The Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 4 September 2025 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key topics included an update on the Draft Stockport Local Plan, performance reports for housing, economy, and environment portfolios, and the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The committee also reviewed the Climate Action Now (CAN) Annual Report and the refreshed CAN Strategy for 2025-2030.

Draft Stockport Local Plan Update

The committee received an update on the progress of the Draft Stockport Local Plan. Councillors were informed that a timeline had been shared with political group leaders, outlining key stages such as the sign-off of the draft plan for consultation in October 2025, followed by a six-week consultation period. The plan is expected to be published in June/July 2026, submitted in November/December 2026, with an examination in spring 2027 and adoption anticipated in winter 2027/2028. Engagement sessions with all councillors are planned for mid-to-late October to discuss the plan's purpose, content, and particularly the Green Belt assessment and site assessment processes. It was reiterated that protecting the green belt is a priority, but the council has a legal obligation to meet its housing targets. Councillors requested that future updates be accompanied by written reports. The committee noted the update.

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

A joint report was presented summarising progress in delivering portfolio priorities from October 2024 to March 2025.

Climate Change & Environment Portfolio: Work is underway to assess the viability of a district heat network in Marple, with heat pumps as a fallback option. The council's carbon impact monitoring was welcomed, and efforts to increase carbon literacy training uptake are ongoing, though the intensive nature of the course was noted as a barrier. For businesses, carbon literacy training targets were not met, and a more tailored approach is being considered. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of recent household waste collection changes on recycling rates, and an increase in complaints regarding failures in the assisted collection service was reported. It was explained that this was due to crews being unfamiliar with new routes, but this is expected to improve. Early indications for the blue bin waste collection service changes were positive. The number of compost bins supplied compared favourably with other Greater Manchester authorities. Changes to mowing regimes to create wildflower meadows were welcomed, with suggestions for further expansion. A request was made for more information on community orchards.

Economy, Regeneration & Housing Portfolio: Concerns were expressed that a focus on brownfield development for new housing might lead to a lack of family housing and an over-reliance on high-density apartment blocks. It was clarified that brownfield development remains a priority for areas like the town centre, but a mixed approach, including the use of green belt land, is necessary across the borough. The acute demand for housing in Stockport was acknowledged as a national crisis. A tension between protecting the natural environment and the obligation to house residents was noted. Concerns were also raised about the increase in homelessness presentations, with a focus on prevention. A challenge within the private rented sector was highlighted, where few affordable options exist for those on benefits. Stockport was noted as having the second-highest number of employers signed up to the Good Employer Charter in Greater Manchester. The committee noted the report.

Portfolio Performance and Resources – Draft Portfolio Agreements 2025/26 (Economy, Regeneration & Skills and Housing & Environment)

The committee considered draft 2025/26 Agreements for the Economy, Regeneration & Skills and Housing & Environment Portfolios.

Economy, Regeneration & Skills Portfolio: It was suggested that the measure for rent as a proportion of household income should be broken down by area for a more representative understanding of challenges. Disappointment was expressed regarding the lack of measures for gully maintenance. Clarity was sought on street cleanliness measures, with a suggestion to focus on cleaning frequency and pre-cleaning grading. Concerns were raised about reports of the council having no grey bins or litter in stock; it was confirmed that a supply exists, but recycling bins are currently prioritised. The council has supplied approximately 8,000 new 120-litre blue bins, exceeding estimates. While nitrogen dioxide emissions are measured, a query was raised about whether particulates, also a pollutant, are measured. It was stated that World Health Organisation targets focus on nitrogen dioxide, hence its reflection in council work.

Housing & Environment Portfolio: Footfall counters in district centres were considered useful, but data for areas like Edgley was noted as skewed by high volumes of pedestrians travelling to Edgeley Park. More qualitative measures were suggested. The committee noted the report.

Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The committee received a report detailing the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which aims to address the biodiversity emergency. It was commented that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is responsible for delivering the LNRS, which seeks to connect nature corridors across the conurbation. While comprehensive, the report's length and appendices were considered a barrier to understanding key issues. The committee noted the report.

Climate Action Now (CAN) Annual Report 2024/25

The 5th CAN Annual Report was presented, outlining progress in implementing the CAN programme over the last financial year. The report focused on projects aligned with core workstreams: Council CAN, Renewable Energy, Low Carbon Buildings, Sustainable Transport, Natural Environment, and Climate Friendly Borough. The work of the Schools Climate Assembly was particularly welcomed, with a suggestion for wider participation. It was stated that the Assembly will be renamed the Youth Climate Assembly and opened to other youth organisations. The committee noted and endorsed the report.

One Stockport Climate and Nature (CAN) Strategy 2025 - 2030

A 'refresh' of the council's CAN strategy for the next five years was presented. The inclusion of 'nature' in the strategy's title was welcomed. A pilot in Bramhall regarding different mowing regimes for biodiversity restoration was discussed. It was stated that natural solutions are the best for excess carbon and flooding. Regarding transport emissions, a third of which relate to transport, a query was raised about the sufficiency of active travel promotion. It was responded that active travel is effective for shorter distances, and while electric vehicles reduce emissions, the focus needs to be on mass transportation. The committee noted the report.

Joint Greater Manchester Waste and Minerals Plan

The committee noted that Greater Manchester leaders had agreed to the production of a statutory Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan (GMJMWP). The committee noted the report.

District Heat Network Development Partner Procurement

An update was provided on the progress towards delivering a District Heat Network in Stockport. The development of a district heat network was described as important work promising significant benefits for climate change and energy security. The committee noted the report.

Stockport UK Shared Prosperity Fund Proposals

Information was provided on the proposed uses for UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) in Stockport, including allocation processes and governance. It was noted that 23 bids had already been received, with previous rounds being oversubscribed. A proportion of the funding has been allocated to district centres. A future report will detail how UKSPF funding has been allocated, and a request was made for meaningful evaluation of funded projects. The committee noted the report and requested that an item on the 'Allocation and Evaluation of UKSPF Funding' be included in the committee's work programme.

Scrutiny Review Topic Selection 2025/26

The committee discussed potential topics for scrutiny reviews in the 2025/26 municipal year. It was noted that uptake for the CAN Seed Fund had not met expectations, and a scrutiny review was suggested to explore the underlying issues. Alternatively, a review of Section 106 monies allocation and use was proposed. Following a discussion on the merits of both, the committee recommended that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee include 'Operation of CAN Seed Fund and CAN Catalyst Fund' in the 2025/26 Scrutiny Work Programme. Councillors Asa Caton, Liz Crix, Will Dawson, Rachel Wise, and Suzanne Wyatt were nominated to sit on the proposed scrutiny review panel.

Work Programme

The committee's work programme and forward plan items were presented. It was noted that an additional item relating to the 'Allocation and Evaluation of UKSPF Funding' had been agreed for inclusion. The committee noted the report.

MDC Business Plan 2025 - 2030

The Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Business Plan 2025-30 was presented, outlining delivery achievements, future challenges, strategic objectives, and delivery commitments. The committee noted the report.

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

An update was provided on the proposed use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire 72 / 74 Wellington Road South, including the council's reasons, a summary of negotiations, and their current stage. The committee supported and endorsed the approach identified in the report.

The meeting closed at 9:20 pm.