Agenda and minutes

Councillor L Swindlehurst was substitute for Councillor Taylor.

Councillor Johnson was substitute for Councillor Barks.

Councillor Wheeldon was substitute for Councillor Haines.

The Chair highlighted resolved matters and advised members that he considered items to be either completed or being addressed.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22 January 2025 be approved as a correct record.

There were none.

Members received a report to consider the Growth Strategy approved by Cabinet on 11th February 2025. They received the draft Growth Strategy Action Plan and were requested to suggest amendments to the Committee’s work programme to provide input into to development of several of the actions.

The Chief Executive Officer advised that updates on the implementation of the Growth Strategy would be a standing agenda item going forward. He further advised that updates from the Local Plan Steering Group would also be provided through documentation received at this committee.

Members discussed the progress of the Local Transport Plan, redundant big mills particularly their safety and enforcement action that could be taken. They further discussed the drop in new apprenticeships across all geographical areas and the demographic of uptake.

Members commented on the reference to a new primary school in Cheadle which they requested be referred to the Local Plan Steering Group, they further requested the Growth Strategy and Action Plan report be presented to the Parish Assembly.

Members asked that new actions be added to cover utilities and broadband infrastructure.

Members suggested the following items be included in the work programme:

·         ES7 – Skills and Further Education.

·         DY7 – Updates from SCC with regards to the LTP progress and the impact of LGR and Devolution.

·         RG7 – Biddulph Town Centre Masterplan

·         RG8  - Blythe Bridge Police Station  

·         RG9 – Ball Haye Green

·         DY1 – Affordable Housing.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Growth Strategy be received.

2.    That the Action Plan be considered and discussed.

3.    That the above suggestions be considered for inclusion in the work programme.

4.    That the presentation be presented to the Parish Assembly.

5.    That the reference to the school in Cheadle be forwarded to the Local Plan Steering Group.

The Council had been focussed on strengthening the relationship with town and parish councils. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) presented a challenge to further develop this work, new unitary structures should facilitate stronger community engagement and deliver genuine opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment.

Members were given a presentation which highlighted the role and function of the Town Centre Partnership board.

Members suggested that the Chair of the board should be determined by the Committee, that upholding the Nolan principles should be a requirement, rural areas should be represented, hence a preference for reference to Town Centre and Locality Partnerships. There was also a desire that clerks be included in the board representation.

Members asked where the actions and minutes from this committee go, how does the board make themselves heard, how does it fit in with local government, how are members selected, what strategic leadership or decision-making powers does it have and stressed the importance of a community voice. A terms of reference for the groups will be developed at the next stage, setting out the scope and remit of the boards.

The Portfolio Holder advised members that officers already meet with the clerks of the towns on specific topics, tourism being one example.

The Head of Regeneration advised that the official title was “Town Centre and Locality Partnerships” and thanked members for their input in how to include smaller rural areas.

RESOLVED:
That the presentation be received and discussed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the work programme be received.

2.    That items suggested as part of the Growth Strategy and Action Plan be included.

3.    That items discussed in Appendix C of the Growth Strategy Action Plan be included.

4.    That a meeting be held to formulate the work programme before the next meeting.