Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 18, 2025

Purpose: To ask Cabinet to approve the Holcroft Moss Joint SPD for adoption following public consultation.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place which sought agreement to adopt Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).   The Principal Planning Officer was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that the Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) applied across the whole Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document (Places for Everyone (PfE) Plan) area and had been prepared jointly by the nine PfE Plan authorities.   The SPD would facilitate and provide guidance on the timely provision of required mitigation at Holcroft Moss, due to increased air pollution caused by the cumulative impact of traffic resulting from development.   Following adoption, this SPD would be a material consideration in determining planning applications in Rochdale.   Resolved: 1.    That the Holcroft Moss SPD (Appendix 1 to the report) be adopted and to take effect no sooner than 3rd April 2025; 2.    That it be agreed that Warrington Metropolitan Borough Council (as the responsible authority for implementing a mitigation strategy for Holcroft Moss) be provided with Section 106 funds collected in accordance with the Holcroft Moss SPD; 3.    That the Assistant Director of Economy be given delegated authority to make minor, non-material modifications to the Holcroft Moss SPD before final publication, subject to consultation and agreement with the eight other Places for Everyone authorities.   Reason for decision: To ensure that the Holcroft Moss SPD could become a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and that developer contributions required to mitigate adverse impact(s) on the protected habitats and species of Holcroft Moss could be collected and appropriately handled.   Alternatives considered and rejected: There were no reasonable alternative options. If the SPD was not adopted, this would prevent it from becoming a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and would hinder the collection of Section 106 monies, necessary to mitigate harm to Holcroft Moss.