The Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting on 12 June 2025 discussed a range of important topics, including updates on the Draft Stockport Local Plan, the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the Climate Action Now (CAN) annual report. Key decisions included noting the progress made on climate action initiatives and endorsing the publication of the CAN report on the Council's website.

Draft Stockport Local Plan Update

The committee received a verbal update on the Draft Stockport Local Plan. Councillors raised questions regarding Green Belt guidance and the designation of grey belt land, with officers clarifying that the local planning authority determines such designations and that planning permission would be subject to usual considerations. Concerns were voiced about the timing of the reassessment and a stronger focus on brownfield developments and urban densification. Officers acknowledged these concerns, noting that while the draft local plan retains a focus on densification, government guidance necessitates Green Belt assessments when urban demand cannot be met. The £70,000 funding allocated for the Green Belt assessment was welcomed. Discussions also covered plans for communicating designations to residents, acknowledging the technical nature of these matters. Ultimately, the committee resolved to note the update.

Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The committee considered a report on the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which aims to address the biodiversity emergency declared by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2022. The report detailed the purpose of LNRSs, their legal status, and their relationship with planning policy, emphasizing that the strategy does not introduce new protections or barriers to development. The committee was informed about the strategy's contents, including a shared vision, priorities, targets, actions, and maps of a Nature Network comprising core local nature sites and nature recovery opportunity areas. Stockport officers have collaborated with GMCA on this strategy, ensuring alignment with Stockport's CAN strategy and emerging Local Plan. The committee was recommended to note the report's contents and provide comments. Cabinet was recommended to approve the Chief Executive being authorised to confirm Stockport's contentment for the publication of the strategy and to confirm this in writing to the GMCA.

Climate Action Now (CAN) Annual Report 2024/25

The committee reviewed the fifth CAN annual report, which outlined progress made by the council in implementing the CAN programme during the 2024-25 financial year. The report focused on completed and ongoing projects aligned with the core CAN workstreams: Council CAN, Renewable Energy, Low Carbon Buildings, Sustainable Transport, Natural Environment, and Climate Friendly Borough. The committee was recommended to note and comment on the progress achieved, acknowledging the need for greater emission reductions for both council operations and the borough as a whole to meet targets. They were also asked to endorse the publication of the report on the Council's website.

Portfolio Performance and Resources – Year-End Reports 2024/25

The committee considered the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Climate Change & Environment and Economy, Regeneration & Housing Portfolios. These reports focused on the delivery of portfolio priorities from October 2024 to March 2025, including forecast performance and financial data. The committee was recommended to consider these reports, review progress against key projects, outcomes, targets, and budgets, highlight areas for corrective action, feed significant issues back to Cabinet, and identify areas of strong performance and good practice to be shared across other services.

Portfolio Performance and Resources – Draft Portfolio Agreements 2025/26

The committee reviewed the draft 2025/26 Agreements for the Economy, Regeneration & Skills and Housing & Environment Portfolios. These agreements outline the policy priorities for the upcoming year, incorporating shared outcomes from the Borough Plan and specific Cabinet priorities. The committee was recommended to review and comment on these draft agreements.

District Heat Network Development Partner Procurement

The committee received an update on the progress being made towards the delivery of a District Heat Network in Stockport. The report detailed the purpose of the network, its expected benefits, and the work undertaken to date, including feasibility studies and grant funding secured. The committee was recommended to note the report and to seek delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, to take all necessary steps to procure and appoint a development and funding partner and prepare a Local Development Order for the scheme.

Stockport UK Shared Prosperity Fund Proposals

The committee was provided with information about the proposed uses for UK Shared Prosperity Funding in Stockport, including the processes for allocating funds and governance arrangements. The report highlighted that Stockport will receive £1.38 million in funding for a fourth year, which includes elements for supporting local businesses and enhancing community spaces. The committee was recommended to comment on and note the report.

Scrutiny Review Topic Selection 2025/26

The committee was presented with a report outlining the Scrutiny Review process and a framework for undertaking reviews. Members were asked to consider the selection of a scrutiny review topic for the 2025/26 municipal year and to nominate members to sit on the proposed Scrutiny Review Panel. The report detailed the timetable for the scrutiny review process and the officer support available. The committee was recommended to consider the selection of a topic and to note the report.

Work Programme

The committee considered the work programme for the Scrutiny Committee, detailing any forward plan items within its remit. It was noted that the Out of Borough Placement Pilot update and Biodiversity Net Gain – Habitat Banking Vehicle items had been deferred to a future meeting. The committee requested that a standing item be included on the agenda for the Garden Waste Permit implementation. The committee was recommended to note the report and request the Assistant Director for Governance to include the standing item on future agendas.

MDC Business Plan 2025-2030

The committee considered the Business Plan for the Stockport Metropolitan Development Corporation (MDC), which specifies the activities the MDC will undertake. The Business Plan will also be submitted to the Council and GMCA for approval. The committee was recommended to comment on and note the report.

Stockport Exchange - Acquisition 72 / 74 Wellington Road South Use of Compulsory Purchase Order Powers

The committee received an update on the Council's detailed reasons for making the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 72/74 Wellington Road South, providing a summary of negotiations with affected parties and enabling Cabinet to consider human rights and equalities implications. The committee was recommended to note the report and provide comments as appropriate. Cabinet was recommended to resolve to make the Order and delegate authority for necessary steps to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 6 March 2025.