Issue - meetings

Report from Councillor E O’Brien Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth attached.

Councillor Eamon O’Brien Leader of the Council began by presenting an overview of the local plan, highlighting its significance in strategic planning and land allocation. He emphasized that this document is crucial for ensuring development happens in a structured and strategic manner. The local plan is designed to fill in the details around high-level strategic planning, focusing on how, where, and what development should occur.

One of the key aspects discussed was the consultation process. Councillor Vernon raised a question about the scope of the consultation and how responses are weighted. Councillor O’Brien explained that there would be an 8-week consultation period, during which feedback would be balanced with national planning responsibilities. This feedback is essential for making adjustments before the plan moves to the second phase of consultation, which will be reviewed by the planning inspectorate.

Affordable housing was another significant topic. Councillor Birchmore expressed concerns about affordable housing being left until the end of developments. Cris Logue responded by explaining that Section 106 agreements would ensure affordable plots are identified and built throughout the development. Councillor O’Brien added that the average market absorption rate is around 50 units per year, which is typical for developments of this scale.

The discussion also touched on specific site issues, such as the Tetrosyl site. Councillor O’Brien mentioned that the planning inspector had overturned a decision, affecting the percentage of affordable housing. This led to a broader conversation about the suitability of converting properties into children's homes and ensuring these homes are in appropriate locations.

Infrastructure and developer accountability were key concerns. Councillor Vernon emphasized the importance of getting infrastructure in place before development starts. Councillor O’Brien assured that there are powers to hold developers accountable and enforce planning conditions. He mentioned that planning enforcement powers could be used to halt building if necessary, ensuring that infrastructure is built into the plan from the start.

Community and leisure facilities were also discussed.

Councillor Southworth raised concerns about the lack of leisure facilities for children. Cris Logue explained that while there are no specific allocations for play areas, policies seek to secure community sums through Section 106 agreements. Councillor O’Brien added that an open space policy is being commissioned to assess local parks and spaces for children and young people.

Health impact assessments and the inclusion of neurodiversity groups in consultations were highlighted by Councillor Pilkington. Councillor O’Brien acknowledged the importance of ensuring these voices are heard and mentioned that adult social care is providing supported living for those who need it.

Finally, planning enforcement was a topic of concern. Councillor Green questioned the speed and effectiveness of planning enforcement in the past. Councillor O’Brien assured that resources are being put in place to deliver the plan effectively and address any issues swiftly.

It Was Agreed:

·         The Report and update be Noted

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the report which outlined the part two Local Plan. Members were informed that Places for Everyone (PfE) is a part one plan that covers nine of the ten Greater Manchester districts. Places for Everyone was adopted in March 2024 and provides the strategic framework within which the participating districts need to develop their own part two Local Plans. The part two Local Plan provides a more detailed set of locally specific planning policies to complement the strategic policies within Places for Everyone. Once adopted, Bury’s Local Plan policies will replace the saved policies in the Unitary Development Plan and will sit alongside Places for Everyone and the joint Greater Manchester Minerals and Waste Plans in forming Bury’s wider development plan.

Councillor Smith sought clarity regarding ‘house in multiple occupation’ properties and what considered to be an unacceptable concentration of these properties. In response the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth advised this guidance will allow for more informed decisions and understandings regarding an unacceptable level of concentration. In addition Cris Logue Assistant Director of Strategy, Planning & Development confirmed that each area in the consultation will include a topic paper.

The Leader wished to place on record a thanks to Cris Logue, Dave Marno and their teams for preparing the documents which demonstrate a large piece of work that has been undertaken.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.    Approved the draft Bury Local Plan, draft Policies Map and supporting background documents for an eight-week public consultation commencing no earlier than 17 March 2025;

2.    Delegated approval to the Executive Director of Place to make minor non-material editorial amendments to the draft Local Plan before consultation commences.

Reason for the decision:

To ensure that stakeholders have an opportunity to have their say on the draft Bury Local Plan.

Other options considered and rejected:

To not approve the Local Plan for consultation - This would prevent stakeholders commenting on the draft Local Plan and would result in the future adoption of the document being contrary to planning regulations.