The Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 2 September 2025, and members discussed Rochdale Borough Housing's environmental management, planning enforcement, and the committee's work programme. The committee endorsed proposals for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and the council to explore interim land use strategies that support environmental sustainability ahead of future development, and for RBH to engage with elected members in shaping RBH's green space strategy. The committee also endorsed the principle of case prioritisation to manage significant workload, in view of the process to adopt a new Enforcement Policy for the Borough.

Rochdale Borough Housing (RBH) Update

Representatives from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) presented an update on their Neighbourhood Environmental Team following a service review. The review, conducted a year prior, indicated that while the service didn't require modernisation, it suffered from poor customer perception and inefficient resource use.

RBH had appointed a new service manager and adopted a back-to-basics approach with a structured improvement programme divided into short, medium, and long-term phases. Early results showed customer satisfaction rising to 74.8% and a noticeable decrease in complaints.

The presentation also highlighted collaborative efforts with the council, including a pilot project in Kirkholt that had previously generated a high volume of complaints. Joint maintenance agreements had been established, and biodiversity initiatives launched in partnership with City of Trees, resulting in the planting of eight new trees in East Middleton.

Committee members raised concerns and suggestions, including ensuring equitable service across all wards, improving communication, and addressing persistent issues such as fly-tipping. There was interest in expanding tree planting and biodiversity efforts to other areas of the borough, and a proposal to explore interim land use strategies that support environmental sustainability ahead of future development. RBH representatives welcomed member engagement in shaping a green space strategy.

The committee resolved to:

1. Note the information provided.
2. Endorse the proposal that RBH and the council explore interim land use strategies that support environmental sustainability ahead of future development.
3. Endorse the proposal that RBH engage with elected members in shaping RBH's green space strategy.

Planning Enforcement

The committee considered a presentation on planning enforcement from the Head of Planning Services, Melanie Hale.

The presentation outlined the challenges facing the service, including a lack of resources and a significant number of open cases. A new draft policy was proposed to help prioritise cases based on the level of harm and impact, using a tiered scoring system.

The presentation detailed how complaints would be received and assessed, and how decisions would be made regarding investigation and enforcement. While the approach was not punitive, it aimed to restore developments to acceptable conditions.

Committee members raised concerns about the disconnect between the council's metrics and resident expectations, the need for better escalation processes, and whether enforcement could generate income. The presenter clarified that income was only generated through planning applications, not enforcement actions.

Recruitment challenges were also discussed, with the service struggling to attract staff. Although a new case management system was being introduced, budget constraints prevented the hiring of contract workers to clear the backlog. Members emphasised the importance of communication and transparency in enforcement decisions.

The committee resolved to:

1. Note the information provided.
2. Endorse the principle of case prioritisation to manage significant workload, in view of the process to adopt a new Enforcement Policy for the Borough.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee considered the draft work programme for 2025/26. Some delays were acknowledged, particularly in township master planning-related work and in catching up with task and finish group activities.

The committee resolved to note the draft workplan.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Minutes

The committee reviewed the minutes of several GMCA meetings:

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 25 June 2025 and 23 July 2025
• Police, Fire and Crime Panel held on 10 June 2025
• Joint Health Scrutiny Committee held on 17 June 2025

The committee sought clarification on Rochdale Council's appointment of a substitute member to the GMCA Joint Health Scrutiny Committee.

The committee resolved to:

1. Note the minutes of the GMCA Joint Health Scrutiny Committee held on 17 June 2025.
2. Request that Committee Services seek clarification regarding Rochdale Council's appointment of a substitute member to GMCA Joint Health Scrutiny Committee.

Key Decision Document

The committee reviewed the Key Decision Document, which outlined forthcoming decisions and items proposed for private consideration. No specific concerns were raised.

The committee resolved to note the Key Decision Document and the Notice of Private Items.