.

·         A short discussion took place relating to how the Forums were made up and how far they were representative of the whole community.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.