Agenda item

Reports attached to be presented by Leader and Cabinet member for Strategic Growth Councillor E. O’Brien

Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, gave a brief overview of the northern gateway report.

Councillor O'Brien emphasized that the document was comprehensive but straightforward in its objectives. The report aimed to provide detailed planning for the Northern Gateway site, which is part of the Places for Everyone (PFE) plan. The document outlined the master planning process, the phasing of development, and the policies driving the master plan.

• Master Planning and Phasing: The report detailed how the master planning of the site would be conducted, including the phasing of development over many years. This involved setting out the policies that would guide the master plan and the range of principles through which the plan would be determined.

• Inclusive Growth and High-Paying Jobs: Councillor O'Brien highlighted the importance of delivering inclusive growth and creating high-paying jobs. The goal was to ensure that local people had the skills and opportunities to access these jobs. This would involve collaboration with educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, to develop a robust technical education system.

• Transport and Travel Infrastructure: The report emphasized the need to unlock transport and travel infrastructure to support the development. This included plans for rapid transit bus corridors, walking and cycling pathways, and exploring the use of tram-train technology to connect the site to the wider transport network.

• Infrastructure Requirements: The document outlined the key areas of infrastructure that would need to be included to support the site's development. This included transport, utilities, and other essential services.

• Policy Framework Alignment: Councillor O'Brien explained how the Northern Gateway development aligned with broader policy frameworks, including the Greater Manchester Strategy and local strategies in Bury and Rochdale. The development aimed to attract investment from Greater Manchester, the government, and the private sector, both nationally and internationally.

• Vision for the Site: The report set out a detailed vision for the site, including the types of industries and jobs that could be created. Councillor O'Brien noted that the site had the potential to host a wide range of industries, from well-established sectors to emerging technologies that might not yet exist.

• Collaboration with Partners: The Council was actively working with the joint venture promoting the site, as well as organizations like MIDAS, to attract investment. The focus was on creating a skills strategy that was adaptable to the needs of the future economy.

Councillor O'Brien concluded by emphasizing the importance of getting the development framework right to attract investment and deliver the best outcomes for the people of Bury and Rochdale.

A member of the committee raised concerns about the types of jobs that would be created and whether specific institutions had been identified as partners.

Councillor O'Brien explained that the site would primarily be developed by the private sector, with a broad range of industries expected to be involved. The focus would be on creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs and ensuring local people had the skills to access these jobs. This would involve working with schools, colleges, and universities to develop a robust technical education system. The Council was also working with the joint venture promoting the site and organizations like MIDAS to attract investment.

Councillor Moss asked how the Council would ensure that the jobs created would benefit local people, given the site's strategic location and potential for attracting workers from a wide area.

Councillor O'Brien emphasized the importance of both skills development and transport infrastructure. The Council was working on creating good pathways for technical and academic education and ensuring that local people could physically access the site through improved transport links.

Councillor Birchmore inquired about the administrative boundaries within the Northern Gateway and how services and revenues would be managed between Bury and Rochdale.

Councillor O'Brien confirmed that the site straddles the administrative boundaries of Bury and Rochdale, and arrangements would need to be made for managing services and revenues. This could involve pooling resources and working closely with Rochdale to ensure seamless delivery.

A councillor asked about the South Heywood development and its relationship to the Northern Gateway. Councillor O'Brien clarified that the South Heywood development is part of the Northern Gateway and includes housing allocations. The development is separate from the Simister allocation but is included in the overall Northern Gateway proposals.

There were concerns raised about the impact of the Pilsworth landfill site on the development. Councillor O'Brien acknowledged the issue and noted that efforts had been made to mitigate the landfill's impact. The landfill is currently only operational until 2028, and its future would be subject to review. The Council would work to ensure that the landfill did not pose a significant barrier to development.

A member of the committee asked about the potential impact of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on the Northern Gateway development. Councillor O'Brien noted that while changes to the NPPF could impact the development, the current consultation on the NPPF was not expected to undermine the Northern Gateway proposals. The Council would remain adaptable to any future changes.

A member inquired about the transport connectivity for the Northern Gateway, including the potential for a Metrolink extension. Councillor O'Brien explained that the plan included rapid transit bus corridors and good walking and cycling pathways. The Council was also exploring the use of tram-train technology to connect Bury's Metrolink system to the Northern Gateway site.

There was a discussion about the timeline for the local plan and the opportunity for member input. Councillor O'Brien stated that the local plan was in draft form and would be ready for consultation in the spring. Members would have the opportunity to provide input before the plan was finalized.

It Was Agreed:

·         The Report be Noted