Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms 2 and 3, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford M32 0TH

Contact: Jo Maloney  Governance Officer

Items
No. Item

12.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

A maximum of 15 minutes will be allocated to public questions submitted in writing to Democratic Services (democratic.services@trafford.gov.uk) by 4 p.m. on the working day prior to the meeting. Questions must be relevant to items appearing on the agenda and will be submitted in the order in which they were received.

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council advised the Executive that a question had been submitted in relation to the Key Roads Network report elsewhere on the agenda, but that it had been received after the deadline and too late for consideration at this meeting. A response would, however, be issued to the questioner outside the meeting.

13.

CONSIDERATION OF PETITION - WALTON ROAD ACTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD

To consider the following petition received by the Council: “We the undersigned petition the council to stop ALL the proposed road closures (Modal filters) in the Walton Road area shown in the Sustrans Walton Road Active Neighbourhood Plan. The proposed road closures will result in an increase in traffic problems and compromise safety in the area and on surrounding roads.”

Minutes:

The petition organiser was in attendance to set out for Members’ information more detail of the rationale and residents’ views which lay behind the petition, whose text was as follows: “We the undersigned petition the council to stop ALL the proposed road closures (Modal filters) in the Walton Road area shown in the Sustrans Walton Road Active Neighbourhood Plan. The proposed road closures will result in an increase in traffic problems and compromise safety in the area and on surrounding roads. The Leader of the Council noted that correspondence had been received setting out a contrary viewpoint, and that a range of views had been expressed in a large response to the consultation already undertaken.

 

The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy was invited to respond to the petition, and did so in the following terms: “Firstly, please allow me to express my thanks to Mr Marsh for his role with this petition and for taking time to attend Executive Committee this evening to introduce the item before members. It is very much appreciated, and I welcome the recent increase in dialogue between residents and councillors which we have seen through the increased use of mechanisms such as petitions at our meetings.

 

I note that the petition expressly requests that all proposed road closures on the estate be halted, and think that it might be worthwhile to explain that at present no decisions have been made regarding the implementation of modal filters or the precise nature of plans to change traffic use.

 

A consultation exercise was undertaken earlier this year, and residents were posted a document pack presenting proposals to reduce traffic flow of motorists cutting through the estate. The intention had been to make streets on the estate safer to use for local residents, and to streamline traffic flow in a more effective manner.

 

During this consultation exercise the survey circulated to local residents in the document pack yielded 906 responses, and further comments were also collated at an in-person feedback event. I would like to thank all of those that have participated in this process. I consider that the best policy decisions are made when people with local knowledge contribute to the decision-making process.

 

The project team has analysed this feedback and developed a number of potential alternative solutions that respond to this feedback, whilst still achieving the aims of the project such as reducing traffic volumes and speeds, which are being discussed with officers and the local ward councillors. It is clear from the consultation exercise that has been completed that there is not a sufficient level of popular support for the original plans to be implemented. In particular many residents expressed concerns about the original plans to restrict traffic leaving the estate turning right onto the A56 (such as at the junction with Langdale Road), as we have heard from Mr Marsh this evening.

 

As such, the Council has requested that a further set of plans be drawn-up, which are informed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

Minutes:

No declarations were made by Executive Members.

15.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 206 KB

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 20th June 2022.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 20th June 2022 be approved as a correct record.

16.

MATTERS FROM COUNCIL OR OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES (IF ANY)

To consider any matters referred by the Council or by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Minutes:

Councillor Acton, as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, advised the Executive that the substantive item for consideration was the Executive’s response on the Review of Disability Access. (The following Minute refers.)

17.

Scrutiny Committee - Task and Finish Group: Review of Disability Access within Trafford - Response to Interim Report pdf icon PDF 321 KB

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

Minutes:

As Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Acton made some preliminary remarks in connection with the report of the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration which set out the Executive’s response to the Scrutiny Task and Finish Group’s interim review report on Disability Access within Trafford. He noted that, whilst the progress of the review had been slower than envisaged, he welcomed the Executive‘s response, agreeing that implementation of the recommendations would constitute a significant step forwards. He expressed his thanks to the review group, and in particular to its Chair.

 

In presenting the response, the Executive Member acknowledged delays in reaching the current point, but recognised the ambition of the Group’s report, and that there remained work to be done on a broader front. She had met with Councillors Acton and Winstanley, and would keep them informed of progress. In conclusion, she noted, with agreement from the Executive, that the text of the response report be slightly amended, by the deletion of the word “applications” at the conclusion of the first bullet point in paragraph 2.4; this would allow the benefits of training to be realised across the planning system, and not solely in the determination of planning applications.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee Task & Finish Group be noted.

 

(2)      That in response to the recommendations of the Task & Finish Group, the Corporate Director, Place be directed to:

 

a. Ensure the Planning service makes the most of opportunities to improve accessibility within planning applications for new developments – via staff training, early discussion with developers and proactive consideration by Highway Officers to ensure the provision of an accessible environment.

b. Ensure that the Trafford Design Guide & Design Code fully reflects accessibility principles.

c. Retain a policy on Adaptable & Accessible Housing within the Local Plan when it is presented to the Executive to approve its final formal consultation.

18.

LEISURE STRATEGY REVIEW pdf icon PDF 365 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships.

Note: an associated report is to be considered in Part II of the agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships submitted a report which sought approval to proceed to the next stage of the refurbishment of Altrincham Leisure Centre, RIBA stage 4, including the submission of the planning application and the commencement of construction to completion. It also provided an update on the leisure investment strategy and associated refurbishment options for Sale, Partington and Stretford Leisure Centres. It was noted that a related report setting out financial details of the proposals was to be considered in Part II of the meeting’s agenda.

 

In discussion, there was a broad welcome for the proposals, including their contribution to the health and wellbeing agenda and the move away from fossil fuels. Questions were raised on the availability in the new facilities of storage space for items such as prams; and, on financial matters, on the extent of borrowing in respect of Urmston refurbishment which had already been repaid, and the level of reserves deployed in supporting Trafford Leisure. It was agreed that responses to these questions would be provided outside the meeting.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the outcomes of the RIBA Stage 3 consultation for the redevelopment of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford Leisure Centre be noted.

 

(2)       That the facility mix, and design for the redevelopment of Altrincham Leisure Centre as set out in the report, be approved.

 

(3)       That approval be given to progression to RIBA Stage 4 and full construction within the approved capital budget following the completion of RIBA stage 3 for Altrincham Leisure Centre, and updated business case.

 

(4)       That the temporary full closure of Altrincham Leisure Centre be approved, to allow refurbishment work to take place.

 

(5)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance, to negotiate terms with and agree the terms of any contracts and appointments for the relevant contractors and specialists required to deliver the project and to award such contracts and appointments.

 

(6)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to submit planning permission for the redevelopment of Altrincham Leisure Centre including for Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) works once confirmed.

 

(7)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter and sign and/or seal the said agreements and contracts on behalf of the Council.

 

(8)       That it be noted that any significant changes, to either the capital costs identified on completion of RIBA stage 4 or the independently reviewed business case for Altrincham Leisure Centre, will be brought back to Executive for further review and/or approval, and in advance of the Council entering into contractual commitments on the overall capital spend if required.

 

(9)       That the update on the refurbishment proposals for Sale and Stretford leisure centres be noted. Any further commitments to the future phases of the leisure investment programme will only be made when it can be confirmed back to the Executive that the future ongoing subsidy requirements can be contained within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

TRAFFORD POVERTY STRATEGY 2022-25 AND TRAFFORD VCFSE STRATEGY 2022-27 pdf icon PDF 225 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships submitted a report which provided a summary of the work completed to date to develop the Trafford Poverty Strategy 2022-25 and Trafford VCFSE Strategy 2022-27. The report was broadly welcomed; and, in response to a question it was agreed that advice would be provided outside the meeting on when data from the 2021 census would be available to inform the Trafford Data Lab.

 

RESOLVED - That the work completed to date be acknowledged and the Trafford Poverty Strategy 2022-25 and Trafford VCFSE Strategy 2022-27 be approved for publication.

20.

GREATER MANCHESTER'S CLEAN AIR PLAN - JULY 2022 UPDATE pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy submitted a report which set out the case for a new Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan and Greater Manchester’s annual mean standards for Nitrogen Dioxide in 2021. It was noted that no response to proposals had been received from the Government, whose approval would ultimately be needed for the implementation of any scheme. Members were advised that the report was also to be referred to Council at its meeting on 27th July 2022.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That it be noted that the 'Case for a new Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan’ document attached as Appendix 1 and associated appendices A to E have been submitted to the Secretary of State as a draft document subject to any comments from Trafford Council ahead of the next Air Quality Administration Committee.

 

(2)       That it be noted that that Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, as Trafford Council’s appointed representative on the Air Quality Administration Committee, will represent Trafford Council’s comments.

 

(3)       That the initial screening be noted, undertaken to assess which protected characteristics are likely to be impacted by the new GM Clean Air Plan, and in scope for the Equalities Impact Assessment.

 

(4)       That the updated Do Minimum position for 2023 and 2025 and the forecasted points of exceedance in GM in 2023 and 2025 be noted.

 

(5)       That the participatory policy development approach and the next steps for the GM Clean Air Plan be noted.

 

(6)       That the new ‘ask’ from Government be noted, to remove out-of-area operation by private hire drivers/vehicles to support the new GM Clean Air Plan.

 

(7)       That feedback from early engagement activity with vehicle owner representative groups be noted.

 

(8)       That the NO2 monitoring results and the exceedances of the annual mean across sites set up for GM Clean Air Plan purposes between 2018 and 2021 be noted.

 

(9)       That it be noted that the report will be considered by Council at the meeting on 27th July 2022.

21.

CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2022/23 - KEY ROUTE NETWORK SCHEME APPROVALS pdf icon PDF 488 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environmental Services and Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environmental Services and Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy submitted a report which sought to update the Executive on which schemes were being proposed as part of the current capital programme for the Key Route Network (KRN) that included a proposed list of KRN highway capital works to be delivered during the next 5 years, following allocation of funds via TfGM, and an update on how the schemes will be delivered with the funds available. In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Environmental Services noted the distinction between the Key Road Network scheme and other highways maintenance programmes, and that separate funding schemes were available to support the cycling infrastructure.

 

RESOLVED - That the works programmes associated with the allocation of KRN capital funds for 2022/27 as outlined at Appendix A of the report be approved.

22.

PLACES FOR EVERYONE JOINT LOCAL PLAN 2021: DELEGATED APPROVALS FOR EXAMINATION IN PUBLIC pdf icon PDF 407 KB

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

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration submitted a report which sought approval to delegate authority to agree such modifications to the submitted Places for Everyone Plan Joint Local Plan (2021) as may be appropriate to make the Plan ‘sound’ (and capable of subsequent adoption) that arise throughout the statutory Independent Examination (Examination in Public). In discussion it was emphasised that the substantive aspects of the Plan had already been discussed. The current report was intended to provide for timely responses to be made on behalf of the Council, aimed at securing legal compliance and not any significant change of direction.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, to agree  proposed main modifications to the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021) as may be necessary to meet the tests of ‘soundness’ defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) (or any equivalent following the amendment or revocation thereof); and the relevant statutory requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (or any equivalent Regulations following the amendment, re-enactment or revocation thereof).

 

(2)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to make any minor modifications to the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021), as may be necessary.

 

(3)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, to prepare and agree Statements of Common Ground for the Places for Everyone Joint Local Plan (2021) as required.

23.

CARRINGTON & PARTINGTON TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE - CARRINGTON RELIEF ROAD pdf icon PDF 489 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy submitted a report which gave an update on progress since the Executive report in September 2021 selecting a preferred route, and set out the next steps in the process, including an update on project budget, risks and further consultation.  Members were advised that the Council did not own all the land and therefore intended to acquire parcels of land that would be needed for the scheme to progress. It would endeavour to acquire the land through negotiations; however, to prevent delay, it would make a Compulsory Purchase Order for the land required as a risk mitigation measure. Appendix 2 to the report set out the indicative CPO Plots and Schedule; and in principle approval was now sought.

 

In discussion queries were raised regarding the usage of s.106 contributions, expectations in respect of HGV usage, flood mitigation and cost risks; though the relief road’s strategic significance for facilitating regeneration was also emphasised. It was agreed that clarification would be presented outside the meeting regarding the report’s presentation of the Homes England funding drawdown referred to in paragraph 5.2 of the report.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That in principle support be provided to undertake the acquisition of land and new rights required for the construction of the Carrington Relief Road including:

1.1.1     The making of an order under sections 239, 240, 246, 250 and 260 of the Highways Act 1980 and all other powers as appropriate for the compulsory purchase of land and rights required for the construction of the Carrington Relief Road (“CPO”)

1.1.2     The making of a Side Roads Order (or orders) under Sections 8, 14 and 125 of the Highways Act 1980 and all other necessary powers to improve, stop up existing highways, construct lengths of new highway and stop up and provide replacement private means of access as required to deliver the Carrington Relief Road (“SRO”)

 

(2)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to take all steps necessary to prepare a CPO or SRO (together Orders) to be made including but not limited to:

 

(a)  the carrying out of land referencing including without limitation the service of notices under section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and/or section 5A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981;

 

(b)  the authorisation of entry onto the land and other land for the purpose of carrying out surveys pursuant to section 172 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016;

 

(c)  the preparation of a draft statement of reasons;

 

(d)  the preparation of draft Orders and Order Schedules; and

 

(e) the preparation of notices to owners, lessees and occupiers, site notices and any other notices required to be served and/or advertised in accordance with the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 should the Executive authorise the making of an Order.

 

(f) Delegates authority to the Corporate Director for Place to negotiate for the voluntary acquisition of land and rights over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

24.

BUDGET MONITORING 2022/23 - PERIOD 2 (APRIL TO MAY 2022) pdf icon PDF 564 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systems.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systemssubmitted a report which informed Members of the 2022/23 summary forecast outturn figures relating to both Revenue and Capital budgets. It also summarised the latest forecast position for Council Tax and Business Rates within the Collection Fund. Members’ attention was drawn in particular to the potential impact of rising inflation rates; and that in consequence the Council’s working assumption on the impact of the various inflation pressures in 2022/23 was that a prudent figure of £6.0m would be needed,revised up from £4.0m as stated in the 2021/22 outturn.

 

RESOLVED – That the updated summary positions on the revenue budget, collection fund and capital programme be noted.

25.

2021/22 TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL PERFORMANCE pdf icon PDF 869 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Governance & Director of Finance and Systems.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systemssubmitted a report which outlined the main treasury management activities undertaken during 2021/22, including in relation to compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, including all treasury management prudential indicators; average levels of external debt and interest rate payable for 2021/22;  the average level of treasury investments for 2021/22; and the outturn position for the Council's Treasury Management function. It was noted that the key variances related mainly to the levels of income the Council received from Manchester Airport Holdings Ltd (MAH) due to the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was noted that the Accounts and Audit Committee had endorsed the report, and the Executive’s thanks were accorded to the Treasury Management team for its effective management of a challenging environment.

 

RESOLVED – That the treasury management activities undertaken in 2021/22 programme be noted.

26.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE CORPORATE EQUALITY STRATEGY 2021 TO 2025 pdf icon PDF 1014 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing & Equalities.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing & Equalities submitted a report which provided the second progress update on achievements since the Equality Strategy was launched in January 2021 with four key objectives, as well as an update on the work of the Equality Review being carried out by APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence). In discussion, the Executive Member drew attention to a number of successes achieved, but also to work remaining to be done. In response to a query, it was noted that the Council had an aspiration for its workforce to reflect its community; but that incomplete information was currently unavailable on the workforce’s composition, and that the aspiration would take some time to achieve.

 

RESOLVED –

 

(1)      That the content of the report be noted.

 

(2)      That a further progress report containing updates on the success measures within the Corporate Equality Strategy be presented in January 2023.

27.

EXCLUSION RESOLUTION

Motion   (Which may be amended as Members think fit):

 

            That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

Minutes:

RESOLVED - That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

28.

LEISURE STRATEGY REVIEW

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships.

Note: an associated report is to be considered in Part I of the agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to the report considered in Part I of the agenda, the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships submitted an additional report which set out supporting financial detail of proposals for the refurbishment of Altrincham Leisure Centre. Details of all formal resolutions are set out in the relevant Minute above.

 

In discussion, questions were raised in relation to the financial model supporting the refurbishment, and more generally to projections of ongoing support to Trafford Leisure. Responses were provided at the meeting, it also being noted that the development of design and costings on a project of this nature was by its nature an iterative process, with greater clarity being achieved as progress was made; and that further reports would be made as appropriate to the Executive in the event of any significant changes.