Agenda item

To consider a report on Crewe growth.

The Committee considered the report providing an overview of the future potential growth of Crewe, setting out the strategic context for development over the medium to long term. The report highlighted Crewe’s role as a key growth location within the borough, with opportunities linked to housing delivery, employment, regeneration of the town centre, transport connectivity and major public sector investment.

Members acknowledged and welcomed the ambition to support sustainable growth that strengthened Crewe’s economy, improved quality of place and connectivity, and aligned with wider regeneration and infrastructure programmes. Members agreed that a timeline for action was essential.

The Committee agreed it was equally important to seek similar growth opportunities across the wider borough, noting the announcement made earlier in the week that AstraZeneca had confirmed a major new investment in UK life sciences.

During the debate, the motions set out within the report were proposed and seconded with a number of amendments as set out below.

-       an amendment was proposed, in relation to recommendation 1 to change ‘note’ to ‘acknowledge’.

-       an amendment was proposed to recommendation 3 and 2 to add in the words ‘in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

-       an amendment was proposed in relation to recommendation 5, to remove note and replace with ‘provide a plan for the engagement.

-       an amendment was proposed to add an additional recommendation as set out below.

A further recommendation was proposed and seconded as set out below:

To undertake the feasibility work for a city plan and associated plans as indicated in paragraph 56 of the report. That a report be brought forward on the timescale and potential costs to the relevant Portfolio Holders in Autum 2026.

It was agreed that consideration should be given to a borough-wide Annual Statement Position report, covering current and future growth opportunities being presented to Cabinet on a quarterly basis, and to full Council annually.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Acknowledge the emerging growth opportunities in Crewe and the need for further evaluation and feasibility to ensure Crewe’s growth is optimised.

2. Authorise feasibility work to be undertaken to assess the potential for growth, including any additional road & rail infrastructure opportunities, and engage with investors/developers to ensure a coherent, planned approach to any future potential development.

3. Delegate authority to the Executive Director-Place to submit proposals for external funding in relation to 2), in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder

4. Delegate authority to the Executive Director-Place and Executive Director Resources to approve Supplementary Capital or Revenue Estimates in relation to external funding secured in relation to 2) and 3) in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s).

5. Provide a plan for the engagement and that a further review of engagement with Crewe members, residents, businesses, Crewe Town Board and stakeholders will be undertaken and a report on next steps and progress will be brought back to Cabinet.

6. To undertake the feasibility work for a city plan and associated plans as indicated in paragraph 56 of the report. That a report be brought forward on the timescale and potential costs to the relevant Portfolio Holder in Autumn 2026.