Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 February 2022 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 that they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Place Making and Planning.

This report details what is currently the seventh topic-based policy chapter of the draft Local Plan, titled "Our infrastructure."  It sets out draft policies relating to physical infrastructure (including digital, utilities, water and transport infrastructure) which are vital to ensuring our communities are connected, we are climate-friendly and our economy can thrive.

The Working Party is invited to comment and provide feedback on the draft “Our infrastructure” policies.

Officer contact: Richard Wood on 07800617505 or email: richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Strategic Head of Place Making and Planning submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out draft policies relating to physical infrastructure (including digital, utilities, water and transport infrastructure) which are vital to ensuring our communities are connected, are climate-friendly and enable the economy to thrive.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a Member question, the Working Party was advised that planning permission was now required for natural soakaways.

·         Members felt it was important to stress that not all mobility needs are visible and so this needs to be reflected in the plan.

·         Some further concerns were raised in relation to mobility needs, not everybody has a choice in how they commute due to disability, and some people have to travel by car.  In particular, the paragraph which states that ‘where it is not possible to provide suitable parking facilities within developments for disabled badge holders, the Council will work with stakeholders to identify an appropriate Council owned car park or on street location for the required provision’ was felt to be especially problematic.  In addition, the information relating to electric vehicle charging points needs to include blue badge holders also.  The Working Party was assured that these points would be looked into.

·         A short discussion took place in relation to assessing viabilities and how this would work in practice.

·         Members raised the issue of what would happen if as a result of a possible deficit in funding, a scheme was not able to be delivered?  In response, the Working Party was advised that a five-year review of the plan was required to look at these matters.  In addition, the infrastructure levy would be a way of collecting sums of money that could then be used to obtain more strategic infrastructure.

·         Members emphasised their appreciation of how much work had gone into producing this document.  However, the document needed to be accessible to the widest possible audience and it contained some quite technical terminology, officers were requested to review this.

·         Members expressed that they would like to see more emphasis on infrastructure relating to medical facilities, schools, bus and train services.

·         The issue of electric vehicle charging points on terraced streets was also raised by Members and what could be done if, as expected, demand increased.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.