The Neighbourhoods, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee of Manchester Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important local issues, with a significant focus on the Manchester Local Plan and neighbourhood compliance and enforcement. The committee was also set to receive an overview of the work undertaken by various compliance services within the council.

Manchester Local Plan - Draft for Consultation (Regulation 19)

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Manchester Local Plan, presented as a draft for consultation under Regulation 19. This comprehensive plan outlines the future development and strategic direction for the city. The agenda indicated that a series of supporting documents were to be considered, providing detailed assessments and strategies related to the Local Plan. These included:

• The Manchester Local Plan (Draft Regulation 19 version) itself.
• An Updated Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, crucial for understanding and mitigating flood risks associated with proposed developments.
• An Updated Housing Needs Assessment, to inform housing provision and policy within the plan.
• A Retail and Leisure Study - Moston Lane, likely to guide development and economic activity in this specific area.
• Reports on Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), covering both affordability and supply.
• An assessment of Local Green Space and an Updated Open Space Assessment, to ensure adequate provision and protection of green areas.
• Heritage Impact Assessments for Holt Town, Strangeways, and Victoria North, detailing the potential effects of development on historical and cultural assets.
• An Integrated Appraisal, likely a holistic review of the plan's various components.
• A Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening Report and Appropriate Assessment, to ensure compliance with environmental protection legislation.
• A Viability Assessment, to evaluate the financial feasibility of development proposals.
• A Statement of Collaboration, outlining how different stakeholders have worked together on the plan.
• A Consultation Statement, detailing the process and outcomes of public engagement.
• An Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Interim Draft), outlining the necessary infrastructure to support planned growth.

Neighbourhood Compliance, Enforcement and Behaviour Change

The committee was scheduled to examine the council's strategies for neighbourhood compliance, enforcement, and behaviour change, particularly in relation to fly-tipping and waste management. A report from the Strategic Director (Neighbourhoods) was to detail the work undertaken by Housing Providers, Neighbourhood Teams, and Waste, Recycling, and Street Cleansing services. A key proposal was to endorse an increase in the fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, from £700 to the maximum permitted amount of £1,000, while retaining an early repayment discount of £700. This measure aims to strengthen the deterrent effect against fly-tipping. The report highlighted the complexity of fly-tipping, its national prevalence, and the various behavioural factors contributing to it. It also detailed the council's multi-faceted approach, encompassing engagement, education, infrastructure, compliance, and enforcement, as outlined in the Fly-tipping and Litter Strategy 2026-2035. The report also discussed the roles and responsibilities of residents, businesses, landlords, and wider partners in addressing these issues, and detailed the extensive education and engagement activities undertaken, including the Keep Manchester Tidy initiative and the Eco-Schools programme. The report also covered strategies for addressing fly-tipping hotspots, the role of the Neighbourhood Target Team, and the Your Neighbourhood Fund.

Overview of Compliance Services

An overview of the work of the council's Compliance Services, including Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Compliance Teams, and the Food, Health & Safety and Airport Team, was also scheduled for discussion. This report was intended to provide insight into how these services operate within neighbourhoods and collaborate with wider partners. It was also to cover noise and nuisance issues, and the powers relating to vape shops, linking these to the Neighbourhood Guarantee. The report detailed the significant workload of these teams, encompassing statutory duties, reactive work, and proactive projects. It highlighted the importance of partnership working with various internal and external bodies, including national regulators and other local authorities. Specific areas of focus included food safety and standards, with a detailed breakdown of inspection programmes and ratings, and the challenges faced in meeting increased inspection demands. The report also covered the work of the Environmental Protection team in managing air quality, contaminated land, noise control, and industrial regulation, and the Trading Standards team's responsibilities in consumer protection, fair trading, animal health, and the regulation of age-restricted products, with a particular emphasis on the growing issues surrounding vaping products and illicit tobacco.

The agenda also included items on Urgent Business and Appeals, as well as the standard procedure for declaring Interests and approving the minutes of the previous meeting.