Infrastructure Plan

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Local Development Framework

Infrastructure Plan

June 2010

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Planning Policy Team Communities, Regeneration & Environment Directorate Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council FREEPOST Stockport SK1 3YQ

Telephone: 0161 474 4395 Fax: 0161 474 4586

Contents

1 Introduction 2 2 Background 6 3 Delivery Mechanisms/Agencies 7 4 Infrastructure Requirements 8 5 Funding 10 6 Current Practice in Stockport 11 7 Potential New Items 12 8 Prioritising Types of Infrastructure 13 9 Monitoring and Review 14 10 Conclusion 15

Appendix A

11 Introduction 17 12 Physical Infrastructure 18 13 Social Infrastructure 28 14 Green Infrastructure 31 2

1 Introduction

1.1 The Infrastructure Plan (IP) is part of the evidence base informing the preparation of spatial policy in the Local Development Framework (LDF).The LDF will play an important role in delivering the vision set out in the Sustainable Community Strategy for Stockport.

1.2 Consultation has involved working in partnership with physical, social and green infrastructure providers to establish what infrastructure provision there is in the Borough, and identifying any gaps or capacity issues within this existing provision.

1.3 The IP that will accompany the Publication version of the Core Strategy will identify programmed infrastructure from both the public and private sector, in addition to that delivered through the development process. It will provide an overview of the infrastructure requirements and, where known, who is responsible for delivery, a broad indication of phasing, costs and funding mechanisms at the local level.

1.4 Where possible, it will include higher order infrastructure of relevance to Stockport in order to try and provide as complete a picture as possible.

1.5 Sustainable development is a key principle of the planning system. The Local Development Framework (LDF) is crucial in helping to create sustainable communities. Through its integration with the Sustainable Community Strategy it sets out the vision and strategic objectives for achieving an improved quality of life for the local community and seeks to ensure environmental, economic and social well-being.

1.6 A key component of the LDF is the Core Strategy, which includes the identification of an appropriate spatial strategy and associated Core Policies to guide development. However, the strategy and policies will only be effective if they can be successfully delivered.

1.7 The importance of delivery is highlighted in Planning Policy Statement 12 (June 2008) which states: -

“The delivery strategy is central. It needs to show how the objectives will be delivered, whether through actions taken by the council as planning authority, such as determining planning applications, or through actions taken by other parts of the Council, or other bodies. Particular attention should be given to the co-ordination of these different actions so that they pull together towards achieving the objectives and delivering the vision. The strategy needs to set out as far as practicable when, where and by whom actions will take place. It needs to demonstrate that the agencies/partners necessary for its delivery have been involved in its preparation, and the resources required have been given due consideration and have a realistic prospect of being provided in the life of the strategy. If this is not the case, the strategy will be undeliverable.”

1.8 The Core Strategy is being prepared in the context of national policy and the following guidance is relevant to Infrastructure planning and Planning Obligations/ Contributions.

Circular 05/05: Planning Obligations

This circular sets out clearly the purposes of planning obligations and refers directly to the five policy tests that must be applied in seeking planning obligations.The circular also makes 3

Introduction 1

it clear that contributions are to resolve issues arising from development rather than to resolve existing deficiencies in infrastructure provision.

PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development

PPS1 sets out that “in preparing development plans, planning authorities should recognise that the impact of proposed development may adversely affect people who do not benefit directly. Local planning authorities can use planning conditions or obligations to ameliorate such impacts.”

The preparation of the Infrastructure Plan ensures that “infrastructure and services are provided to support new and existing economic development and housing”. Core Strategy preparation has taken into account issues such as accessibility and sustainable transport needs, the provision of essential infrastructure, including for sustainable waste management, and the need to avoid flood risk and other natural hazards in formulating the approach to future supply of sufficient land to meet the range of development needs.

PPS3: Housing

Core Strategy will set out the overall target for affordable housing and the approach to seeking developer contributions to facilitate the provision of affordable housing.

PPS9: Biological and Geological Conservation

PPS9 mentions the use of conditions and planning obligations (also known as planning contributions) to mitigate harmful effects on SSSIs, to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the site’s biodiversity or geological interest.

Furthermore, this PPS considers that development proposals provide many opportunities for building-in beneficial biodiversity or geological features as part of good design. It advises that planning authorities should maximise such opportunities in and around developments, using planning obligations where appropriate.

PPS9 also advises that local authorities should protect species that have been identified as requiring conservation action as species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. Planning authorities should ensure that these species are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations. A similar message about the use of conditions or planning obligations is set out in ODPM Circular 06/2005 Government Circular: Biodiversity and geological conservation – statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system

PPG13: Transport

PPG13 states that developer contributions should be encouraged to secure improved accessibility to sites by public transport, walking and cycling where such measures may “influence travel patterns to the site .

PPG17: Planning for Open space, Sport and Recreation

The continuation of seeking contributions towards open space provision and maintenance is in accordance with PPG17. This guidance specifically allows planning contributions to be 4

1 Introduction

used as a means to remedy local deficiencies in the quantity or quality of open space, sports and recreational provision.

PPG25: Development and Flood Risk

The use of developer contributions towards provision of flood risk management, including defence and mitigation works is explicitly supported by PPG25. The Core Strategy makes reference to such a requirement. The guidance makes it clear that provision will generally be funded by the developer, and is only acceptable provided it is consistent with the relevant flood-risk management policies, passes the Sequential and Exception Tests and does not have a significant adverse impact on flood flows or storage.

North West Regional Spatial Strategy

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) sets out the regional development policy and the CS will have regard to it including the following policies;

Policy L5 - Affordable Housing by setting out a range of delivery mechanisms to secure the provision of affordable housing.

Policy IM 1 – Implementation ensuring that new development is in locations accessible by public transport and measures to support walking and cycling are included from the design stage. Planning obligations should be used to ensure these measures are delivered.

Policy DP 1 - Spatial Principles the Core Strategy approach to infrastructure and planning obligations specifically makes the best use of existing resources and infrastructure and aims to manage travel demand, reduced the needs to travel and increase accessibility.

Policy DP 4 - Make the Best Use of Existing Resources and Infrastructure the overall Core Strategy approach is focusing new development within the urban area broadly where existing infrastructure is in place.

Policy DP 7 - Promote Environmental Quality planning contributions are being sought under IPC1 to mitigate the impacts on air quality and the Core Strategy’s overall approach is to move towards more sustainable modes of transport with development located where it is well served by public transport.

Policy L4 - Regional Housing Provision the approach to the distribution of housing takes into account the need for infrastructure. Transport modelling work carried out on behalf of AMGA and referred to in the Infrastructure Paper considers the impacts on transport of demands from new development including housing.

1.9 Successful implementation of the Stockport Core Strategy depends therefore not only on the action of Stockport Council but upon the co-ordinated and sustained action from a wide range of other organisations. This requires a shared vision and shared objectives. It involves ensuring related strategies are consistent with the spatial strategy and that there is co-ordinated action to effectively deliver essential physical, social, environmental and economic infrastructure on time. Such delivery requires appropriate mechanisms in place that have the support and confidence of the relevant agencies and organisations involved. 5

Introduction 1

1.10 The delivery agencies identified range across the spectrum of national and locally based organisations in both the public and private sectors. The intention is for the LDF to provide the guidance necessary to ensure appropriate co-ordination and joint working occurs to secure successful delivery of its proposals.

1.11 For Publication the Council will set out strategic objectives showing their effect, the key delivery agencies, how successful implementation will be monitored and the implications of non-delivery.

1.12 Successful delivery requires the provision of an appropriate range and level of supporting infrastructure. Recognition of this is evident in the Government’s draft guidance (August 2008) on the Community Infrastructure Levy and given by the Planning Advisory Service, which states in its advice note ‘Implementing your local development framework – the integration of infrastructure and development in plan making’:

“Making effective Local Development Frameworks demands the integration of infrastructure and development within plan-making. Good planning recognises that places are a mix of activities and systems and supports the provision of appropriate infrastructure. To make places work, there must be a means by which a plan is implemented otherwise that plan will remain a dream.”

1.13 The Core Strategy needs to be supported by an Infrastructure Plan alongside the Publications document which will provide: -

An overview of the action required to deliver the LDF; Who is responsible for delivery; and A broad indication of phasing, costs and funding mechanisms.

The Infrastructure Plans is at Appendix A. 6

2 Background

2.1 The IP has to consider a number of interrelated matters:

Identification of the delivery mechanisms required; Identification of the key delivery agencies/organisations; The co-ordination mechanisms required; The infrastructure required; Identification of the funding sources to facilitate the above, and, Establishment of an effective monitoring and review process.

2.2 The IP has to be comprehensive and realistic. It has to be integrated and co-ordinated with a wide range of national, regional, sub regional and local plans and programmes that impact on spatial planning. It will need to be an evolving document which is regularly updated. Such updates will be influenced, in part, by the conclusions from monitoring.

2.3 Successful delivery of the LDF will assist in the delivery of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West and the priorities of the GM sub-region. It is important therefore that it is clear what needs to be done at all levels to ensure that the LDF’s vision, objectives, spatial strategy and policies are delivered in a sustained and sustainable way.

2.4 There needs to be a strong link with the RSS Implementation Framework and an appreciation of the range, level and programme of strategic infrastructure provision identified of relevance to the delivery of spatial planning policies in Stockport. The IP must not duplicate these but identify the local infrastructure requirements that will complement these wider proposals and that are necessary to the delivery of the LDF.

2.5 Stockport Council will need to keep regional investment and implementation programmes and priorities under review to make sure that they are appropriate to meet the Borough’s needs. Representation may be needed to make sure any additional requirements or adjustments are recognised and addressed by the relevant regional body.

2.6 Developing and maintaining an integrated and co-ordinated approach is required at the Greater Manchester and individual local authority level.

2.7 At the sub-regional level, work is ongoing in terms of transport via the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan (GMLTP) team and AGMA.

2.8 Stockport has undertaken engagement with stakeholders to assist the delivery of development in future years and is set out at Appendix

2.9 The IP will demonstrate to a Planning Inspector that the proposed strategy is realistic and deliverable which is one of the key tests of Soundness set out in PPS12. 7

Delivery Mechanisms/Agencies 3

3 Delivery Mechanisms/Agencies

3.1 The RSS sets out regional and sub regional spatial planning policies of relevance to Stockport and proposes an ambitious and challenging response to economic, environmental and social needs.

3.2 RSS delivery requires a fundamental shift in the way natural, physical and financial resources are used. Equally it is recognised that delivery will only be effective if it is integrated and co-ordinated with a range of other national and regional programmes likely to have a bearing on land use, such as health, cultural and social issues, economic development, learning and skills and environmental infrastructure. For the North West an Implementation Framework is being developed by 4NW to help deliver the regional spatial strategy.

3.3 As stated earlier there has already been much engagement that will inform the IP.To ensure effectiveness engagement of the key agencies will need to be maintained and/or developed. At the regional and sub-regional level engagement is likely to be through existing liaison arrangements whether individual, such as consultation with GONW, or collectively through work within AGMA.

3.4 Further to all the above the Council, as local planning authority, will have a continuing role in the delivery of new infrastructure to support development through the planning application decision making process (particularly when seeking developer contributions) and as a service provider to the local community, through its service delivery plans (directly by way of investment in new provision and indirectly by way of the promoting and encouraging local people and key stakeholders to adapt and change to a more sustainable way of living). 8

4 Infrastructure Requirements

4.1 ‘Infrastructure’ means the facilities and services that help local people to live their everyday lives. It can range from strategic provision, such as a new road or school, to the creation of a local play-space. Providing the appropriate range and scale of accessible supporting social, community, economic, environmental and physical infrastructure is crucial to delivering healthy and sustainable communities.The LDF Core Strategy focuses on the Council’s role in facilitating such communities and the mechanisms for delivering infrastructure and ensuring its accessibility to all.

4.2 In respect of some infrastructures it has been that provision historically has not kept pace with development. Consequently there is concern that future growth will exacerbate the position unless a substantial and co-ordinated effort is made to address identified deficiencies and ensure that new development is accompanied by appropriate infrastructure.

4.3 The Government has acknowledged that a full range of facilities need to be provided to support the new development required to meet the country’s housing needs. The RSS seeks to ensure that all new development is sustainable and provides well designed living environments supported by social, community, economic, physical and green infrastructure.

4.4 At the very least new developments should meet their own infrastructure needs, whether for transport, utilities or social infrastructure. However, there is concern over developments meeting current deficiencies. Better management and making better use of existing provision is necessary to assist with infrastructure deficiencies.

4.5 Responsible agencies must commit the resources needed to implement these programmes and co-ordinate delivery with development. Whilst better management has a key role to play it is, however, unquestionable that major new investment at all levels will be necessary if the challenge of creating sustainable communities is to be met.

4.6 Delivery of the infrastructure will be dependant upon maximising the contribution from the development process whilst recognising that a contribution from both the public and private sector will be necessary. This includes the Government’s role in providing the necessary investment to achieve sustainable growth including appropriate revenue support to those agencies required to manage or serve such development. In its draft guidance note on the Community Infrastructure Levy, (August 2008), the Government states: - “Core public funding will continue to bear the main burden, and infrastructure planning will need to take account of all the funding streams available to local communities.”

4.7 The consultation which is ongoing is helping to establish current infrastructure capacity and identify initial infrastructure needs associated with further growth in terms of transport, utility services and waste, education, health and social care, housing and emergency services, community facilities, green infrastructure, culture leisure and recreation provision.

4.8 Whilst the process has improved the understanding by a wide range of organisations of the infrastructure issues and encouraged partnership working, engagement has proved difficult with some of the providers but it is hoped this process will be resolved to a satisfactory level.

4.9 However the Government recognises that the budgeting processes of different agencies may mean that less information may be available when the Core Strategy is being prepared than would be ideal. It is important therefore that the Core Strategy makes proper provision for such 9

Infrastructure Requirements 4

uncertainty and does not place undue reliance on critical elements of infrastructure whose funding is unknown. The test should be whether there is a reasonable prospect of provision. Contingency planning – showing how the objectives will be achieved under different scenarios – may be necessary in circumstances where provision is uncertain. It is considered that there needs to be greater certainty of infrastructure delivery in the early years of the plan and less detail in respect of the ‘longer term’ which will be subject to review.

4.10 The IP should not be seen as a detailed investment programme. This will be the shared responsibility of the relevant infrastructure providers. The IP should be kept under review and updated as appropriate. 10

5 Funding

5.1 The variety of funding sources are as follows:

Developer contributions to deliver the required infrastructure that proposed development, if implemented, would create a need for. Public sector funding including national, regional, strategic and local grants and capital and revenue spending from public service providers and the relevant infrastructure providers.

5.2 The Government has made provision for a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in the Planning Bill introduced to Parliament in November 2007. Local authorities will be empowered to charge CIL on new developments to help finance the infrastructure needed to support growth. Draft CIL regulations have been published early 2010 coming into force on 6th April 2010.

5.3 In the meantime local authorities should continue to advance their infrastructure planning in order to ensure that there is clear evidence about planned infrastructure, its cost, timing and other likely sources of funding to underpin their development strategies. This would also serve as a basis for establishing policies for charging CIL on developments in their areas.

5.4 CIL will not be compulsory once it is introduced on 6 April 2010. Section 106 and CIL will continue to operate alongside one another till at least 2014. There is however a proposal to scale S106s back further by 2014. S106’s will still be necessary to deal with site specific matters, which without the mitigation of, a development ought not to be given planning permission. However, it is proposed that provision of affordable housing will still be imposed by the s106 instrument.

5.5 CIL is only to be collected for increasing infrastructure capacity, but the Government briefing paper indicates that it will be important to ensure there is no reduction in affordable housing, either on site or as contributions.

5.6 Government is currently delaying a number of financial measures including freezing planning application fees for the next year citing the current difficult environment and continued liquidity issues. Consequently there is uncertainty over the future of CIL and the role s106 will continue to play. Any changes will need to be taken in to account 11

Current Practice in Stockport 6

6 Current Practice in Stockport

6.1 The Council currently uses s106 agreements to assist in providing affordable housing as well as to provide new or improved sport, leisure and recreational facilities (including open space and play facilities) and to provide new or improved transport infrastructure and services which can include major infrastructure projects, travel plans, public transport improvements and / or new / improved walking or cycling facilities.

6.2 There is of course a limit to the extent to which new developments will be able to fund these requirements. Indeed there is often resistance to meeting these current requirements with developers asserting proposals are not viable. This will be increasingly the case in the current economic climate.Where such concerns are raised applicants are often asked to submit a financial appraisal to support their case. The Planning Obligations Circular sets out the principle that any contributions required should be no more than necessary to satisfy a proposals own needs and not to ameliorate any existing shortfalls in infrastructure capacity. 12

7 Potential New Items

7.1 As part of developing the Local Development Framework (LDF) the Council is considering additional infrastructures which could reasonably expect to be funded by new developments through s106’s, including:

a. Public realm improvements (including landscaping and tree planting) b. Public art c. Nature conservation mitigation and improvement measures d. Historic building or conservation area measures e. New or improved social and community facilities (including community buildings, child care facilities and public toilets) f. New or improved waste minimisation and recycling initiatives and services g. Contribution to the cost of employment training and enterprise schemes particularly in Neighbourhood Renewal Priority Areas. h. New or improved educational facilities / resources i. New and improved health facilities / resources j. New or improved visitor facilities within and around developments likely to generate visitors (e.g. tourist information boards) k. Town centre management initiatives l. Community safety initiatives (e.g. CCTV) m. Off-site pollution control and monitoring, including air quality monitoring n. The provision of affordable business accommodation o. New or improved library facilities p. New or improved infrastructure provision e.g. water, sewerage, electricity and flood mitigation q. Contribution to the cost of the Council employing a Section 106 monitoring Officer r. reducing the size threshold of housing schemes for which affordable housing contributions would be required. s. Electricity infrastructure to meet needs of new development

7.2 There are other groups including; the Stockport Community Fund part of the Community Foundation (CF) for Greater Manchester.Their focus is to support the activities of local community and voluntary groups, projects or individuals that contribute positively to the quality of life, well being and health of people and communities in the borough. The CF is looking to encourage utilisation of the newly created Open Space by facilitating community engagement.

7.3 If any of these additional areas were supported / adopted together with the existing requirements it is likely to raise further questions of development viability. This would therefore raise the need to prioritise the requirements, so that negotiations on planning applications can be conducted openly and in accordance with council policy when viability is in question.

7.4 Any priority (either for existing uses or new uses of s106 money) would need to be enabled by policies in the Core Strategy. 13

Prioritising Types of Infrastructure 8

8 Prioritising Types of Infrastructure

8.1 Having regard to long established government and Stockport Council priorities it would be appropriate to continue with the current approach in requiring contributions to;

Affordable housing; Open Space (provision and maintenance); Transport including public transport cycling and walking;

8.2 Of equal importance to these three infrastructures are concerns surrounding climate change and sustainable energy. The AGMA Decentralised Energy Study, and Stockport’s Local Energy Study will further inform local circumstances which will require contributions be made towards relevant infrastructure. Evidence is still being gathered and will inform any approach and the priority that should be given to theses policy areas;

Sustainable energy measures Green Infrastructure (particularly where a development would have an adverse impact upon existing GI) in addition to open space needs in connection with residential development Flood protection and mitigation measures (including those to address the adverse effects of surface water run-off, where a flood risk assessment shows it to be necessary

8.3 Having regard to other evidence and a number of priorities and agendas, consideration should be given to including contributions towards;

Biodiversity (particularly where a development would have an adverse impact upon a biodiversity feature of acknowledged importance) Education Community facilities including Indoor Sports Halls (possible PCT health facilities) Public realm including public art (particularly within Stockport town Centre area) Mitigation or compensate against air quality impacts in Air Quality Management Areas Contribution to the cost of employment training and enterprise schemes particularly in Neighbourhood Renewal Priority Areas.

8.4 In adopting any of the above it should be accepted that any decision upon prioritising the agreed schedule of infrastructures should have regard to local priorities. 14

9 Monitoring and Review

9.1 Monitoring and review is an important component of the IP. It seems appropriate that it be incorporated as an additional section in the LDF Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). AMRs are required to contain information on the implementation of the Local Development Scheme (LDS) and the extent to which policies in the Local Development Documents (LDD) are being successfully implemented.

9.2 The IP should be owned corporately within the Council thereby improving performance. 15

Conclusion 10

10 Conclusion

10.1 In terms of the engagement already undertaken and where there is not any further work awaiting completion, such as transport modelling, and strategic flood risk assessment, there are not any significant infrastructure capacity needs. However, owing to recent cuts in Government funding the PCT has indicated that they wish to be considered appropriate infrastructure to be funded either through s106’s or CIL. With respect to those other stakeholders who have been consulted they have either indicated no wish to receive funding from new development or as in the case of United Utilities, government has indicated that projects will be funded by the government.

10.2 Appendix A sets out the most up-to-date position in terms of infrastructure needs by each stakeholder/infrastructure. 16

Appendix A 17

Introduction 11

11 Introduction

11.1 As set out earlier ‘Infrastructure’ means the facilities and services that help local people to live their everyday lives. It can range from strategic provision, such as a new road or school, to the creation of a local play-space. Providing the appropriate range and scale of accessible supporting social, community, economic, environmental and physical infrastructure is crucial to delivering healthy and sustainable communities. The LDF Core Strategy focuses on the Council’s role in facilitating such communities and the mechanisms for delivering infrastructure and ensuring its accessibility to all. 18

12 Physical Infrastructure

Transport

Walking and cycling networks

12.1 Stockport’s walking network incorporates key walking routes as well as aesthetic walking routes. Key walking routes, typically within urban areas, provide direct links to important services and amenities. Aesthetic walking routes, away from main roads, perform a function in providing access to informal recreational opportunities and enhancing well-being. Stockport Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan sets out priorities for maintaining and enhancing the Borough’s Rights of Way Network to cater for both recreational and utility usage.

12.2 Similarly, the Borough’s cycling network caters both for direct cycling routes (often on busier roads) and routes on quieter residential roads and off-road links, to cater for recreational and utility journeys.

12.3 The geographical characteristics of the Borough, with its river valleys, canals and disused rail corridors (e.g. Middlewood Way), provide opportunities for provision of off-road walking and cycling routes. The Borough benefits from several long-distance routes passing through it, including the Trans Pennine Trail, which is also a national cycle route, and the Midshires Way. Key challenges include severances caused by major roads, railways and rivers. Overcoming these obstacles in order to provide safe and continuous off-road walking and cycling networks is a priority. The new Chadkirk Bridge over the River Goyt which will be constructed in 2010-11 will significantly enhance the Borough’s off-road walking and cycling networks, linking together National Cycle Routes 55 and 62, and providing traffic-free links from Marple to Romiley and Stockport Town Centre.

Rail network

12.4 The Borough of Stockport benefits from good rail connections, with Stockport enjoying three services an hour to London, a very frequent service into the Regional Centre, and direct services to many other parts of the country, including West and East Midlands, South Yorkshire, the South Coast, Merseyside and South Wales. There are a total of 19 stations in the Borough and the majority of these stations benefit from frequent direct services into the Regional Centre. However, Stockport lacks direct rail links with a number of District Centres in the Borough (e.g. Marple, Cheadle) and this lack of orbital links contributes to congestion on the road network.

12.5 Additionally, there are capacity constraints on what is predominantly a radial rail network which accommodates long distance services and rail freight services as well as local commuter services. The lack of capacity in particular on the approaches to Manchester Piccadilly restricts the opportunity to increase frequency of local commuter services. The forthcoming Manchester Hub study paper looks at these issues and will propose solutions which could potentially benefit rail services throughout the Borough.

12.6 The Borough’s stations continue to experience growth in passengers, and congestion is an issue. It is anticipated that additional rolling stock (e.g. released as a result of electrification projects elsewhere in the region) will become available during the next five years, which will increase capacity on rail services in the Borough. 19

Physical Infrastructure 12

12.7 Several stations in the Borough have already benefited from improvements including step-free access, real-time train running information screens, CCTV and car-park enhancements. Other improvements will be implemented by the end of 2011-12, including step-free access at Cheadle Hulme and Marple and additional car-parking capacity at Hazel Grove.

12.8 As detailed in the ‘Station Champions’ report endorsed by the Department for Transport in 2009, Stockport is a priority station for improvement, with insufficient car-parking in particular identified as an issue, and the Council is working with Network Rail and other stakeholders on delivering increased car-parking capacity. Refurbishment of the platforms and station buildings is also planned to take place.

Bus network

12.9 Frequent buses connect Stockport Town Centre with most locations in the Borough, and there are bus services linking the Town Centre with locations outside the Borough including Manchester, Tameside, Trafford, Manchester Airport, High Peak and Cheshire East. Local Link bus services, which offer a flexible, demand responsive and door-to-door service, operate in several areas of the Borough less well-served by the conventional bus network.

12.10 Working in partnership with neighbouring authorities and GMPTE, Stockport Council is continuing to develop its network of Integrated Transport Corridors (referred to as Quality Bus Corridors elsewhere in Greater Manchester), which provide bus priority measures, accessibility improvements and improved information and waiting facilities along eight bus corridors in the Borough. Work undertaken on the Integrated Transport Corridors has been successful in increasing bus passenger numbers.

12.11 Current provision for interchange between Stockport train station and bus station is poor, and the provision of a new Stockport Town Centre Interchange is a Greater Manchester Transport Fund priority scheme, awaiting funding. The steep topography of parts of Stockport Town Centre can also pose a challenge for those with limited mobility. A free dedicated town centre shuttle bus service enhances the accessibility of the Town Centre, by linking the train and bus stations with the main retail areas seven days a week.

Road network

12.12 There are 984km of road in the Borough of Stockport, consisting of 12km of motorway, 84km of A roads, 37km of B road, 43 km of other classified road and a further 806km of other unclassified roads. Stockport is well connected to the national motorway network, served by the M60 and M56, which provides access to Manchester Airport. Whilst generally the local road network is well developed, there are parts of the Borough, where due to topography, lack of space and other constraints, the capacity of the network is limited, which exacerbates congestion. Stockport’s location, between more outlying districts such as Cheshire East and High Peak, and employment opportunities in the Regional Centre and elsewhere in Greater Manchester, is another factor which contributes to congestion.

12.13 Congestion mapping indicates that particular congestion hotspots in the Borough include the A626 Marple-Stockport corridor, Hazel Grove, Cheadle, and parts of the M60 motorway. Modelling from AGMA and the Highways Agency indicates that congestion on the M60 Gateway throughout Greater Manchester will worsen over the period of this plan. The Highways Agency is developing a dedicated M60 Route Management Strategy to manage congestion on the route. 20

12 Physical Infrastructure

12.14 Funding is now available to deliver the section of the SEMMMS Relief Road from the A6 at Hazel Grove to the M56 at Manchester Airport, which will remove through traffic, including freight, from several District and Local Centres in the Borough, including Heald Green, Bramhall and Hazel Grove. Stockport Council, together with Cheshire East Council and Manchester City Council continues to seek funding to deliver the remaining sections of the SEMMMS Relief Road, namely A6 Hazel Grove to M60 Bredbury and the Poynton bypass.

Infrastructure Required

12.15 Tables 1 and 2 identify some initial indications of the likely requirements for infrastructure over the plan period. The Greater Manchester level transport modelling has provided some initial results in relation to the potential impacts of developments on the transport network ['Assessing the Transport Impacts of the Local Development Framework - Stockport Transport Impacts of LDF']. As a starting point, this evidence will be utilised to consider infrastructure requirements. Further assessments to inform infrastructure requirements relating to impacts on the Strategic Road Network will subsequently be undertaken with the Highways Agency during the development of the Allocations DPD.

12.16 The Greater Manchester level transport modelling provides an initial summary of the potential impacts on transport networks of the 10 authorities in Greater Manchester. The outputs of this study have been analysed and a number of concerns have been identified by the Highways Agency, which the Council will continue to discuss with the Agency. These include:

The main impacts on the Strategic Road Network are on the southern elements of the M60 - namely the sections around junctions 1 to 25. Whilst recognising that Stockport Town Centre is a sustainably accessible location, the proximity of the Town Centre to the M60 and its potential impacts on the motorway need to be acknowledged. A concern regarding office development focused in the M60 Gateway. The potential impacts of other specific locations (e.g. Bredbury Industrial Estate) that may have specific impacts on the Strategic Road Network. Naturally the impacts of these and the need to include them within any wider assessment will become clearer during the allocations stage. Further development is required in respect of the Infrastructure Planning.

12.17 A concordat has been agreed between the Highways Agency, the 10 Greater Manchester Authorities and Government Office North West detailing a sound approach to the transport evidence base for the core strategy. Given that a completed version is not yet available, the Council and the Highways Agency will continue to work together to identify and prioritise any required transport infrastructure provision and if necessary any mitigation measures, to support the sustainable delivery of the spatial strategy and to assess the transport impacts of proposed development, both individually and cumulatively with other development proposals, during the development of the Allocations DPD and any relevant Area Action Plans.

12.18 Key infrastructure required to deliver the core policy in the first 5 years of the Core Strategy 21

Physical Infrastructure 12

Table 1 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Sources Cost Required Authority (Developers contributions may be sought to assist in the funding of any schemes)

Stockport rail Network Stockport To be Network Rail -part To be station Rail Council confirmed funding from DfT confirmed refurbishments and car-park expansion

Stockport Town GMPTE Stockport To be GMPTE - funding £36 million Interchange Council confirmed- from Greater – needs currently a Manchester confirming Greater Transport Fund whether Manchester this is for Transport scheme Fund priority which although includes awaiting bridge. funding

Stockport Town Stockport To be Stockport Council - To be Centre Access Council confirmed funding from confirmed Package Greater Manchester Transport Fund

SEMMMS A6 to Stockport Cheshire Projected Stockport Council in £298 Manchester Airport Council East year of partnership with million Relief Road, Council, completion - Cheshire East incorporating cycle Manchester 2015 Council, Manchester route (retrofitted City City Council, funding along existing Council, from DfT, Regional A555) Manchester Funding Allocation, Airport LTP,as part of Greater Manchester Transport Fund.

Retaining walls Stockport 2011-12 Stockport Council - £8 million maintenance Council (Dan Bank – part funding from programme 2010-11) Regional Funding Allocation,

Cheadle Hulme rail Network GMPTE 2010-11 DfT ‘Access for All’ £1.5 – £2 station step-free Rail funding million access 22

12 Physical Infrastructure

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Sources Cost Required Authority (Developers contributions may be sought to assist in the funding of any schemes)

Marple rail station Network GMPTE 2010-11 DfT ‘Access for All’ To be step-free access Rail funding confirmed

Hazel Grove GMPTE Stockport 2010-12 GMPTE £1.5 – £2 station car-park Council million expansion and Cheadle Hulme station car-park improvements

Greater GMPTE Train 2013-14 GMPTE To be Manchester rail Operators confirmed station improvement plan

A34/A555 junction Stockport 2015 Stockport Council To be improvements – Council with funding from confirmed work will tie-in with Greater Manchester SEMMMS Relief Transport Fund Road

Chadkirk River Stockport Sustrans 2010-11 Stockport Council - £500,000 - Crossing Council match funding from £600,000 Sustrans

Key infrastructure required to deliver the core policy after the first 5 years of the Core Strategy

Table 2

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Cost Required Authority Sources (Developers contributions may be sought to assist in the funding of any schemes)

SEMMMS Relief Stockport Stockport To be confirmed DfT Stockport To be Road A6 Hazel Council Council, Council confirmed 23

Physical Infrastructure 12

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Cost Required Authority Sources (Developers contributions may be sought to assist in the funding of any schemes)

Grove to M60 Cheshire Bredbury East (Poynton bypass)

East Didsbury GMPTE To be confirmed GMPTE To be -Stockport – confirmed Metrolink extension (as identified in SEMMMS Strategy)

Marple – Stockport Network To be confirmed GMPTE To be off road fixed track Rail confirmed link (as identified in GMPTE SEMMMS Strategy)

New stations at Network GMPTE To be confirmed GMPTE To be Cheadle and Rail confirmed Adswood

M60 measures Highways Stockport To be confirmed. Highways To be Agency Council In considering the Agency confirmed. required measures at the M60, the Council will work with the Highways Agency to identify issues and delivery mechanisms.

Fresh Water

12.19 The region is well placed in terms of drinking water with current supply from Haweswater and Thirlemere about to be improved by infrastructure linking the region to North Wales. There is a good ring main for all of Greater Manchester capable of supporting figures in RSS.

12.20 UU are investing £15 million at the water treatment works in Stockport. They are also spending £1.2 million maintaining the water supply system. Some of the water pipes date back to Victorian times and this work is all part of the modernisation programme. The refurbishment and 24

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cleaning of the pipes will help reduce the risk of low water pressure and discoloured water to your homes and business premises.

Waste water

12.21 UU take away wastewater through the sewer network, clean it and safely return it to the environment. Between 2005 and 2010 UU are investing over £30 million to improve the wastewater treatment works in Stockport to deliver cleaner rivers, streams and coastal bathing waters. Almost £4.5 million will be spent on improving the local sewer network, £8 million to prevent sewer overflows into local rivers and streams and £2 million to help prevent sewer flooding to customer properties.

Infrastructure Required

12.22 In terms of fresh water supply, United Utilities does not envisage the supply of fresh water as a constraint to the proposals in the Stockport Core Strategy. The treatment plant at Cheadle Heath currently has no capacity problems.

Table 3 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Cost Authority sources

Water treatment works United 2010 UU £15m Utilities (UU)

Water Supply system UU 100 2010 UU £1.2m maintenance

Wastewater treatment works UU 2010 UU £30m

Local Sewer Network UU 2010 UU £4.5m

Sewer overflow prevention UU 2010 UU £8m into local rivers and streams

Sewer flooding prevention to UU 2010 UU £2m properties

2010 Update

12.23 United Utilities in agreement with Ofwat has confirmed a £3.6 billion investment programme between 2010 and 2015 which will bring improvements for consumers and ensure the region meets the latest environmental targets and drinking water legislation.

12.24 The precise investment details for Stockport are likely to be available April 2010 but at a regional level the £3.6 billion investment plan includes:

12.25 Maintenance and upgrading of plant and pipe work - Wastewater treatment works will be upgraded and the network of pumping stations will be improved to reduce the risk of pollution of watercourses. Sewers will be upgraded to cut flooding caused by sewer collapses or blockages. 25

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12.26 Saving water - Around 232,000 more customers will be encouraged to save money by opting for a water meter - helping save more than 6 million litres of water a day.

12.27 Securing water supplies - In response to the challenges of climate change, a major new pipeline between Liverpool and Bury, known as the West-East link main, will be completed to transfer water across the region and new groundwater sources will be developed. Vital assets such as key water treatment works will be protected against natural disasters like flooding.

12.28 Improving drinking water - Water treatment works will be enhanced and the current programme of cleaning large water mains will continue.

12.29 Improving the water environment - Storm overflows will be upgraded, reducing the number of discharges into coastal and inland waterways and improving the quality of life in local communities.

12.30 Carbon reduction and innovation - There will be further development of combined heat and power engines to harvest the methane gas given off by sewage sludge, and further technological research to identify other ways of producing energy from sludge. Radical new ways to care for land in our countryside will be extended, producing major environmental benefits such as boosting water availability, restoring and protecting wildlife habitats and reducing flooding risks. It is also hoped this work will aid the ability of peat moorland to hold carbon, providing another climate change benefit.

Electricity network

12.31 UU previously operated, maintained, constructed and repaired the electricity assets on behalf of Electricity North West.

12.32 As part of the electricity investment programme in 2006 UU engineers carried out the survey of the North West’s power network. They walked from pole-to pole checking their physical condition and inspecting the power lines in between. This information has been used to help plan and prioritise the £600 million electricity investment programme that runs until 2010.

Existing Infrastructure

12.33 Electricity North West (ENW) now owns and operates the local electricity distribution network in the Northwest. The Council will work with ENW to identify any issues or problems at the more site-specific scale through the Site Allocations DPD process.

12.34 Through discussions with ENW there are no known Borough-wide issues with power supply, although there may be more localised and site or area specific issues not yet identified. In the event that a proposal places significant demands upon the supply capacity resulting in the requirement for new infrastructure then the developer will be required to contribute to the costs. 26

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Table 4 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Cost Authority sources

Replacement of Grid Supply ENW Delivery ENW £15/20m Point Bredbury 2015/16

Primary sub station ENW ongoing ENW replacements

Replacing cables, overhead ENW ongoing ENW lines and smaller sub stations

Additional capacity to meet ENW 2010 onwards Possible needs of new development developers contributions

Gas

Existing Infrastructure

12.35 National Grid Gas plc owns and operates the local gas distribution network in the Northwest. Any changes to the local network will arise from the mains replacement programme as well as requests for customer connections and/or significant changes in demand requiring reinforcements to the local network as required.

12.36 A total of £6.2m is being invested in replacing 40km of metallic gas mains with modern plastic pipe. Most of the work will be carried out in residential areas, although a number of main roads will be affected.

12.37 Work started in April 2009 and will take a year to complete the majority of the gas mains will be replaced by targeting selected postcode areas. Most of the work will be carried out in postcode areas beginning SK4 3, SK5 5 and SK7 5, although a number of other postcodes will be affected. Residents will receive a letter before work begins in their street.

12.38 The main roads affected will be B6167 Gorton Road, A626/B5465 St Mary’s Way and A5143 Jackson’s Lane.

Infrastructure Required

12.39 There are no identified constraints to capacity, and developments will require their own connections. 27

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Table 5 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Authority Partners Date/phase Funding Cost sources

Gas mains National Grid 2009/20010 National Grid £6.2m replacement

Communications

Existing Infrastructure

12.40 British Telecom (BT) reports that in their opinion adequate infrastructure capacity is available in Stockport at present. In terms of future capacity, the licence under which BT operates requires them to provide network capacity upon request only. 28

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Health

13.1 Stockport Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Stockport Health Enterprises (SHE) strategy is about transforming services to be come more patient centred. This requires new services to be delivered closer to people’s communities, choices for patients of treatment and location and NHS staff and organisations to listen to patients views and experiences

Table 6 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding sources Cost Authority

Phase 1 Heald Green PCT 2004 -2008 PCT £100m Woodley for all 3 phases

Phase 2 St Thomas PCT 2008 -2011 PCT Possible Romiley Hazel Grove developers contributions

Phase 3 Cheadle PCT 2011-2014 PCT Possible Dialstone Brinnington developers Bramhall Heatons contributions Reddish Marple

13.2 The Stockport PCT has had to review the funding of the projects outlined above following recent government cuts to the PCTs budgets. Hence the possible need for funding contributions from appropriate developments. The Stockport PCT programme is based upon the current population and does not plan for additional health care needs generated by new development. In such circumstances the PCT may make a case for additional developer contributions.

Education

Delivery mechanisms – Building Schools for the Future

13.3 Stockport has submitted a new Expression of Interest (November 2008) and has produced a Secondary Strategy for Change policy document. The Expression of Interest is available to view here: http://www.stockport.gov.uk/2013/2992/12545/eoistockportbsf2008

13.4 Currently Partnership for Schools are not inviting authorities to submit BSF applications until the next financial year (2010-11), so the Council cannot expect a call for a Readiness to Deliver document until summer 2010 at the earliest. If entry to the scheme can then be secured phase 1 of BSF building work would occur in 2014. Stockport will need three phases of BSF work and all BSF schemes are expected to be completed by 2023. As a result of this delay, the Council faces significant issues in addressing the inadequacy of its current secondary building stock. The works in all 3 phases will range from renovation and partial to total rebuild. 29

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Table 7 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/phase Funding Cost Authority sources

Phase 1 Offerton High SMBC – Local 2014 BSF and £30m School Werneth High School Children’s Education SMBC Reddish Vale Technical and Young Partnership college Harrytown Catholic People’s (BSF) High St JamesRC Directorate Government Agency - Partnership for Schools

Phase 2 St Annes RC Funding Cheadle Hulme The envelope Kingsway Hazel Grove High not Bramhall High Castle Hill announced Moat House

Phase 3 Stockport School Funding Priestnall Marple Hall envelope Windlehurst Pendlebury not SBSS (pupil referral unit) announced Stepping Hill

13.5 Further details for the proposals for the secondary school estate are set out in the Council’s consultation Strategy for Change document: http://www.stockport.gov.uk/2013/2992/12545/12594/secondarystrategychangestockport2008

13.6 A recent rise in birth rate will be noticeable in secondary schools in 2018 and it is intended that new or remodelled secondary schools are flexible to expand as demand rises. With respect to any increase in demand it is considered that the existing stock will be able to accommodate this or additional capacity will be provided in response to the demand.

13.7 Following a review of maintained nursery provision, the Council is undertaking consultation on proposed changes in Adswood, Heaton Norris and Offerton.

Funding sources

13.8 Through BSF, if successful Stockport may have access to up to £212 million over some twelve years with which to renovate or – in some cases – rebuild secondary schools, although this will depend on a significant level of investment from the Council as well.

13.9 Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council will gain over £3 million of funding in 2009/10 from the Government’s Primary Capital Programme for improvements to primary school facilities. The principles within the Council’s bid have been approved and funding allocated is for the first year of a fourteen year programme. A further £5.68 million will be made available to Stockport for 2010/11, subject to agreement by the DCSF. Further funding will be announced over time, subject to the government’s regular spending reviews. 30

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13.10 In addition, funds may be sourced through s106 contributions

Police

13.11 The Police service indicated that a number of Police Authorities are already receiving contributions to infrastructure through s106’s. Both towards staffing and accommodation. There are no Greater Manchester LA’s requiring contributions to Policing infrastructure to date.

13.12 The Police service does not consider that development needs identified in the Core Strategy will result in additional infrastructure requirements.

Fire

13.13 Existing infrastructure is located at Offerton, Marple, Whitehill and King Street West.

13.14 The Fire service does not consider that development needs identified in the Core Strategy will result in additional infrastructure requirements. 31

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14 Green Infrastructure

14.1 Stockport contains a range of physical environmental assets, which can collectively be termed as Green Infrastructure. They provide multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. The Council recognises they function at a cross cutting level, impacting upon social and economic priorities, and thus help contribute to the development of sustainable communities.

Land for Active Recreation

14.2 The Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (2005) assesses the quality and quantity of open spaces in a range of typologies. In respect of a small number of typologies which can be assessed empirically the study identifies where there are surpluses and deficiencies in specific types of open space.The Core Strategy consultation has indicated support for adopting standards which result in general terms there being no surpluses in any type of open space. As a consequence in cases where new development does not satisfy active recreation open space needs on site they will need to make contributions to fund improvement or creation of open space needed because of new development.

Table 8 Infrastructure Required

Infrastructure Lead Partners Date/Phase Funding Cost Authority Sources

Creating or improving SMBC Landowners On-going Planning existing open space in and contributions connection with the needs developers of new development

Flood risk

14.3 The strategic flood risk assessments show where areas of higher flood risk arise, and where development is proposed in these areas, make recommendations about what mitigation is required. The Environment Agency is responsible for flood defence work. Core strategy policies aim to minimise the run-off from new developments. Where development takes place in areas of higher flood risk, notably the Stockport Town Centre, then developers will need to fund the required mitigating flood risk infrastructure.