Decision details

Councillor O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth provided an overview of the report circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

The report detailed the Draft Northern Gateway Development Framework (NGDF) which sets out the masterplan and phasing strategy for the Northern Gateway site. It was noted that we have been through a lengthy process and now we have a controlled planning system. Bury and Rochdale do have an employment opportunity with up to twenty thousand jobs on the site. It also identifies high level design principles and an approach to the delivery and phasing of infrastructure.  In order to give the Framework additional planning weight in decision making, it is proposed that it is adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 

Members were asked to approve the draft framework for a six-week consultation period in order to establish stakeholder views on its content.

Following the consultation, all comments received will be fully considered and changes made where appropriate before the framework is brought back to Cabinet for approval to adopt.

A member highlighted that with future opportunities should consider the industries of the future and providing opportunities for our graduates and apprentices to develop. In addition members noted that the report referenced stainable drainage, carbon houses and improved sustainable transport links.

In response to a question regarding the legal position for Places for Everyone, the Leader, Councillor O’Brien advised he is not aware of any updates on the matter, when an update is available it will be shared with members and does not believe the matter will threaten the adoption of the plan.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the draft Northern Gateway Development Framework as the basis for public consultation for at least six weeks commencing in November 2024.

2.    Delegated approval to the Executive Director of Place to make minor non-material editorial amendments to the draft Northern Gateway Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document before consultation commences.

Reasons for recommendation(s)

• To enable stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide comment on the draft Northern Gateway Development Framework and to comply with the statutory requirements on consultation.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

• To not approve the SPD for consultation. This would prevent stakeholders from commenting on the SPD and would prevent the Council from being able to proceed to adopt the SPD because it is a statutory requirement that such documents must be consulted on before adoption.