Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any matters on the agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

The following declarations of interest was made:

1.   Councillor Birchmore declared a personal interest as a member of ‘Bury Folk Keep It Green’ and has attended the places for everyone examinations in Manchester.

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions on matters considered at the last meeting and set out in the minutes or on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

The following questions were received in advance of the meeting and are appended to the agenda.

Questions are invited from Elected Members about items on the agenda. 15 minutes will be set aside for Member Question Time, if required.

The following question were submitted in advance of the meeting and are appended to the agenda:

Minutes from the meeting held on 05^th September 2023 are attached.

It was agreed:

1.   That the minutes of the meeting held on 05/09/2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

It was agreed that Crispian Logue Assistant Director of Strategy, Planning & Regulation  would provide a presentation on the Places for Everyone Modifications prior to Public and Member Question Time.

Following Public and Member questions members were invited to ask questions.

Members asked questions regarding the impact on biodiversity on land included in the plan. In response Councillor O’Brien, Leader advised if the modifications are approved the law requires that applications will be made in accordance with the development plan. It has been concluded in the plan that they aim to provide protection, to mitigate, or compensate where this is not possible. Where there is an impact there is a requirement for biodiversity net gain of no less than 10%.

Discussions took place regarding the link road proposed and the requirement for a second secondary school. In response, Councillor O’Brien did advise that the link road is essential from the Council’s perspective. In addition Councillor O’Brien advised the infrastructure guarantee would commence through the master plan. At this stage it has been determined that two primary schools and a new high school would be required.

A Councillor sought assurances on the total number of homes new homes. In conclusion Councillor O’Brien advised the total number of homes anticipated to be delivered on Bury’s allocations by 2039 is 5,040. Members were advised they will receive further information regarding the figures following the meeting.

A member sought assurances regarding an alternative plan. In response Councillor O’Brien advised that December 2023 is currently the expectation for completion of the consultation on the proposed modifications to the plan. . If the plan does not proceed work already done can be used to inform a local plan process. Crispian Logue, advised some existing evidence is in place for a local plan already. Councillor O’Brien agreed that a refresher meeting for an all-party local planning group should take place within the next few weeks.

A member questioned if it is possible to withdraw from the Places for Everyone plan and formulate a local plan that makes the requested provisions in Walshaw. Councillor O’Brien advised it is not an option as a local plan has to go before planning inspectors and the plan would not get a different outcome. Crispian Logue, advised if a local plan was developed the green belt would still need to be used to meet targets as there is insufficient brownfield land to meet needs.

A member questioned the outcome from other authorities who withdrew from the plan. Members were informed if Bury was to withdraw it would have to be a full council decision then onto the Combined Authority and Housing Minister.

A member questioned if the HS2 withdrawal will impact the places for everyone plan. Members were informed that in principle the plan can be updated to take account for any changes that may impact the plan.

A member questioned if a change in Government could impact the plan. Members were informed that the delivery of any plan can constantly change and  ...  view the full minutes text for item OSC.6

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was no urgent business.