Having previously declared an interest Councillors S Gardiner and G Marshall left the meeting during consideration of this item.
The Committee considered the report which provided an update on the South Macclesfield Development Area project which included the planning history, land ownership, financial investment, and the next steps for the project.
During consideration of the report, it was asked if clarification could be provided on the planning implications of the withdrawal of the reserve matters applications and any new applications being submitted. Officers agreed to provide a written response.
Reference was made to the Council’s investment of £3.283m to date in promoting the South Macclesfield Development Area for residential development in line with the Local Plan, and it was asked if a breakdown of the expenditure could be provided.
The Committee emphasised the importance of consultation with stakeholders, including local residents and environmental groups, on the development of alternative options for the site.
The recommendations were proposed and seconded and during the debate an amendment was proposed and seconded.
Amendment
Recommendation 1 to be amended as follows:
“Add after ‘Delegate to Director of Growth and Enterprise’ the words ‘in consultation with the chair, vice chair and opposition spokesperson for economy and growth’ and add after ‘on this site,’ the words ‘nature-led recovery option’.”
The proposer and seconder of the recommendations agreed to accept the amendment and therefore the amendment became part of the substantive motion.
RESOLVED (by majority): The Committee
1 delegate to the Director of Growth and Enterprise, in consultation with the chair, vice chair and opposition spokesperson for economy and growth, to take all actions necessary to review alternative options for the site. This will include disposal, development on this site, nature-led recovery option, or taking no further action, and bring forward a recommendation to Economy and Growth Committee.
2 approve further capital expenditure of up to £150,000 to fund a review of the alternative options and the associated due diligence against legal obligations and policy objectives.
3 approve the withdrawal from the Housing Infrastructure Fund agreement and continue to work with Homes England to identify alternative means of financial support.
4 Note that the current reserved matters planning applications will be withdrawn.
The meeting adjourned for a short break during which Councillor S Gardiner and G Marshall returned to the meeting.