To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration.

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration and the Corporate Director ofPlace submitted a report which sought the Executive’s approval to enter into a Joint Venture (JV) with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and a Developer Partner to support the proposed residential led mixed-use development of the GMP Chester Road site in Trafford.

In discussion, a number of queries were raised, including in relation to: the Council’s aspirations in relation to tenure and carbon reduction measures; the project’s governance; eventual site ownership; envisaged returns to the Council; the funding source for the Council’s initial contribution; project risks and contingency provision; and the principle of direct development. Whilst it was emphasised that in principle approval was sought at this stage, and that many of the issues raised would be covered in more detailed business cases in due course, it was agreed that clarification would be provided outside the meeting of the Council’s funding source.

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That the principle be approved of the Council entering into a Joint Venture (JV) agreement with the GMCA and a Developer Partner as proposed within the report on terms to be agreed.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, to agree the terms of the JV Agreement.

(3)       That the £642,500 of funding needed to procure a development partner and obtain detailed planning consent for the scheme be approved.

(4)       That it be approved that the Corporate Director for Place commences the procurement process.

(5)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, to appoint a development partner.

(6)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy and Director of Finance and Systems, to agree appropriate legal agreements with the GMCA to establish the JV partnership.

(7)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy to enter into appropriate legal agreements to establish the JV partnership.

(8)       That it be noted that the development proposal will be reviewed at the conclusion of the planning process and a report will be brought back to the Executive to consider the matter further at that time.