Agenda and minutes
Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 22nd July, 2021 2.00 pm
Venue: Council Chamber, Level 2, Town Hall Extension. View directions
Contact: Michael Williamson
Note: This meeting can be viewed on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/572057973
Media
No. | Item |
---|---|
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2021 Minutes: Two requests for information remain outstanding:
Note that the Chair of Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee is happy for the Economy Scrutiny Committee to consider the audit on temporary accommodation ahead of the strategy being considered further
Decision
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2021 as a correct record.
|
|
Repot of the Director of City Centre Growth & Infrastructure attached
This report sets out the proposed consultation on the publication stage of the Places for Everyone Publication Plan (PfE) pursuant to Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure, which sets out the proposed consultation on the publication stage of the Places for Everyone Publication Plan pursuant to Regulation 19, Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
Key points and themes in the report included:
· Places for Everyone set the plan for growth and ambition across Greater Manchester and was designed to align with Manchester’s own local plan; · The spatial strategy set out the position on growth, competitiveness and opportunities alongside the housing methodology; · It considered the previous consultation exercise carried out as part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and set out the next steps following consultation whereby the draft joint development plan document and representations would be submitted to the Secretary of State, a post-consultation report would then be prepared and then the plan submitted to the Secretary of State for Examination.
The report was also scheduled to be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 28 July 2021.
Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:
· The report and documentation referenced carbon neutral which was different to zero carbon. There needed to be greater clarity on what was expected in terms of carbon objectives within the report; · Heat in cities and surrounding environments and whether consideration had been given to the role played by heat islands around buildings and developments? · The employment land identified to the North of Manchester but outside the City identified in the consultation was important to North Manchester and its residents; · It was felt that the report was very technical report and residents may not appreciate the impact and role they had to play in shaping the future; · Members would like to see attempts to ensure widest possible engagement to get the plan out to residents; · It was a large piece of work which had been married to the GM 2040 Transport Strategy, and it was questioned whether Stockport’s removal had altered the transport impact? · Many green spaces in Manchester were reclaimed brownfield land which in places were often more biodiverse than some of the greenbelt land itself. And it was pleasing to see that the report offered a good insight and nuance into the types of green space in Manchester; and · Reference was made to the zero waste strategy and GM plans to move towards a circular economy in seeing waste as a resource.
The Planning and Infrastructure Manager stated that the plan didn't state zero carbon but did state carbon neutral by 2038 so did pick up the theme in the plan to an extent. It was reported that changes were not possible to this consultation but can be incorporated in future iterations.
In respect of the heat islands point, it was stated that the Environment Bill required net biodiversity gain which was built into the plan and in November theEnvironment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee would be considering a presentation on climate and environmental policy around heat island ... view the full minutes text for item 35. |
|
Victoria North (formerly The Northern Gateway) progress update PDF 346 KB Report of the Interim Director of Housing and Residential Growth
The report provides an update on progress being made in delivering the Victoria North initiative (formerly known as Northern Gateway); which is seeking to transform 155 hectares of land at the northern edge of the City Centre through the residential led regeneration of the Lower Irk Valley, New Cross and Collyhurst neighbourhoods.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Housing and Residential Growth providing an update on the progress being made in delivering the Victoria North initiative (formerly Northern Gateway) which is seeking to transform 155 hectares of land at the northern edge of the City Centre through Collyhurst, New Cross and the Lower Irk Valley.
Key points and themes in the report included:
Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:
|
|
Report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing attached
This report sets out the City's current Section 106 policy, examines the impact of the S106 contributions and considers the future direction of travel, in light of nationally proposed planning reforms. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing which outlined the City’s s.106 policy and examined the impact of s.106 contributions and the future direction of travel in light of the proposed national planning reforms.
Key points and themes in the report included:
Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:
The Director of Planning, Licensing and Building control introduced the report stating that s.106 is just one small part of the wider planning process which delivers the city’s priorities as a whole. If all schemes come forward across the city, 45,000 jobs would come forward so it’s important to put the context forward around the planning process.
S.106 are legally stringent obligations but their future remains uncertain in policy terms. The Community Infrastructure Levy is not collected in Manchester and wouldn’t work for the city as it’s based on values. In terms of major applications coming forward, it’s not known until they come in what the impact and s.106 requirement will be. S.106 can only be applied to mitigate harm and housing schemes in particular are tested via viability assessments.
Historically, lots of s.106 agreements sat on workbooks but new governance arrangements in the Planning Department have meant that the Council are much more active in getting the money and spending it. At some point £10m+ was held but now down to £4m and being spent. New schedule of more extensive information will go to the Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee and be circulated to members. Where the legal agreement is made, the agreement runs with the ... view the full minutes text for item 37. |
|
Economy COVID19 Sit Rep Report PDF 707 KB Report of the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure and Director of Inclusive Economy attached
This report provides Committee Members with a further update summary of the current situation in the city in relation to COVID-19 and an update on the work progressing in Manchester in relation to areas within the remit of this Committee. Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure and Director of Inclusive Economy which provided Members with an update on the current situation in the city in relation to Covid-19 and on the work progressing in Manchester within the Committee’s remit.
Key points and themes in the report included:
Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:
The Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure stated that the city is still facing challenges post-covid but there are a number of measures being put in place to accelerate the city’s recovery;
The Upper and Lower Campfield Markets had gone into Manchester’s Levelling up fund bid with a view to future workspace, commercial use and retail but generally with the aim that the buildings make a positive contribution to the city;
The Director of Inclusive Economy set out that the current partnership of the job centre, business advice and growth company continue to offer support. If an employer is making more than 20 staff redundant/at risk this will be notified so a direct approach can be made to ensure workers’ protection. However, some of these issues are not very predictable e.g Hospitality sector is missing skilled workers whereas a year ago the opposite was predicted.
The University of Manchester have pulled back from the position of online learning but Higher Education institutions remain in a mixed position. MMU want in-person teaching to resume;
Both the House of Fraser and Debenhams buildings are looking at office use to repurpose the stores. Very positive but will alter the dynamic of the high street;
Face coverings agreed to be used in GM on Metrolink. Work is being done to promote public transport. The Head of Planning, Environment and Infrastructure stated that TfGM are working with major employers to enable behaviour change and travel policy work is going on with a transition back to the workplace anticipated. Highways usage has increased but public transport has a way to go yet but public transport policy settings are being accelerated.
Councillor White stated that Manchester footfall is above the national average pre-pandemic. Recovering fast and there’s something further to look into in district centres and how adaptation can take place going forward.
Decisions ... view the full minutes text for item 38. |
|
Report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit
This report provides the Committee with details of key decisions that fall within the Committee’s remit and an update on actions resulting from the Committee’s recommendations. The report also includes the Committee’s work programme, which the Committee is asked to amend as appropriate and agree. Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit which provided the Committee with details of key decisions that fall within the Committee’s remit and an update on actions resulting from the Committee’s recommendations. The report also includes the Committee’s work programme, which the Committee is asked to amend as appropriate and agree.
Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:
Decision
To note the report.
|