Rochdale Township Committee Meeting as it happened

Wednesday 16 September

Councillor O’Neil starts the meeting by praising the Feel Good Festival and the Half Marathon event.

A budget presentation is first. Rochdale Council has produced an animation in relation to the current budget challenge, which explains how much has to be saved and what people can to do help.

Greater Manchester Police give an update to councillors. Figures presented to councillors are up until 30 June and show an increase in crime.

The open forum is next. Issues including double yellow lines, the sale of Swift Road, and vacant land are some of the issues discussed.

The Savings Proposals for 2016/2017 and 2017/2108 is next. Rochdale Council need to save £37million over the next two year following further cuts. The Council is looking for thoughts and ideas from local residents about the current savings proposals.

Councillors note the report.

The Disposal of Land at Cut Lane/Caldershaw Road and Swift Road, Rochdale is next.

Councillors are presented with an update in relation to the current position in respect of two plots of land at Cut Lane/Caldershaw Road, Rochdale and Swift Road.

In respect of the land at Cut lane/Caldershaw Road it is recommended that:

• In the event that the Heritage/Village Green application is successful, the site becomes a legally registered village green and the Council enters into negotiations with members of the local community with a view to transferring the freehold or leasehold interest in the site as a Community Asset.
• In the event that the Heritage/Village Green application is unsuccessful, the land is offered for sale on the open market for residential development.

In respect of the land at Swift Road:

• In the event that the Village Green application is successful, the site becomes a legally registered village green and the Council enters into negotiations with members of the local community with a view of transferring the freehold or leasehold interest in the site as a Community Asset.
• In the event the Village Green application is unsuccessful the land is offered for sale on the open market for residential development.

Councillors decide to defer a decision on the sale until the applications in relation to village green status are decided.

The Neighbourhood Planning Application for a Neighbourhood Area Forum is next.

The purpose of the report to councillors is to inform them that applications for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area and Neighbourhood Area Forum have been received from the prospective Rooley Moor Area Forum in order to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Councillors agree the report.

A TBA site update is next.

The report to councillors updates them on the latest position regarding the TBA site.

The Council is keen to better understand the risks (if any) posed by the site which may arise from its industrial history. As a result, the Council has commissioned to undertake sampling around the perimeter of the site, to gather data on whether asbestos levels in the air are within expected parameters. The work is being undertaken by Bureaue Veritas of Didsbury.

Councillors agree the report.

An Armed Forces report is next.

Councillors are informed of the work carried out in relation to the Armed Forces family since the Council signed the Armed Forced Community Covenant in November 2102. The report to councillors highlights the increase in the amount of support given to members of the Armed Forces family and the number of activities and high profile events that it has been possible to deliver since the recruitment of a full time Armed Forces Support Offices.

Councillors note the report.

Smith Street Experimental Closure Order is next.

This item was originally to be discussed in private but a decision was made to hear the item in public. The report to councillors is to make them aware of safety issues regarding a conflict between buses and pedestrians on Smith Street following the recent development of the area. Councillors are asked to approve an experimental scheme, which is expected to last six months, to close the area from the roundabout at Milton Street to the entrance of the Bus Station.

Councillors agree the report.

Meeting ended.