Agenda item

Report of the Leader of the Council is attached.

The Leader presented three reports regarding the results of the consultations on Development Framework Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) for Simister Bowlee, Walshaw, and Elton Reservoir, and seeking approval for the final SPDs to be adopted. It was noted that these reports were discussed in detail at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting the previous evening, and recommendations had been noted.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

• Any planning application would wait until a site-wide ecology strategy for Walshaw was in place; this, as for all evidence, would need to be in place either before or alongside applications.
• The Infrastructure, Phasing and Delivery Strategy for Elton Reservoir was a live document primarily used by Planning Department but could be shared with Members when significant updates and changes are made.
• Phasing of developments was ensured through close working with developers so milestones were met and community infrastructure projects delivered alongside. The SPDs would ensure comprehensive evidence and strategies were in place before planning applications came in to ensure the Council could attach relevant and specific conditions and permissions to ensure delivery of the whole site was achieved.
• It was noted that these decisions tonight were not about allocating land or the principle of whether development could take place, as those decisions had been taken in previous years; these decisions were about governing applications when they came forward.
• It was noted that these plans would enable other land to be protected and allowed the Council the strongest democratic power to push back on undesirable developments and ensure that the best possible suite of infrastructure was delivered alongside developments. 
• The Conservative Group noted their concerns about the principle of plans.
• A comprehensive discussion was held at Overview and Scrutiny regarding the Elton Metrolink station, and it was noted further discussions would take place with TfGM.

Simister Bowlee Development Framework Decision:

Subject to approval by Rochdale, Cabinet:

1.             Noted the responses to the public consultation and proposed post consultation revisions set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to this report;

2.             Approved the revised SPD as the final version to be adopted and published; and

3.             Delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) to make any minor, non-material editorial amendments to the SPD ahead of its final publication.

Walshaw Development Framework Decision:

Cabinet:

1. Noted the responses to the public consultation and proposed post consultation revisions set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to this report;
2. Approved the revised SPD as the final version to be adopted and published; and
3. Delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) to make any minor, non-material editorial amendments to the SPD ahead of its final publication.

Elton Reservoir Development Framework Decision:

Cabinet:

1. Noted the responses to the public consultation and proposed post consultation revisions set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to this report;
2. Approved the revised SPD as the final version to be adopted and published;
3. Delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) to make any minor, non-material editorial amendments to the SPD ahead of its final publication.

Reasons for the decisions:

The adoption of the documents will establish frameworks against which future planning applications on the sites will be considered, set out high level design and development principles for the sites and approaches to the delivery and phasing of infrastructure on and off sites.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered/were applicable.