Agenda and decisions

Salford City Council - Record of Decision

I, Councillor Derek Antrobus, in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution, do hereby:

(i)            Approve the introduction of the revised customer choice service;

(ii)          Approve the full cost recovery charges associated with the revised service; and

(iii)         Delegate authority to the Strategic Director Place to set the fees for the service in the future.

The Reasons are– the charges were first introduced in 2010.  Although they were reviewed in 2011, there has been no wider review of the service offer and whether it is meeting the needs of the development community.

Options considered and rejected were – not to undertake the review.

It is recognised that the current service is inflexible and does not meet the varying needs of different developers for different sites. In addition, at the time the service was first introduced, the charges set did not cover the full costs of providing the service. This was intentional and was in part due to the fact that the service was offered free of charge before that time and took account of the fact that most other authorities in the north of England did not charge. It was also to ensure developers were not discouraged from approaching the local planning authority for advice which

normally ensures better quality development. Charging for full cost recovery for pre-application

advice is now widely accepted and is recommended as part of the revised service.

Assessment of Risk - The increased charges may discourage some applicants from seeking pre-application advice although the risk of this is considered to be low.  In addition, poor quality development which can harm the local community will be prevented during the formal application stage of planning. 

The source of funding is – N/A.

Legal Advice obtained- supplied by the shared legal service (Justin Hobson, Senior Lawyer, 0161 234 4097): The legal implications are discussed within the report.

Financial Advice obtained - supplied by Martin Anglesey, Finance Officer 0161 793 3248:

This proposal should realise increased revenue income based on current fees.

Procurement Advice obtained – N/A.

The following documents have been used to assist the decision process:

Report to Lead Member Briefing for Planning & Sustainable Development 28/8/19.

Contact Officer: Anthony Stephenson                            Tel No: 0161 604 7778

This decision is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.

The appropriate scrutiny panel to call-in the decision is the Growth & Prosperity Scrutiny Panel.

FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY

This decision was published on 28 August 2019.

This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 4 September 2019, unless it is called-in, in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.

Salford City Council - Record of Decision

I, Councillor Derek Antrobus, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Development, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council’s constitution, do hereby approve:

1. The expenditure of £340,000 of Section 106 contributions towards open space improvements at St Mary’s Park, Walkden; and

2. In the event that all proposed improvements are delivered under budget at St Mary’s Park, in accordance with the S106 agreement, any underspend is made available for open space improvements to Blackleach Country Park.

The reasons are to meet the requirement of the relevant Section 106 Agreement detailed within the report and to improve local open space provision.

Assessment of risk: Low – The delivery of the works at St Mary’s Park, and if applicable at Blackleach Country Park, will satisfy the terms of the Section 106 Agreement.

The source of funding is a Section 106 contribution of £340,000 which has been received from the development located at:

§  The Former Eaton Works, Land East Of Worsley Road North, Walkden, M28 3QN  (Section 106 Ref: 373 - 18/71344/FUL)

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: 

Contact Officer and Extension No: Paul Hutchings x2574

Date: 6^th August 2019

Comments: The £340,000 Section 106 funding as identified in the report has been received and is available to fund the works.

Officer: Steve Davey    TEL NO: x3762

This decision is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.

The appropriate Scrutiny Panel to call-in the decision is the Growth & Prosperity Scrutiny Panel.

FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY

This decision was published on 28 August 2019.

This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 4 September 2019, unless it is called-in, in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.