The Neighbourhoods, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee of Manchester Council was scheduled to discuss the Manchester Local Plan, which outlines the future development of the city, and to receive an overview of the council's compliance and enforcement services. The committee was also set to review reports on neighbourhood compliance, enforcement, and behaviour change, as well as the work of Trading Standards, Food Health and Safety, and Environmental Protection teams.

Manchester Local Plan - Draft for Consultation (Regulation 19)

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Manchester Local Plan, a crucial document that guides future development across the city. The agenda indicated that the committee was scheduled to consider the draft Regulation 19 version of the plan, alongside several supporting assessments and reports. These included an updated Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, an updated Housing Needs Assessment, and a Retail and Leisure Study for Moston Lane. Discussions were also planned on reports concerning Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) affordability and supply, a Local Green Space Assessment, and an updated Open Space Assessment. Furthermore, the committee was set to review Heritage Impact Assessments for Holt Town, Strangeways, and Victoria North, an Integrated Appraisal, a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening Report and Appropriate Assessment, a Viability Assessment, a Statement of Collaboration, a Consultation Statement, and an Interim Draft of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Neighbourhood Compliance, Enforcement and Behaviour Change

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing the work undertaken to ensure compliance, enforce regulations, and promote behaviour change in addressing fly-tipping and other waste-related issues. This report was expected to cover the efforts of Housing Providers, Neighbourhood Teams, and Waste, Recycling, and Street Cleansing services. A key recommendation within this report was the proposal to increase the fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 from £700 to the maximum permitted amount of £1,000, while retaining the early repayment discount at £700. The report highlighted the complexity of fly-tipping, noting that in 2024/25, there were 1.26 million incidents reported in England, an increase of 9% from the previous year. It also detailed various approaches to tackling the issue, including community engagement, education, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement. The report emphasised the importance of partnership working with residents, businesses, landlords, and wider partners to achieve a cleaner and greener city.

Overview of Compliance Services, Trading Standards, Food Health and Safety and Environmental Protection

The committee was also scheduled to receive an overview of the work carried out by the council's Compliance Services, including Trading Standards, the Food Health and Safety and Airport Team, and the Environmental Protection Team. This report was intended to explain how these services operate within neighbourhoods and collaborate with wider partners. It was noted that many of these services contribute to achieving the city's zero-carbon target, for example, through the Environmental Protection team's work on reducing environmental impacts from new developments and enforcing legislation related to illegal waste burning. The report detailed the significant workload of these teams, with approximately 43,471 jobs handled in 2025/26, and highlighted their commitment to protecting the public and the environment. Specific areas of focus included food safety inspections, with 94% of food premises rated satisfactory or better, and the regulation of health and safety in workplaces. The Environmental Protection team's role in managing noise, air quality, and contaminated land was also outlined, alongside the Trading Standards team's work in consumer protection, fair trading, and enforcing regulations on age-restricted products, illicit tobacco, and vapes. The report also touched upon the implications of the new Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also included items for Urgent Business and Appeals, as well as the standard procedure for Members to declare any interests. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 June 2026 were scheduled for approval.