URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4268

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented a report regarding the development of a Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document, Social Value Strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan, and an updated 5-year Business Plan and accompanying Delivery Plan. This was the next step to move forward with delivery of a site that can deliver a generation of job creation, and as such there was a need to ensure it is well connected by public transport and is delivered in a way that benefits local people and maximises social value as much as possible.   In response to Members’ questions it was noted that the investment needed was being quantified, but major work was underway to develop a funding mechanism that works for public and private sectors. This report ensured that expectations were more than a wish list; that they were formally set out and the means of who would provide funding, for what, and when, could be established. Members discussed the commitment to Real Living Wage and GM Good Employment Charter employers, and noted this set out the intention of good quality jobs and good quality employers for the project, and would hopefully attract similar employers for the site.   With regards to transport, it was noted that the 60% estimated car use to the site was an achievable target, and still marked an improvement on current commuting. Members recognised the importance of securing public transport to the site, and it was noted as additional investment and transport comes forward and the public transport system improves, we can improve this ratio and secure opportunities for all residents across the borough. In response to a Members question regarding the benefits to small, local businesses, it was noted that existing GM experience and the Social Value Strategy allowed for this; to influence those responsible for the procurement to look for local opportunities through supply chains, starting with Bury before moving further out, and showcasing the benefits of using local businesses and labour.   Decision: Cabinet: 1.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the document as the Northern Gateway project progresses; 2.    Endorsed the Northern Gateway Social Value Strategy and Delivery Plan and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to the documents as the Northern Gateway project progresses; 3.    Noted the implementation of the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan in advance of MDC implementation to enable the work of the Northern Gateway Strategic Board to move forward at pace and delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place – Business, Growth and Infrastructure) to make adjustments to it as the project progresses; 4.    Noted the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan will be brought back to Cabinet for final approval once the MDC Board has been established and has formally approved the documents; and 5.    Noted the Rochdale Borough Council’s intention to take a similar report to their Executive.   Reasons for the decision: ·         The Northern Gateway Transport Framework Document (TFD) sets out the transport vision for the site and its endorsement will support sound decision making through the planning process alongside Supplementary Planning Documents. The framework will also be a critical tool in making the case for and securing the investment needed to deliver the required transport infrastructure, from a number of funding sources, including financial and non-financial contributions from the private sector. ·         The endorsement of the Northern Gateway Social Value Strategy and Delivery Plan will support with maximising the benefits of commissioning for projects associated with Northern Gateway. The aligned social value priorities presented within the Strategy will mean that, irrespective of the organisation commissioning work on behalf of Northern Gateway, tangible and quantifiable outcomes will be realised for the communities and businesses of Bury and Rochdale. The Strategy and Delivery Plan will also provide a basis for provision of joined-up social value in advance of the implementation of the MDC. ·         The noting of the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan will enable the Northern Gateway Strategic Board to move forward at pace with critical path workstreams identified as essential to drive forward the delivery of the site.   Alternative options considered and rejected: ·         The development of a Transport Framework is a best practice planning requirement to set the vision led strategy for the site. The public sector has developed the TFD to ensure it adequately reflects planning and transport policy requirements and can be applied to applications across the site as they come forward. Alternative option for each developer to produce a Transport Plan for individual application areas, risking a non-cohesive approach. ·         Continue to provide social value based on commissioning organisations’ individual social value objectives. Whilst on occasion this would mean the residents and businesses of Bury solely benefit from social value outcomes, there would also be occasions where no positive outcomes were realised within Bury. This option does not reflect the agreed cross-border, joined-up approach to working for Northern Gateway, nor does it maximise the social value opportunities associated with the scale and longevity of the site. ·         Continue to work to the approved 2024 / 25 Business Plan, for which many of the workstreams are well advanced, and wait until formal implementation of the MDC Board before endorsement of the MDC Business Plan and annual Delivery Plan. As the MDC implementation is not anticipated until early 2026, interim workstreams would need to be agreed and put in place to direct work going forward for the intervening period.    

Date of Decision: November 5, 2025