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.

The Leader of the Council advised that, in accordance with the recently-introduced policy, an opportunity of 15 minutes would be provided for questions from members of the public relevant to items on the current meeting’s agenda. It was reported that questions had been received, in relation to Item 87 below. Questions were put, and responses provided by the Executive Member for Investment, Regeneration and Strategic Planning, as follows.

1.    Will the Council commit to full community engagement and consultation across Oldfield Brow before the outline development plans are finalised, and can they advise what geographical area and stakeholder groups will this cover? 

A.: Full public consultation will be undertaken with residents and stakeholders before plans are finalised.

2.    In any final development; can the committee advise how much funding will be made available to mitigate for loss of community green space, and commit to this being directly spent in Oldfield Brow, in particular improvement on enhancing informal leisure facilities in Cow Field?

A.: The proposals are not at an advanced enough stage for the Planning Service to be able to determine whether mitigation for loss of green space will be required and if so whether a financial contribution is the most appropriate way of providing mitigation and where monies should be directed. This will be a matter for the Local Planning Authority and will be a decision which will need to be made on planning grounds, having regard to the specific merits of the proposal and relevant legislation and policy.

3.    Can you please furnish us with further details on what the ‘additional community asset’ is mentioned in the report, section 2 para 2; given that SMCA was the development partner for a community centre in 2014, but have since stated they no longer wish to fund one?

A.: It is considered the proposed new home for the Rowing Club will be an additional community asset as the building will provide use and benefit beyond its own users

4.    Can you advise why management of the land by Friends of Cow Field has not been included as an ‘Other Option’ in section 4.0? 

A.: All possible options will be considered, though the Council considers that it is unlikely that maintaining the current or similar use will generate a sufficient financial return or maximise the potential regeneration benefits. The Council is aware of both the FOI request and Registration of Community Value request, and note that the latter request was considered and refused in 2017.

5.    The Council's report states that there are no impacts to ‘Health and Wellbeing’.  Given the loss of informal recreational green space and nearby special needs groups, we disagree with this, and ask the committee to explain the assessment in this report.

A.: The fact that the Council is seeking a development partner does not have an impact on health and wellbeing. Any potential impacts will be considered at the time a final proposal is prepared.

6.    Can the committee please confirm the designation of the land known as Cow Field and what restrictions it places on the type of development that may be undertaken?

A.: The land is designated in the Unitary Development Plan as ‘Protected Open Space’. This does not place any restrictions on the type of development which might be undertaken. Instead, it means that specific policies relating to open space contained in the Council’s adopted Core Strategy and the government’s National Planning Policy Framework must be considered when the planning application is determined. [These are Policy R3 of the adopted Core Strategy and Paragraph 97 of the NPPF].

7.    Is the Council aware of the ongoing problems with parking and obstructions in Stokoe Avenue, resulting in the loss of the already reduced bus service, and the additional pressure a new development would add to this situation?

A.: These issues will be considered and addressed as part of the usual planning process, should the scheme proceed to that stage.

8. Is the Council aware of a Japanese Knotweed infestation in the Allotment Gardens, that has not been completely eradicated despite treatment?

            A.: The Council is aware of the infestation and its eradication will have to be considered as part of the future proposals for the scheme.

In discussion, the Leader of the Council noted that, in common with the other schemes outlined in the report, matters were at an early stage, and dialogue was envisaged with interested parties as the respective schemes progressed.

RESOLVED – That the content of the public questions raised, and answers provided, be noted.