Subject: Proposed City of Manchester (West Gorton Neighbourhood) Compulsory Purchase Order 2014)
Report of: Strategic Director (Strategic Development) ______________________________________________________________
Summary
The purpose of this report is to set out proposals to the Executive for the compulsory purchase of land within the West Gorton neighbourhood shown shaded in pink within the site edged red on the plan attached at Appendix 1 (the Order Lands) under the provisions of Section 226 (1) (a) and 226 (1)(A) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 in order to facilitate the carrying out of development, redevelopment or improvement on or in relation to the Order Lands and in order to contribute to the promotion or improvement of the social, economic and environmental well being of Manchester. This will be achieved by providing new housing accommodation; the continued remodelling of the neighbourhood; improvements to the environment; a new Community Hub; and an improved street road layout to deliver the holistic regeneration of the West Gorton neighbourhood, in line with the Neighbourhood Master Plan; Environment and Design Framework; and multi-phased programme of activities approved by previous meetings of the Executive.
The body of the report also sets out progress made to date in delivering the approved West Gorton Regeneration Programme.
Recommendations
The Executive is asked to:
1. Note the progress made to date in delivering the West Gorton Regeneration Programme and the current state of play in relation to commercial negotiations with Keepmoat Homes; who will deliver new housing for sale, and LSP Developments, who will deliver a new Community Hub comprising a replacement Medical Centre and new retail and commercial space;
2. Agree the redevelopment of the Order Lands, in accordance with the approved Neighbourhood Master Plan (the Neighbourhood Plan) and Outline Planning consents in place for the area.
3. Authorise the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 226(1) (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 (as amended by Section 99 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004), and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, to secure the acquisition of the land and interests shaded pink on the Order Lands plan attached to this report at Appendix 1.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 4 Authorise the City Solicitor to seal the Order and to take all necessary steps, including the publication and service of all statutory notices and presentation of the Councils case at public inquiry, to secure confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the vesting of the land in the City Council.
5. Authorise the Director of Strategic Housing (in the event that the Secretary of State notifies the Council that it has been given the power to confirm the Order) to confirm the Order, if the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.
6. Authorise the Head of Development to approve agreements with landowners setting out the terms of withdrawals of objections to the Order including where appropriate the exclusion of land from the Order.
7. Authorise the Director of Strategic Housing and/or the City Solicitor in consultation with the Strategic Director (Strategic Development) to make deletions from, and/or minor amendments, and modifications to the proposed Order and Order Plan or to agree to refrain from vesting any land included within the Order should this be in their opinion appropriate.
8. Authorise the Head of Development to negotiate terms for the acquisition by agreement of any outstanding interests in the land within the Order prior to its confirmation.
9. Authorise the Head of Neighbourhood Delivery to take all necessary steps to secure the closure of all relevant highways streets and alleyways which are required for the development to proceed, if requested by the Director of Strategic Housing.
10. Authorise the Head of Development to thereafter dispose of such part of the Order lands according to the terms of the Conditional sale Agreement between Manchester City Council and Keepmoat as will facilitate the development of the Order Lands in accordance with the West Gorton Neighbourhood Master Plan.
11. Agree the following re-housing and compensation arrangements for displaced residential occupiers:
a) Requests from owner-occupiers for disposal of their homes in advance of the confirmation of the Order will be dealt as a priority.
b) Compensation for owner-occupiers will be paid in accordance with the law on compulsory purchase and relocation assistance will be offered in accordance with the Manchester City Council Home Improvement and Relocation Assistance Policy currently in operation.
c) The Designated Area for the purposes of the Relocation Policy shall be the whole of the City of Manchester and the Specific Designated Relocation Area (SDRA) will be the Ardwick ward. Within the SDRA an
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 applicant will have the potential to access a higher level of relocation assistance which will allow them to remain in their local area. For a new build property, this would be a maximum of 110 % of the average price of various property types within the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) Area. For older properties, the maximum is the average price of various properties within the SRF. Outside the SDRA, but within the City of Manchester Boundary the maximum amount of Relocation Assistance available is 50,000.
d) Discretionary Home Loss and Disturbance payments (based on Corporate Property valuations) will be made available to all qualifying residents seeking relocation.
e) Tenants and owner-occupiers who are displaced will be awarded Band 1 status in order to ensure they are a priority for relocation in a council home within West Gorton if they wish or within the boundaries of the City.
12. Authorise the City Solicitor to complete the legal documentation required to give effect to the above recommendations.
Wards Affected:
Ardwick
Community Strategy Spine Summary of the contribution to the strategy Performance of the economy of the region and sub region The regeneration of the West Gorton neighbourhood will deliver a range of good quality homes in a variety of types and tenures: significantly extending housing choice and increasing the prospects of retaining and attracting economically active residents, helping to build a sense of place and positioning West Gorton as a neighbourhood of choice. Reaching full potential in education and employment The delivery of the West Gorton Regeneration programme will provide training and employment opportunities for the residents of the area via the establishment of appropriate local labour agreements with the developers concerned.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 Individual and collective self esteem mutual respect The regeneration of the West Gorton project will improve individual and collective self esteem by providing new build homes for residents and improving the local environment. The proposals will, through excellence in design and neighbourhood management, reduce crime and disorder and create safe and secure neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods of Choice In line with the Community Strategy, the delivery of the West Gorton Regeneration Programme will create a socially integrated neighbourhood by improving housing choice, quality and mix, providing modern homes for rent and sale, at a range of values, types and sizes, retaining existing residents and attracting newcomers. The project will help build a sense of place and unique identity for West Gorton and will make a positive contribution to the urban fabric of the City.
Full details are in the body of the report, along with any implications for:
Equal Opportunities Policy Legal Considerations
Financial Consequences Revenue
See report under Part B
Financial Consequences Capital
The current approved Housing Capital Programme has budget provision, funded by MCC resources and Housing capital receipts, to cover the costs of acquiring and demolishing the residential and commercial interests identified in this report in order to assemble the lands required to deliver the approved West Gorton Neighbourhood Plan. The report under Part B of this agenda sets out more detail on this matter.
Contact Officers Name: Eddie Smith Position: Strategic Director (Strategic Development) Telephone: 0161 234 3030 E-mail: e.smith@manchester.gov.uk
Name: Paul Beardmore Position: Director of Strategic Housing Telephone: 0161 234 4811 E-mail: p.beardmore@manchester.gov.uk
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Name: Ian Slater Position: Strategic Neighbourhood Lead Telephone: 0161 234 4582 E-mail: i.slater@manchester.gov.uk
Background documents (available for public inspection):
The following documents disclose important facts and these have been relied upon in preparing this report. Copies of the background documents are available up to 4 years after the date of the meeting. If you would like a copy please contact one of the contact officers above
General Documents
1. Manchester Local Development Framework: Core Strategy Development Plan Document (adopted J uly 2012) 2. Saved Polices of the Unitary Development Plan for the City of Manchester 3. National Planning Policy Framework (adopted March 2012) 4. Corporate Housing Strategy 5. Community Strategy 6. Design for Access 2 7. A Guide to Development in Manchester -Supplementary Planning Document and Planning Guidance adopted April 2007 8. Providing Housing for Choice Supplementary Planning Document and Planning Guidance (adopted September 2008) 9. Outline Planning Application 099219/OO/2012/N2 for the redevelopment of the West Gorton Area
Planning documents are available on the City Councils Planning Portal - http://www.manchester.gov.uk/planning
Council Reports
1. East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework (2008-2018). Report to Executive 19 December 2007. 2. Proposals for the Regeneration of West Gorton. Report to Communities and Neighbourhoods Overview and Scrutiny 4 March 2008 and Executive 12 March 2008 3. Housing Investment Options Stock Transfer Programme. Report to Executive 12 March 2008. 4. Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build Programme Round 2 Bid West Gorton. Report to Executive 10 September 2009. 5. Housing Capital Programme 2009-12. Report to Executive 10 September 2009 6. The Regeneration of West Gorton Summary of Progress to Date and Revised Proposals for Delivering the Regeneration of the Neighbourhood. Report to Executive 16 December 2009.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 8. The Regeneration of West Gorton Summary of Progress to Date and Proposals for the Delivery of Future Phases of Activity. Report to Executive 15 February 2012 9. The Regeneration of West Gorton summary of progress to date and proposals for the delivery of future phases of activity.18 J une 2014
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Map of the Order Lands Appendix 2: The West Gorton Neighbourhood Appendix 3: Revised West Gorton Master Plan (as approved by the Executive in J une 2014) Appendix 4: Plan showing Land to be developed by Keepmoat Homes Appendix 5: Plot Plan from West Gorton Neighbourhood Plan Appendix 6: Summary of Consultation Appendix 7: Schedule of Residential Homes within the Order Lands Appendix 8: Schedule of Commercial Properties within the Order Lands Appendix 9: Schedule of vacant and cleared sites within the Order Lands Appendix 10: Recent significant planning applications affecting the proposed Order Lands
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 1.0 Introduction
1.1 The City Council, working in conjunction with key partners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Guinness Northern Counties (GNC) Housing Association has been delivering a multi-phased comprehensive regeneration programme in West Gorton over the last 5 years to provide new and improved housing for existing residents; extend and diversify the range and choice of housing types and tenures to attract new residents; deliver improved and new community facilities and improve the overall environment.
1.2 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on progress made to date in delivering this regeneration initiative and to set out proposals for the use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers for the acquisition of the outstanding land and property interests required for the delivery of the scheme.
2.0 Background Context
2.1 The West Gorton neighbourhood (Appendix 2) is an inner suburb located approximately 3 kilometres south east of Manchester City Centre. It covers an area of 34.55 hectares within the red line boundary shown on Figure 2. To the southwest there are railway lines connecting the sidings at Longsight to Piccadilly Station, and to the north the Manchester to Hadfield / Glossop railway line, which also connects with Piccadilly Station to the northwest of the site. Immediately to the south and running along the southern boundary of the site is the A57 (Hyde Road), and to the east the site is bordered by the A6010 (Pottery Lane) and the Manchester to Hadfield/Glossop railway line.
2.2 The neighbourhood is primarily residential in nature, but also comprises commercial uses, notably a Freight Depot and Demolition Yard to the north of Bennett Street, and the former Fujitsu Complex and Armstrong Pumps premises to the north of Wenlock Way. The neighbourhood also contains the Armitage Church of England Primary School on Rostron Avenue and the Manchester Climbing Centre in the former St Benedicts Church on Bennett Street.
2.3 The neighbourhoods existing retail provision is principally formed by a small shopping parade on Gortonvilla Walk comprising a Convenience Store, a hot food takeaway and a Pharmacy. Also located on Gortonvilla Walk are the West Gorton Medical Centre and the former Gortonvilla Social Club (which has been closed and remains in a semi-derelict state as the result of a fire in 2013.
2.4 Originally farmland, West Gorton underwent rapid industrial expansion in the mid to late 19 th and early 20 th century, providing a location for developing as a mixed industrial and residential neighbourhood, with the majority of residential properties comprising relatively poor quality off-pavement terraced housing. 2.5 The second part of the 20 th century saw the decline of traditional heavy industries that had dominated this part of East Manchester. A clearance programme undertaken in the late 1960s and early 1970s removed the majority of pre 1919 terraced housing, which was replaced with a Council
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 housing estate laid out in a Radburn style. However, a combination of the massive reduction in the areas employment base; resultant de-population; and a limited range of housing types and tenure choice resulted in the neighbourhood falling into significant decline and by the start of the 21 st
century, housing stock was unpopular and in low demand, and the area was characterised by high levels of worklessness, deprivation and ill-health.
2.6 To tackle these long standing issues the Council has been pursuing a multi- phased programme for the comprehensive regeneration of the West Gorton neighbourhood. This programme was agreed at the December 2009 meeting of the Executive and contains the following elements: -
The demolition of up to 440 obsolete social rented homes (including two tower blocks); The retention and refurbishment of 144 council owned homes through the transfer of this stock to Guinness Northern Counties (GNC) Limited; The development of up to 1,000 new homes - including the re-provision of social rented properties and new homes for sale; The development of a new Community Park and the delivery of a programme of environmental and public realm improvements; The development of a Community Hub providing a new replacement Medical Centre and replacement retail facilities; and, The retention of the former Fujitsu Tower and R&D Building for employment uses. The extension and improvement of Armitage Primary School to better meet the needs of local children.
3.0 Progress made to date
3.1 Executive Members will recall from previous reports that the intention is deliver the West Gorton Regeneration Programme in three broad phases, as follows: -
Phase 1: Master - planning and development of a planning framework for the neighbourhood; stock transfer of existing Council stock to GNC who would then deliver a comprehensive programme of internal and external improvements; the construction of new social rented properties and the relocation of existing residents; and early land assembly activities to provide sites for development.
Phase 2: Securing Outline Planning Consent to guide remaining regeneration programme; demolition of vacated housing stock; conclusion of new build of social rented stock; completion of an extension to Armitage Primary School to increase classroom space available; acquisition of remaining land and property interests; the appointment of a private sector development partner to deliver completion of a new Community Hub, and the identification of a developer partner to commence the delivery of new private housing.
Phase 3: Completion of remaining elements of housing development and
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 public realm; including a new Community Park.
3.2 Phases 1 and 2 (2009/10 2013/14) of this programme are now drawing to a conclusion. Significant progress has been made since the approval of the revised Masterplan in December 2009. Despite very challenging economic circumstances and severe reductions in the availability of public funding, the City Council, working in partnership with GNC and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has secured and will have expended investment totalling 50m to deliver these initial phases of the regeneration programme for West Gorton. A summary of activity undertaken is set out below.
Improvements to Retained Stock:
3.3 The transfer of 144 City Council properties to GNC was completed in September 2010 and a comprehensive programme of internal and external improvement works to bring these properties up to modern standards has now been completed. Works have included new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems; re-roofing; new windows and doors; boundary treatments; and elevation works to tie properties in with surrounding new build houses.
Construction of New Homes:
3.4 Following the identification of five development sites in West Gorton, the construction of 171 new social rented properties by the City Council funded through the Local Authority New Build (LANB) programme and a further 41 new social rented properties constructed by GNC funded by the National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP) has been completed and residents have been relocated into their new homes.
Demolition of Obsolete Social Rented Homes:
3.5 A rolling programme of demolition of obsolescent residential properties has been implemented by the City Council and GNC over the last 15 months. All low rise properties (houses and maisonettes) have already been demolished, bar two small rows of houses, where in each row, there remains a unit previously acquired under the Right to Buy (RTB), where the owners have been unwilling to agree terms for sale to the City Council. The demolition of the high rise tower blocks is completed. In total approximately 430 homes have been demolished to date, with 8 properties remaining to be cleared once the acquisition of the RTB properties referred to above has been completed.
Land Assembly:
3.6 The City Council already has a significant amount of land ownership in West Gorton. A targeted Land Assembly programme has resulted in the acquisition by agreement of a number of strategic sites and buildings in West Gorton in third party ownership including the former Wellington and Aces public houses; Timers restaurant; Knox Motors, the Carisbrooke Centre; and most recently, the Armstrong Pumps site on Wenlock Way. Redundant buildings and structures have been demolished, apart from the Armstrong Pumps site where
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 the tenants will relocate on phased basis and should be fully off site by November 2014.
Redevelopment of Former Fujitsu Complex for Employment Purposes
3.7 The Tower and Executive Block of the former Fujitsu works complex on Wenlock Way has been redeveloped by the City Council as a key back -office location for Council services with circa 800 staff located there. 3.8 In addition to this, in December 2012, the Councils Executive approved a 10.6m investment proposal for the redevelopment of the former computer hall facility, the ancillary outbuildings and the former canteen to create a new 360,000 sq ft drama production hub, which will include 55,000 sq ft of dedicated studio space split into five purpose-built, sound-proofed production stages. In addition to the production space, the facility will also house construction workshops; prop stores; flexible office space for short and long term production rentals; and a catering facility to meet the needs of the complex. When fully let, it is estimated that up to 500 people will be employed on site by production companies and tenants. 3.9 Redevelopment works have now been undertaken and this new production hub known as The Space Project opened in J une 2014. Some of the commercial space has already been let and tenants are in occupation. Extension to Armitage Primary School
3.10 Armitage Primary School was built in the 1960s. Increased pupil numbers over the past few years have been putting a strain on existing facilities which had led to the use of temporary classrooms. In 2011 Children Services commissioned an option appraisal on the development of a full two form entry school with a 32-place nursery, to be funded from the Primary Basic Need programme. Planning permission for the construction of an extension to provide new teaching and administration facilities together with increased car parking provision was granted in May 2013 and works are currently underway and will be complete by November 2014.
4.0 Developing the planning framework
4.1 A master plan for the neighbourhood was approved by the Executive in December 2009 and an Environment and Design Framework providing a set of guidelines for the achievement of the Councils environmental and design ambitions for the neighbourhood subsequently received Executive approved in February 2012. This Framework formed the basis for the West Gorton Outline Planning Application that was drawn up by Aecom / Taylor Young on the City Councils behalf and approved by the Councils Planning and Highways Committee in October 2012.
4.2 Members of the Executive will recall from the report submitted in J une 2014 that the approved master plan has been modified as a result of the potential High Speed Phase 2 rail line that Government announced in J anuary 2013
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 and as a consequence of the successful delivery of the Space Project at the former Fujitsu Complex.
Impact of Proposals for High Speed Rail Line HS2 Phase 2
4.3 The Initial Preferred Route for this new rail line into Manchester Piccadilly Station from Manchester Airport is shown running in an underground tunnel. However, the proposal is that the tunnelled section of the line emerges in West Gorton adjacent to Rostron Avenue, and that the line then runs in a cutting, passing underneath Bennett Street and through the existing Olympic Freight Container Depot, before rising on a viaduct to cross over Chancellor Lane and the Mancunian Way before arriving at Piccadilly Station.
4.4 A public consultation on this preferred route closed in J anuary 2014. Depending on the outcome of this consultation, an agreed route will be confirmed which must then be approved by Members of Parliament before any action to build the new rail line is taken. The anticipated timetable is that Parliament will be asked consider this matter in 2016; after the next General Election.
4.5 The planned HS2 rail line means that proposals for the redevelopment of the Freight Depot and the adjacent Demolition Yard for residential use have been removed from the West Gorton Master Plan as approved in December 2009 which also effectively removes Development Plot A from the approved Outline Planning application.
Impact of the Redevelopment of the Former Fujitsu Complex The Space Project
4.6 Paragraphs 3.7 to 3.9 above sets out progress made to date in redeveloping the former Fujitsu Complex for employment purposes. The Space Project has already successfully attracted a BBC television production who will occupy 19,000 sq ft of sound stage space and other negotiations with potential occupiers are ongoing. The Space Project is now reviewing the potential for future growth and development. Given the employment generating ability of the Space Project it is recommended that Development Plot L the former Armstrong Pumps site, that has to date been identified as a residential development plot within the current Master Plan, is re-designated as a potential employment site and is reserved as potential expansion land for the Space Project. This designation will be reviewed once the Space Project has reached a conclusion on their review of future growth and development at this site.
4.7 The cumulative impact of these amendments will be to reduce the overall number of new houses that can be delivered by approximately 135 units.
4.8 The revised Master Plan identifying the exclusion of the above two Development Plots is attached as Appendix 3.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 5.0 Delivering remaining elements of the Regeneration Programme
5.1 The critical elements of the regeneration programme that remain to be delivered are as follows: -
The successfully delivery of new housing for market sale and market rent;
The delivery of a new Community Hub at the junction of Hyde Road and Clowes Street by an appointed Developer Partner. It is currently proposed that the hub will consist of a new Medical Centre and pharmacy, new retail accommodation, plus ancillary servicing and parking spaces;
Securing City Council ownership of the remaining sites required to deliver the residential components of the master plan in full,
Complete the development of a new community park and other areas of public open space in line with the master plan recommendations;
Undertaking Highway and other public realm improvements as identified through the Outline Planning Application and development programme for the Masterplan.
6.0 Identifying developer partners to deliver new build housing
6.1 Executive Members will recall from previous reports that two developer partners have been identified to deliver residential development in West Gorton:
Keepmoat Homes
6.2 A conditional sale agreement was completed between Keepmoat Homes and the City Council on 14 J uly 2014 which provides an option for Keepmoat to take a development lease for three phases of development which will deliver 400 residential units. A Plan showing the land that will be developed by Keepmoat Homes is attached as Appendix 4.
6.3 Following on from this, Keepmoat have submitted a reserved matters planning application (Ref No 105914/MO/2014/N2) which seeks consent for an initial phase of build consisting of 254 of these new homes with associated open space and infrastructure in line with the requirements of the existing Environment and Design Framework and Outline Planning Application. This planning application obtained approval on 12 th September 2014.
Matrix Homes: A Collaboration between MCC and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
6.4 The City Council and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) have entered into a partnership called Matrix Homes - to bring forward a new and innovative delivery model for residential development through a Housing
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 Investment Fund (HIF). This model will be run as a pilot project and will invest 24m across 5 sites in the City which will see in the region of 240 new homes delivered for sale and high quality market rent. It is hoped that this project could attract further institutional investment into the City and across Greater Manchester. The tenure mix across the five sites has been developed to ensure each location fits in to the property requirement for the local area including appropriate levels of owner occupation and private rented properties.
6.5 One of these five sites is situated in West Gorton (Plot I on the Plot Plan attached as Appendix 5 the Maryland Site). Detailed planning consent (Reference 104445/FO/2013/N2) was granted on 18 th February 2014 for the erection of 29 two-storey, two and three bedroom houses with associated new highway, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatments and this scheme is currently on site.
7.0 Delivery of the new Community Hub
7.1 The City Council appointed commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton in 2011 to seek expressions of interest from the development market for the redevelopment of the site on the junction of Hyde Road / Clowes Street identified in the Masterplan to provide a new Community Hub to serve the area, comprising a replacement for the West Gorton Medical Centre; new retail provision including a Convenience Store and Pharmacy; and office space for GNC. This site is outside of the Order Lands and already owned by the City Council.
7.2 An assessment of the expressions of interest was undertaken in February and March 2012 and a shortlist of potential developers was interviewed in May 2012. As the anchor tenant for the Hub will be a replacement Medical Centre, the GP practice based at the West Gorton Medical Centre took part in this process, which resulted in the appointment of LSP Developments Limited as the Councils preferred developer for the Community Hub site. LSP are a property based development company who specialise in health and mixed- used schemes.
7.3 Discussions between the City Council, the developer and the GP Practice and estate functions within the NHS have been ongoing since this point to establish a Business Plan and funding arrangement to facilitate the relocation of the West Gorton Medical Centre. LSP have submitted a reserved matters planning application (ref 106341/MO/2014/N2) for the overall Hub development and this application was granted consent on 17 th October 2014.
7.4 Terms have been agreed with LSP for a conditional sale agreement which will transfer the long leasehold interest of the land to be developed. Once the conditions are satisfied the lease will be drawn down by the developer and will contain obligations to undertake the development in line with the planning permission and within agreed timescales. A regular project board will be set up to monitor the progress of the development in line with the terms of the Agreement.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 8.0 Delivery of additional public open space, highway improvements and environmental improvements
8.1 The revised Master Plan and Outline Planning Application includes provision for the delivery of a new Community park, other open space improvements and highway improvements (including key junction improvements at Clowes Street / Hyde Road)
8.2 Executive Members will recall from the J une 2014 report that the development proposals submitted by Keepmoat Homes and the establishment of a cost centre for the re-investment of land receipts (at the discretion of the Council) provide a means for the delivery of improved recreation space as set out in the Outline Planning Application. At this stage further public consultation is required on the precise nature of what the Community Park and associated recreation space will comprise and a further report on this matter will be brought back for consideration in due course.
8.3 However, proposals for junction improvements at Clowes Street / Hyde Road will be determined at a fairly early stage. It is likely that traffic signals will need to be installed at this junction to cope with increased traffic movement into the neighbourhood. As these improvements are required as a result of the regeneration programme in totality rather than any individual development parcel, this is likely to be the first call on the land receipt generated.
8.4 Proposals for land receipt re-investment for this purpose will be brought back to the Executive, together with any proposals for any re-investment of land receipts required to deliver the Park and Open Space as and when this detail emerges.
9.0 Rationale and supporting information for the use of compulsory purchase order powers
9.1 The remaining sections of this report set out the detail of remaining land interests to be acquired to deliver the West Gorton Regeneration Programme; together with the rational and supporting information to justify the use of Compulsory Purchase Order Powers.
10.0 Land interests to be acquired
10.1 This report recommends the making of a CPO to secure the acquisition of the land and interests not in Council ownership in order to facilitate the site assembly for the regeneration scheme. These interests are as follows: -
Two individual Right to Buy Properties whose owners have been unwilling to sell their homes to the City Council on the basis of terms offered. One of which is derelict and uninhabitable;
Four retail units and former Social Club and adjacent land; West Gorton Medical Centre on Gortonvilla Walk. Negotiations are ongoing with property owners but terms have yet to be agreed;
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Remaining land interests not already in the control of the City Council for the site on the North West corner of Clowes Street and Hyde Road a number of historic title interests remain to be acquired.
10.2 The land in question will be utilised for the delivery of new housing development in line with the approved Neighbourhood Masterplan and Outline Planning Application.
11.0 Objectives of the West Gorton regeneration programme and strategic framework for the scheme
The East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework
11.1 The East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework 2008 2018 sets the overarching objective for West Gorton to become a thriving, family focused community of choice for current and future residents, which will develop strong connections with the wider area whilst maintaining a distinct local character.
11.2 The key regeneration and design principles for West Gorton have been established in a Neighbourhood Masterplan that was approved by the Executive in December 2009; an Environment and Design Framework that was approved by the Executive in February 2012; and an Outline Planning Application that was approved by the Councils Planning and Highways Committee in October 2012. These key principles are to: -
Provide family homes with private amenity space; Be a outward facing neighbourhood with strong links to surrounding areas; Provide a balanced housing stock (type and tenure); Invest in the retained stock; Improve local services; Encourage the re-investment in the business & commercial area through environmental improvements and increased security; Improve accessibility with a traditional grid street pattern; and, Provide high quality public realm.
The West Gorton Environment and Design Framework
11.3 The 2009 Neighbourhood Masterplan for West Gorton sets out the Councils long term ambition to deliver a dynamic, forward - looking, environmentally sustainable neighbourhood that will be a highly attractive place to live, work and visit.
11.4 To assist the practical delivery of this vision, the City Council worked with key partners, including the HCA as key funder, to draw up an Environment and Design Framework to guide the development of Planning Applications and the delivery of future development within the neighbourhood.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 11.5 The Framework, which was approved in February 2012, provided a new integrated approach to the promotion of high quality design and associated environmental targets within a neighbourhood regeneration setting. It sought to capture all existing and emerging guidance on the Citys vision for new development within one document - providing a set of guidelines for the achievement of our environmental and design ambitions.
11.6 The Framework reflects the aspirations set out in the Manchester Community Strategy and the Manchester: a Certain Future climate change action plan, which commit the Council to take the lead in embedding low carbon thinking into the lifestyles and operations of the City and through this process to deliver significant reductions in CO2 emissions by 2020. The Framework is also in line with the Citys Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy that outlines the key energy policies that developers will be required to respond to in the redevelopment of neighbourhoods.
11.7 Taking the 2009 Masterplan as the starting point, the Framework applies these City wide strategies on a practical basis, providing a clear set of guidelines, environmental targets and design principles which future developers will be required to respond to. The Framework sets out both minimum standards and aspirational targets: for example it sets Sustainable Code Level 4 as a minimum target in terms of energy standards for new build homes, with the aspiration that properties will achieve Code Level 6.
11.8 The Framework was produced to underpin the proposed West Gorton Outline Planning Application and all future development briefs issued to the market. However, the document does not form part of the statutory planning framework. It is there to provide guidance and flexibility to developers and their design teams when making decisions in the preparation of their planning applications about development and design quality. It has been developed in a manner that can respond to prevailing market conditions. Rather than being a set of prescriptive regulations that might stifle development, the Framework sets design parameters to meet challenging environmental targets and provides guidance on delivering best practice in design.
11.9 To communicate the integrated spatial, design, sustainability and environmental features, the Framework is organised around the following 8- point checklist:
Climate Change Resources Transport Ecology Business Communities Place Shaping Buildings
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 11.10 The Framework sets out design ambitions in relation to buildings, open spaces, streets, drainage and waste, containing guidance on the following elements: -
A Principles Plan showing the relationships & connections between different activities and land uses, location of house types and environmental features; A Plot Plan An overall regulating plan for each development plot which outlines all buildings and open spaces; Design principles for new and refurbished homes & non-residential buildings; The use of existing and new street patterns and how they accommodate cars, people, environmental features and contribute to new approaches to sustainable drainage; The enhancement and creation of functional green spaces for leisure and recreational activity, including food growing; A waste strategy that promotes alternatives to present day recycling options; and, A drainage strategy that promotes sustainable options for flood risk alleviation.
West Gorton Outline Planning Application - 2012
11.11 The development proposals set out in the application sponsored by New East Manchester / Manchester City Council were drawn up in cognisance of the Environment and Design Framework set out above, but also in the light of a number of initial detailed residential planning applications that were brought forward to deliver the remodelling of social rented stock within the estate, There are five sites that sit within the Outline Planning Application area that have provided 120 new dwellings, in a mix of bungalows, houses and apartments. In addition, there has been development at two additional sites immediately adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Outline Planning Application site, providing a further 92 apartments. Therefore the planning application site boundary for the outline application overlaps some areas that are already subject to ongoing development and/or planned development, and which have full planning permission. These existing developments have set constraints themselves to the form and layout of the overall neighbourhood masterplan (for example, they restrict to some extent the position of main roads through the site) and as such were considered carefully as part of the design process.
11.12 The approved Outline Planning Application is for housingled mixed use redevelopment comprising:-
A maximum of 565 new dwellings New recreation open space Associated access and infrastructure provision, and Proposed community hub building (or buildings) to provide up to 1650sqm GFA non residential including health centre and pharmacy, commercial office space and retail space.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
11.13 The application was approved subject to conditions on 1 st November 2012 (Reference 099219/OO/2013/N2).
Housing Investment Fund Site
11.14 A further detailed planning application (Reference 104445/FO/2013/N2) has been submitted for an initial development plot within the Outline Planning Application area, but outside of the Order Lands, for the erection of 29 two- storey, two and three bedroom houses with associated new highway, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatments. This application was approved on 18 th February 2014.
Keepmoat Phase One Site
11.15 A reserved matters planning application has been submitted by Keepmoat Homes for residential development plots that incorporate the Order Lands (Reference (Ref No 105914/MO/2014/N2) for the erection of 254 residential units comprising 16 two bedroom apartments in one four storey block and 238 two-storey, two, three and four bedroom houses. The planning application also includes for associated new highway, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatments. This application was approved on 12 th September 2014.
12.0 Public Consultation
12.1 The broad vision identified above has been the subject of extensive and sustained consultation with residents and other stakeholders over the past 5 6 years including commercial interests. Consultation has taken many forms including public events, drop-ins, questionnaires and surveys, newsletters, newspaper articles and meetings with individuals. There is strong support for the scheme from the majority of residents and other stakeholders. A full Summary of Consultation is appended to this report at Appendix 6.
13.0 Policy Framework
13.1 The redevelopment of the West Gorton neighbourhood that will take place following the remaining land assembly is supported by a comprehensive policy framework at National and Local level. These are considered below.
National
National Planning Policy Framework 2012 ( the Framework )
13.2 The Framework document sets out the Governments planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. The main aims of the document are to outline that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 13.3 It explains that there are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number of roles:
an economic role, contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure; a social role, supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the communities needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being; and an environmental role, contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy.
13.4 The West Gorton Regeneration Programme seeks to promote positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historic environment as well as improving peoples quality of life by: Building a strong, competitive economy, Ensuring the vitality of town centres, Promoting sustainable transport , Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes, Requiring good design, Promoting healthy communities, Meeting the challenge of climate change and flooding, Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.
Local
Manchester Core Strategy 2012 2027 (adopted July 2012) ( the Core Strategy )
13.5 The Core Strategy forms the key Development Plan Document (DPD) in Manchester City Councils Local Development Framework (LDF) and sets out long term strategic policies for Manchester's future development. The Core Strategy identifies five regeneration areas that, along with the city centre, cover the entire city. Each area has different issues, challenges and opportunities.
13.6 The West Gorton neighbourhood is located in the East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework Area. The Core Strategy notes that whilst the area has many positive attributes, it also has a range of physical and social problems that must be tackled in order for the area to meet its potential. The key challenges facing the area are noted as: High levels of worklessness; deprivation concentrated by neighbourhood, rather than whole wards; limited housing choice in some areas; limited scope for physical change, and; congestion along key arterial routes into the City Centre.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 13.7 Specific Core Strategy policies that support the regeneration of the West Gorton area are as follows: SP1 Spatial Principles, EC5 East Manchester , H1 Overall Housing Provision, H2 Strategic Housing Location, Policy H4 East Manchester, H8 Affordable Housing, EN5 Strategic Areas for low and zero carbon decentralised energy infrastructure, Policy EN6-Target Framework for Co2 reduction from low or zero carbon energy supplies, EN10 Safeguard Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities, EN11 Quantity of Open Space, Sport and Recreation, EN12 Area Priorities for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, EN14 Flood Risk, EN18 Contaminated Land and Ground Stability and DM1 Development Management.
Saved Policies within the Unitary Development Plan for the City of Manchester (1995) (UDP)
13.8 The UDP is contained within the City Councils Local Development Scheme as a saved document. Policies within Part 1 of the UDP support area based holistic regeneration that involves local communities and public, private and voluntary sector bodies, to create and maintain sustainable communities. West Gorton is identified as a key element in the regeneration of Manchester. Specific Part 1 policies of relevance to this proposal include Environmental Improvement and Protection policies E3.3 and E3.4
13.9 There are a number of city wide development control policies, including ones concerning accessibility, housing and commercial development that are of relevance to this proposal, including DC7 New Housing Development, DC10 Food and Drink Uses, DC14 Shop fronts and Related Signs, DC16 Tress,DC20 Archaeology, DC22 Footpath Protection and DC29 Development and Noise.
Guide to Development in Manchester SPD and Planning Guidance (2007) (SPD)
13.10 The SPD was formally adopted in April 2007, and is therefore relevant to the redevelopment of the West Gorton neighbourhood. In the City of Manchester, it is the relevant design tool and it outlines the importance of creating a sense of place, high quality designs, and respecting the character and context of an area. It provides a framework for all development in the City and requires that the design of new development incorporates a cohesive relationship with the street scene, aids natural surveillance through the demarcation of public and private spaces, the retention of strong building lines, appropriate elevational detailing and strong design particularly to corner plots.
Providing for Housing Choice SPD and Planning Guidance (2008)
13.11 The document was adopted on the 2 nd September 2008, and wholly supports the work being carried out within the West Gorton neighbourhood under the Neighbourhood Plan. It provides that everyone should have the opportunity to live in a decent home; a home they can afford, in an area they want to live in. However large increases in house prices in the city have made it much more
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 difficult for many households to get a foot on the housing ladder. The Affordable Housing strategy is one way of tackling the problem. It means making homes available to people who would otherwise find it hard to buy or rent. It includes housing rented from a public landlord like the council or a not- profit housing association or trust, as well as 'shared ownership' schemes.
The Manchester Community Strategy (MSC) (2006-2015)
13.12 This document comprises a number of inter-related thematic chapters, which will require co-ordinated action to deliver. Of particular relevance to the development proposals for West Gorton area is the Housing and Sustainable Communities thematic chapter, which identifies that the failing housing markets in some parts of the city is the key issue that Manchester faces. In these areas, which would include the West Gorton area, there have been significant falls in the value of properties, increasing problems of abandonment, high levels of negative equity for owner-occupiers, and high levels of exclusion of residents and communities. The MCS notes that these factors all threaten the development of sustainable communities.
East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework 2008 - 18
13.13 The East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Frameworks broad aim is to regenerate this area of the City and is comprised of a number of key elements, including the need to create sustainable communities, secure the highest standard of physical redevelopments, ensure that development is commercially viable and geared to generating and extending housing choice to a wider cross section of the community, recognising the importance of natural features and enhancing physical and visual connections.
13.14 The SRF was refreshed to create a framework for 2008-2018 and specific objectives included the creation new family housing structured on a regular grid street pattern, to improve and maintain the existing open space to act as a neighbourhood focus, focus new and refurbished residential development around quality new open space provision, undertake landscape improvements along Hyde Road and Pottery lane, develop mixed use scheme as a community hub fronting onto Hyde Road, and to consolidate commercial activity to the North of the neighbourhood. The outline application approved was designed to accord with and aid delivery of these specific objectives. Ardwick Local Plan (2007)
13.15 The Ardwick Local Plan sets out a 10 15 year strategy to address the areas social, economic and physical needs. In addition to general policies and strategic guidance for the Ardwick area, the Local Plan includes a Neighbourhood Action Plan for West Gorton. The Neighbourhood Action Plan describes the West Gorton area and the issues that it faces; The estate itself is inward looking and comprised almost totally of social housing. The failing neighbourhood centre is hidden away at the pedestrianised core of the estate which has no profile to the main roles. The major former employer (Fujitsu) has ceased operating from the office and manufacturing complex in the area though some local employers remain, primarily associated with low grade
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 manufacturing and storage operations. The housing stock is dominated by social rented housing.
13.16 Para C1.5 of the Ardwick Local Plan sets out the regeneration priorities for the West Gorton neighbourhood which advises that while West Gorton is part of the ward of Ardwick, the development framework for the neighbourhood is being managed by New East Manchester (NEM) who are taking forward the development of a Neighbourhood Masterplan to deliver new and improved housing with a diversification of types and forms of tenure; a new GP surgery and combined chemist that will generate opportunities to deliver primary care activities; a replacement school for Armitage Primary (subsequently amended to delivery of a school extension); enhanced park and open space provision which meets the need of the local community and a new neighbourhood centre fronting Hyde Road, which will include the GP/Chemist and new retail.
Others
13.17 The compulsory purchase powers contained in s.226 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 are intended to provide a positive tool that would enable the City Council to assemble land in order to deliver the outcomes contained in the Manchester Community Strategy, (MCS) and improve the social, economic or environmental well-being of the City (ODPM Circular 06/2004 Compulsory Purchase and the Crichel Downs Rules).
13.18 The Corporate Housing Strategy plays a key role as a catalyst and contributes to the Council's wider regeneration agenda. It identifies extending housing quality and choice as a key objective necessary to strengthen the population base; attract and retain economically active households; create and maintain housing demand; and build sustainable and healthy communities.
14.0 Cultural Heritage (Built Heritage and Archaeology)
14.1 The archaeological and cultural heritage assessment undertaken as part of the Outline Planning Application identified a total of 94 heritage assets within a 500 m study area, including 83 previously recorded heritage assets, with an additional 11 assets identified through reviewing historic maps.
14.2 Of these, there are a total of 18 heritage assets of archaeological value recorded within or next to the development site boundary, only one of which (no. 42: site of St Marks Church, 19th century) is within the current phase 1 application boundary. These all date to the post-medieval period and include sites of an industrial, religious, civic, and residential nature. The Grade II* listed Anglican Church of St. Benedict, parcel depot and portions of the Union Iron Works are the only standing structures recorded within the outline site boundary.
14.3 There will be no direct effects upon the Grade II* Church of St. Benedict, although construction activities will result in a slight temporary negative effect to its setting. During the occupation phase the effect upon the setting of the Anglican Church of St. Benedict is considered to be moderate beneficial.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
15.0 Order Lands
15.1 The Order Lands lie within the West Gorton Neighbourhood within the electoral ward of Ardwick. The Order Lands are bounded by Hyde Road, Bennett Street, Kniverton Road, Wenlock Way and Pottery Lane.
15.2 The Order Lands, appendix 1, comprise 2 residential houses, and private ownership, retail units with an associated car park and public realm, a Medical Centre and areas of vacant and derelict land and miscellaneous sites.
Residential interests
15.3 There are 2 homes within the Order Lands and these are listed on the schedule at Appendix 7.
15.4 The Neighbourhood Plan has been subject to several revisions as a result of community consultation during which the amount of proposed housing clearance was reduced to the minimum consistent with achieving the vision identified in section x of this report. There remain 2 homes within the Order Lands that are in private ownership both of which are proposed for demolition. These properties were originally acquired through the Right to Buy. Demolition of these homes is necessary to assemble the land that will be used to build new homes for sale, and enable development of the new and improved public realm with its new parks and the new road and pedestrian layout, that will improve connections and movement both within the neighbourhood and within adjacent areas.
Commercial interests
15.5 There are three existing retail properties within the Order Lands located on the parade of shops on Gortonvilla Walk, together with an empty retail unit that had been used as Community Rooms until this provision was moved into the nearby Fujitsu Complex on Wenlock Way. A small car park sits behind these retail units together with an electricity substation that will need to be relocated. Adjoining these retail units are the derelict remains of the former Gortonvilla Social Club which ceased trading following a fire in 2013. The intention is that replacement retail provision will be delivered in the new Community Hub and that these properties will be acquired and demolished to provide housing development sites in line with the approved Neighbourhood Masterplan. Full details of the location, current physical state and trading position of these properties can be found at Appendix 8.
West Gorton Medical Centre
15.6 The West Gorton Medical Centre is located on Wenlock Way. The intention is that the Medical Centre will be relocated into the new Community Hub and the current building will be demolished and the site made available for housing development in line with the approved Neighbourhood Masterplan.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 Environment
15.7 There are a number of vacant and cleared sites within the Order Lands in Council and private ownership and these are listed in a schedule at Appendix 9.
16.0 Proposed redevelopment of the Order Lands
Residential
16.1 The redevelopment of the order lands will deliver 400 residential units. A conditional sale agreement was completed between Keepmoat and the City Council on the 14 J uly 2014 for the option to take a development lease of three phases shown on appendix 4 which will deliver the 400 residential units. Keepmoat submitted a reserved matters application (Ref No 105914/MO/2014/N2) on the 6 J une 2014 which seeks consent for 254 new homes with associated open space and infrastructure in line with the requirements of the existing Environment and Design Framework and Outline Planning Application ref 099219/OO/2012/N2 which obtained approval on the 1 st November 2012 .
16.2 All of the houses will be two-storeys. There will also be a four storey apartment block. This will be in compliance with the parameters established in the outline planning application.
Layout
16.3 The proposals have resulted in a layout that retains the concept and design principles of the AECOM masterplan whilst providing an effective and deliverable housing layout. The layout creates a series of well defined perimeter blocks. Streets and open spaces are positively addressed by the fronts of dwellings. Secure and private areas are created to the rear. Parking is accommodated in-curtilage, in a manner that minimises impact on the streetscene. The layout accommodates a mix of housing types within a coherent framework.
Appearance
16.4 The new houses which will be constructed to Level 4 within the Code for Sustainable Homes Standard will have a robust appearance, using a restrained materials palette, ensuring the houses will be both contemporary and long-lasting in their visual appeal. Houses have contemporary features, such as larger window openings, grey window and door frames, short clipped eaves and clean lines - giving them a crisp look, and responding to recently completed housing in the area. The new houses will be built of robust red brick giving them simple look that responds to the traditional Mancunian character. Other colours are used to provide variety and interest, for example the use of blue brick for architectural detailing.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 16.5 The apartment block is designed to have a visual presence on the corner of Hyde Road and Pottery Lane, which is an important nodal point. The developer proposes a quiet but nonetheless powerful contemporary building made from local clay bricks in the tradition of established Mancunian houses. This robust material will ensure the building requires minimal maintenance, weathers well and so has a longevity rare in many modern buildings. Windows are generous to provide comfortable, well lit interiors, carefully placed on elevations to respond to key aspects and vistas on this prominent corner site. A feeling of protection from the busy roads is offered by deep reveals while the use of corbelling adds texture and visual interest.
16.6 The Environment and Design Framework and Outline Planning Application ref 099219/OO/2012/N2 which obtained approval on the 1 st November 2012 also shows an apartment block to be built on the plot opposite the Hub site on the corner of Clowes Street and Hyde road in order to provide a gateway into the neighbourhood from a major arterial route. The City Council owns the site however; there are some historic titles interests which need to be addressed before redevelopment of this site can be delivered in accordance with the approved environment and design framework.
17.0. Benefits of intervention by CPO social, economic and environmental well-being
17.1 Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act ,1990 enables acquiring authorities with planning powers to exercise their compulsory purchase powers if they think that acquiring the land in question will facilitate the carrying out of development, redevelopment or improvement on or in relation to the land being acquired. However, section 1(A) provides that an acquiring authority must not exercise the power unless they think that the development, redevelopment or improvement is likely to contribute to achieving one or more of the following objectives, namely the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area for which the acquiring authority has administrative responsibility.
Residential development
17.2 There will be a diverse mix of new housing types and development densities throughout the Order Lands including a greater proportion of owner-occupier housing and a substantial increase in family housing for sale. The housing types will consist of a range of styles including terraced houses, town houses, court blocks and apartment buildings. The urban design concept emphasises simplicity in that the dwellings give a strong feel to the urban street which is reinforced by the use of simple architectural language composed from a selective standard palette of quality materials.
17.3 The Neighbourhood Plan approved in December 2009 promoted a maximum total new build (including the re-provision of Council homes) of up to 1,000 homes. As scheme details have been firmed up this total has reduced to approximately 780 new units and this figure has been reduced further by the
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014 proposals for the HS2 rail line and the revised proposals in respect of the former Armstrong Pumps site noted at paragraph 4 above.
17.4 Owner occupation is likely to increase significantly from its current level, which will lead to a more sustainable neighbourhood by creating a market for local services such as shops, schools and health, facilities. The majority of the new homes built (435 out of the 647) will be for market sale or rent sale. Of these approximately 70% will be houses and 30% apartments.
17.5 The proposals will make West Gorton a neighbourhood of choice to both live and invest in.
17.6 The development of new housing for sale will create an independent housing market in West Gorton where none currently exists, thereby helping to secure the investment of existing owner occupiers who might otherwise suffer from negative equity if the area continued to decline.
17.7 The newly built accommodation will be designed to integrate into the existing neighbourhood.
17.8 Secured by Design is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of "designing out crime" by use of effective crime prevention and security standards. Research shows that Secured by Design can reduce burglary and car crime by 50% and criminal damage by 25%. It supports one of the Government's key planning objectives - the creation of secure, quality places where people wish to live and work. All newly built areas will achieve police Secured by Design accreditation.
17.9 The new housing development will promote and improve the social and economic wellbeing of the West Gorton Neighbourhood.
Retail development
17.10 In accordance with the West Gorton Neighbourhood Plan, a new Community Hub will be developed on the corner of Clowes Street and Hyde Road, comprising a new Medical centre, a Pharmacy, new retail provision and office space.
17.11 The improvement of retail provision in the West Gorton neighbourhood is dependent on the acquisition and demolition of surplus and poor quality retail sites to ensure that the volume of retail provision more accurately reflects demand and a sustainable high standard of retail is maintained in the future.
Environmental Well-Being
17.12 The proposed development would bring a number of environmental benefits to the West Gorton neighbourhood, enabling the re-design of the streets and open spaces within the area with safety in mind, by ensuring that spaces are located adjacent to and are overlooked by active uses in well-populated areas, benefiting from a large degree of natural surveillance.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
17.13 The proposed development would enable the redesign of the street hierarchy, including the creation of new roads where appropriate, to ensure the retention of the residential character of the area and improve permeability without encouraging any unnecessary through traffic.
17.14 Through the proposed development, accessible pedestrian friendly routes throughout the neighbourhood will be developed; this environment will be designed to embrace accessibility and safety issues including dropped kerbs, rumble strips and other measures in accordance with Manchester policies.
17.15 The blight created by current large areas of derelict clearance land will be removed in favour of new, purposeful, high quality public amenity spaces.
17.16 As a result of the new build programmes all new build homes will reach Level 4 within the Code for Sustainable Homes Standard as minimum by including energy efficiency measures, such as the installation of new condensing boilers and double-glazing. These measures will benefit the resident in terms of lower fuel bills, and the environment by the reduction in resultant greenhouse emissions. During development the developer will implement an environmentally friendly management system on site and will be encouraged to use sustainable products.
17.17 The proposed development would contribute significantly to the improvement of the public realm and environmental wellbeing of the West Gorton Neighbourhood of Manchester.
18.0 Residential Relocation
18.1 The City Council and its partners recognise the special value to the West Gorton community of the residents who have chosen West Gorton as their home and who have lived in the neighbourhood for many years.
18.2 At the outset of the regeneration programme the City Council made a commitment to meet the accommodation needs of those existing residents that would be displaced by redevelopment. The redevelopment proposals enable the Council to meet this commitment through the provision of high quality new homes for sale or for social rent. A Housing Needs Survey was undertaken to ascertain which residents in the Order Lands wished to remain in the neighbourhood in the future. This was followed by re-housing interviews to award Band 1 priority status to all those residents who wished to remain as council tenants or who wish to revert to a council tenancy. A programme of re- housing and relocation has been successfully delivered by the City Council, working in partnership with GNC.
Council Tenants
18.3 There are no City Council tenants remaining within the Order Lands.
Owner Occupiers
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
18.4 There are 2 properties that are privately owned that comprise part of the Order Lands. One of these properties is occupied allegedly by the owner. However, negotiations undertaken to date indicate that the occupier also owns other property and is not occupying the property as their only or principal home accordingly the offer made to this owner has been on the basis of the market value of the property; excluding relocation assistance. The remaining property is unoccupied and derelict and has been the subject of extensive vandalism rendering the property uninhabitable.
Private Tenants
18.5 There are no remaining private tenants remaining within the Order Lands.
19.0 Commercial Relocation
19.1 The Council has made contact with the owners of all the commercial sites the comprise the Order Lands to discuss the implications of the approved Neighbourhood Plan and is involved in ongoing negotiations with commercial owners to acquire their properties, to determine the levels of disturbance payments and compensation where necessary and to endeavour to maintain and relocate their business where possible and desirable.
19.2 The Outline Planning Application has set out plans for the provision of local retail and community services in a new Community Hub located on the arterial route to increase accessibility and improve viability. Local retailers will be provided with the opportunity to agree commercial terms for the lease of retail space with the developer who will deliver the new Community Hub, where appropriate. Alternatively, assistance will be provided, where appropriate, within the disturbance and compensation settlement provided to retailers to assist in their relocation to another area within Manchester if they so wish.
20.0 Implementation
20.1 Part B of this report shows that the scheme is fully financed and deliverable using funds from Manchester City Council.
20.2 Keepmoat Homes have submitted a detailed planning application for Phases One of Two of their house building programme in J une 2014 to facilitate a 2014 start on site, subject to obtaining planning approval.
21.0 Power to make a Compulsory Purchase Order
21.1 Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, enables the Council to compulsorily acquire land if it thinks that the acquisition will facilitate the carrying out of development, redevelopment or improvement on or in relation to the land, provided that this will contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, environmental or social well-being of Manchester. It is the appropriate power for the purpose of this redevelopment scheme.
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
21.2 The Council must ensure that its actions are a necessary and proportionate response to the current situation in order to ensure compliance with its obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.
Human Rights - The Right to a Home
21.3. It is acknowledged that the compulsory acquisition of the Order Lands will amount to an interference with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (which provide that every person is entitled to respect for his home and private life). However, that interference will be justified if the action is proportionate and in accordance with the law.
21.4 As set out in Section 11 above, generous relocation arrangements, ensuring that owner-occupiers have access to more than the legal minimum compensation, have been made available to provide owner-occupiers with the opportunity to remain in owner occupation.
21.5 Tenants residing in the area have been provided with access to suitable alternative accommodation and the housing conditions of Council tenants have been improved.
The Right to a Property
21.6 It is acknowledged that the compulsory acquisition of the Order Lands will amount to an interference with Article 1 of the First Protocol (which provides that every natural or legal person is entitled to peaceful enjoyment of his possessions). However that interference will be justified if it is in accordance with the law.
21.7 All property owners (whether commercial or residential) will receive compensation for their loss of property at market value. In addition disturbance compensation will be paid. As set out above the Council will provide active advice and assistance as appropriate to those seeking to relocate as a result of or in anticipation of this CPO.
21.8 Although the making of the CPO will displace some local residents and businesses:
Those displaced by the CPO will receive compensation in the form of home loss and disturbance payments. Owner occupiers displaced by the CPO will be able to benefit from the Council Relocation Assistance if appropriate. No Council tenants will be displaced by the CPO but if they had, they would have been offered a replacement council home either within West Gorton neighbourhood or in another part of Manchester if they choose to leave the area. No Private sector tenants will be displaced by the scheme but if they had they would have been offered a replacement council home or assistance with re-housing in suitable alternative accommodation.
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21.9 The Council should only make a CPO if it is satisfied that there is an overwhelming case in the public interest. The making of the proposed CPO is in the public interest because:
Without new housing to increase housing choice, the West Gorton neighbourhood will continue to decline as an isolated area blighted by poor living conditions, high levels of crime and high levels of poverty. Without a revitalised environment and thriving community in the West Gorton neighbourhood, East and Central Manchester will continue to lag behind the rest of the City in terms of economic opportunities. The proposed intervention is likely to create a vibrant and diverse housing market. Comprehensive redevelopment will deliver a coherent and high quality environment. An increase in the number of economically active households in the area will generate benefits for local businesses. An economically active community will provide the best support for quality public services. The local community is broadly supportive of the redevelopment proposals contained in the Neighbourhood Plan. Those residing in the regenerated West Gorton neighbourhood will benefit from safer, cleaner, more energy efficient housing and a well planned, well- maintained environment. The regeneration of the Order Lands will contribute to the wider regeneration of Central Manchester and the City economy.
22.0 Conclusion/Recommendation
22.1 Notwithstanding the acknowledged impact that the CPO will have with regard to some aspects of the Human Rights Act 1998, the benefits identified in this report present an overwhelming case in the public interest for making the proposed CPO and compensation will be payable under the statutory compensation code.
22.2 The Executive is therefore requested to approve the recommendations outlined at the start of this report and authorise the use of compulsory purchase powers to ensure the redevelopment of the West Gorton neighbourhood in accordance with the approved master plan principles.
23.0 Implications for Council policies
23.1 The implications of this report for the Councils environmental policies are that the project will attract significant investment to the West Gorton neighbourhood and substantially improve the environment. The remodelling of the neighbourhood will increase permeability and reduce crime, making the estate a more attractive and sustainable area for residents to live.
23.2 The implications of this report for Human Rights are dealt with in paragraph 21 above.
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23.3 The implications for the Councils equal opportunities policies are that the new housing, commercial development and the environment created will be accessible for all sections of the community. A Residents Steering Group has been involved throughout the development of the Regeneration Programme and will continue to be provided with further opportunities to engage directly with and influence the delivery of the programme on an ongoing basis.
23.4 The implications for the Councils policies for combating poverty and disadvantage are that the improvements will address social exclusion and enhance the quality of life for the residents by improving both the overall social conditions and employment opportunities in the area. In addition, the re- provision of new housing for rent and ownership will provide residents with new housing which will be financially accessible.
Performance of the economy of the region and sub region
The regeneration of the West Gorton neighbourhood will deliver a range of good quality homes in a variety of types and tenures significantly extending housing choice and increasing the prospects of retaining and attracting economically active residents, helping to build a sense of place and positioning West Gorton as a neighbourhood of choice.
Reaching full potential in education and employment
The delivery of the West Gorton Regeneration programme will provide training and employment opportunities for the residents of the area via the establishment of appropriate local labour agreements with the developers concerned.
Individual and collective self esteem mutual respect
The regeneration of the West Gorton neighbourhood will improve individual and collective self esteem by providing new build homes for residents and improving the local environment. The proposals will, through excellence in design and neighbourhood management, reduce crime and disorder and create safe and secure neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhoods of Choice
In line with the Community Strategy, the delivery of the West Gorton Regeneration Programme will create a socially integrated neighbourhood by improving housing choice, quality and mix, providing modern homes for rent and sale, at a range of values, types and sizes, retaining existing residents and attracting newcomers. The project will help build a sense of place and unique identity for West Gorton and will make a positive contribution to the urban fabric of the City.
24.0 Risk Management
Manchester City Council Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
24.1 The risks associated with the project will be managed by the Strategic Development and Housing Teams using the Manchester Method Project Management methodology. The risk log is reviewed and updated regularly.
25.0 Legal Considerations
25.1 A representative from the City Solicitor has advised on legal aspects of the project to date.
Manchester City Council Appendix 1 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 1: Map of the Order Lands
Manchester City Council Appendix 2 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 2: The West Gorton Neighbourhood
Manchester City Council Appendix 3 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 3: Revised West Gorton Masterplan as approved by Executive in June 2014
Manchester City Council Appendix 4 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 4: Keepmoat Homes Development Land
Manchester City Council Appendix 5 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 5: Matrix Home Development Plot Clowes Street
Manchester City Council Appendix 6 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 6: Summary of Consultation
The City Council has undertaken a significant amount of public consultation on proposals for the comprehensive regeneration programme in West Gorton over the period 2008 - 2014. Consultation has been undertaken at every stage in the process from the development of the revised Masterplan in 2008/09 to the development of proposals for specific planning applications. A summary of consultation events and processes is set out in the table below.
A Residents Steering Group chaired by a local resident and comprising representatives from all of the local Tenants and Residents Associations and Elected Members for Ardwick ward meets on a monthly basis.
Date Event / MCC Report Purpose 2008 12 March 2008 Executive Report Housing Investment Options - Stock Transfer Update 01 J une 2008 Flyer GNC Open Day Flyer 01 J une 2008 Newsletter Stock Transfer Newsletter 01 J une 2008 Newsletter A brighter future for West Gorton 22 October 2008 Open Day Advice Session/ Drop-in 28 October 2008 Flyer GNC Update 29 October 2008 Flyer Open Day Flyer 29 October 2008 Open Day Opportunity for residents to comment on masterplan proposals 01 November 2008 Leaflet GNCHA Workshops Leaflet 13 November 2008 Open Day Advice Session/ Drop-in 26 November 2008 Open Day Advice Session/ Drop-in 10 December 2008 Open Day Advice Session/ Drop-in 2009 01 February 2009 Newsletter West Gorton News 01 March 2009 Newsletter 01 August 2009 Letter Update on Proposals 13 August 2009 Letter Important News About West Gorton Regeneration Proposals 10 September 2009 Executive Report Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build Programme Round 2 Bid West Gorton 15 October 2009 Letter We would like to hear your views on the future plans for your home 01 November 2009 HNS Consultation with Armitage and Ashover residents 24 November 2009 Flyer Invitation to update on the regeneration plans 26 November Open Day
Manchester City Council Appendix 6 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
2009 01 December 2009 Letter Regeneration Back On Track 16 December 2009 Executive Report The Regeneration of West Gorton Summary of Progress to Date and Revised Proposals for Delivering the Regeneration of the Neighbourhood 2010 01 J anuary 2010 Letter Letter to residents affected by reprovision 11 J anuary 2010 Letter West Gorton Regeneration Masterplan Plan - How will it affect you and your home? 11 May 2010 Open Day Opportunity for residents to comment on new build proposals from Bowker Sadler Architects at Community Room 15 J une 2010 Open Day Opportunity for residents to comment on Bowker Sadler Plans at Community Room 01 J uly 2010 Open Day Opportunity for residents to view Bowker Sadler's property designs 14 J uly 2010 Statement Bowker Sadler Statement of Community Consultation 04 August 2010 Planning Application Ref. 093786/V0/2010/N2. Plot 2. Land bounded by Pottery Lane/ Wenlock Way/ Miles Street, West Gorton. Erection of 2 x 4 storey apartment buildings and associated car parking and landscaping (LANB) 11 August 2010 Flyer GNCHA flyer about Workshops held throughout November 12 August 2010 Planning Application Ref. 093772/VO/2010/N2. Plot 2.1. Land Bounded By Pottery Lane/ Wenlock Way And Lilford Close, West Gorton. Erection of a four storey apartment building (24 x 2 bedroom apartments in total) and associated car parking and landscaping. (LANB) 12 August 2010 Planning Application Ref. 093758/FO/2010/N2. Land Bounded By Clowes Street, Ashover Avenue And Armitage Primary School. West Gorton. Erection of residential development of 29 houses including new access roads and associated boundary treatments. (GNCHA) 12 August 2010 Planning Application Ref. 093757/VO/2010/N2. Land Off Rostron Ave/ Reabrook Avenue, West Gorton. Plot 8. Erection of new build residential development of 13 houses and 6 bungalows including repositioning of secondary pedestrian entrance to Armitage Primary School, with associated access roads and boundary treatments. (LANB) 12 August 2010
Planning Application Ref. 093756/VO/2010/N2. Land Bounded By Clowes Street/Hyde Road/Deepdene Street And Passageway Abutting Fairhaven Street And Ainsdale Street, West Gorton. Plot 5. Erection of 28 Houses and 32 Apartments with associated car parking, landscaping and security gates to alleyway, with new roadways and boundary treatments. (LANB)
Manchester City Council Appendix 6 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
12 August 2010 Newsletter Issue 1. GNCHA Newsletter 11 September 2010 Letter The future of your block in the regeneration of West Gorton 12 September 2010 Letter Regeneration Plans Get the Go-Ahead 2012 01 September 2011 Newsletter THE BUZZ - More reasons to call West Gorton home 01 December 2011 Open Day Outline Planning Application Pre-Submission Consultation Event at Armitage Primary School
Outline Planning Application for housing-led mixed use redevelopment comprising: a maximum of 565 new dwellings; a Community Hub building(s) comprising Class A1 retail, Class A2 offices, Class A5 hot food takeaway (maximum floorspace 120 sq.m in total), Class B1office floorspace and Class D1 health centre and ancillary pharmacy use (maximum 1650sqm GFA non-residential space in total); new recreation open space; and associated access and infrastructure provision , following demolition of existing buildings. Land Between Hyde Road/Pottery Lane/Bennett Street West Gorton Manchester M12 Ref. No: 099219/OO/2012/N2 Received: Fri 27 Apr 2012 Validated: Wed 09 May 2012 Status: Application Approved 2012 September 2012 Newsletter The Buzz Newsletter providing an update on progress and date of the Planning and Highways Committee meeting that would consider the Outline Planning Application 2013 8 November 2013 Drop in Event Pre Submission consultation for planning application to build 29 houses on Plot I. 11 December 2013 Proposed erection of 29 no. two-storey, two and three bedroom houses with associated new highway, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatments - Land To The South Of Clowes Street, Between Hoyland Close And Donnison Street Gorton Manchester - Ref. No: 104445/FO/2013/N2 Received: Wed 11 Dec 2013 Validated: Tue 17 Dec 2013 Status: Application Approved 2014
Manchester City Council Appendix 6 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
25 March 2014 Drop in Event Pre-Submission consultation jointly held by Keepmoat Homes and LSP Developments
RESERVED MATTERS application for approval of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for erection of 254 new homes with associated open space and infrastructure Ref. No: 105914/MO/2014/N2 Received: 6 J une 2014 Status: Application Approved.
RESERVED MATTERS APPLICATION relating details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of part single, part 2- storey medical centre, pharmacy and retail unit, car parking with vehicular access point from Clowes Street. Land At The J unction Of Clowes Street/Hyde Road Ardwick Manchester M12 5FJ Ref. No: 106341/MO/2014/N2 | Received: Mon 21 J ul 2014 | Validated: Tue 22 J ul 2014 | Status: Application Approved
Manchester City Council Appendix 7 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 7: Schedule of Residential Homes within the Order Lands
4 Basechurch Walk West Gorton
5 Conquest Close West Gorton
Manchester City Council Appendix 8 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 8: Schedule of Commercial Properties within the Order Lands
Retail Units Currently Trading
Pharmacy 24 Gortonvilla Walk, West Gorton Manchester M12 5ES
Convenience Store 26-28 Gortonvilla Walk West Gorton Manchester M12 5ES
Chinese Hot Food Take-away 30 Gortonvilla Walk West Gorton Manchester M12 5ES
Former Retail Unit - Community Room (now un-used) 32 Gortonvilla Walk West Gorton Manchester M12 5ES
Former Social Club now derelict 34 Gortonvilla Walk West Gorton Manchester M12 5ES
Medical Centre West Gorton Medical Centre 6a Wenlock Way West Gorton Manchester M12 5LH
The retail units are housed in a purpose built parade dating from the 1970s. The parade was primarily built to serve the Council estate which had lost population and fallen into decline, impacting on the trading position of the shops. As a result of demolition activity to clear unpopular and obsolescent housing stock the parade is increasingly physically isolated.
Manchester City Council Appendix 9 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 9: Schedule of vacant and cleared sites within the Order Lands
Plot of land to the west of Clowes Street (bordered by Hyde Road to the south and Heywood Street to the north) and comprises a largely cleared site, together with a warehouse building. The site was acquired by the City Council in 2011 with a sitting tenant who was operating a used car sales business. This tenancy has been terminated and the site is being used on a temporary basis to provide off-street car parking for contractors building the extension to Armitage Primary School.
The site contains 23 different sub-plots under various freehold/ leasehold/ possessory title interests. The site has been included within the CPO to enable the City Council to obtain clean title for the site in advance of redevelopment for residential purposes.
Manchester City Council Appendix 10 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Appendix 10: Recent significant planning applications affecting the proposed Order Lands
RESERVED MATTERS APPLICATION relating details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of part single, part 2-storey medical centre, pharmacy and retail unit, car parking with vehicular access point from Clowes Street. Land At The J unction Of Clowes Street/Hyde Road Ardwick Manchester M12 5FJ Ref. No: 106341/MO/2014/N2 Received: Mon 21 J ul 2014 Validated: Tue 22 J ul 2014 Status: Application Approved
RESERVED MATTERS application for approval of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for erection of 254 new homes with associated open space and infrastructure Ref. No: 105914/MO/2014/N2 Received: 6 J une 2014 Status: Application Approved.
Proposed erection of 29 no. two-storey, two and three bedroom houses with associated new highway, car parking, landscaping and boundary treatments - Land To The South Of Clowes Street, Between Hoyland Close And Donnison Street Gorton Manchester - Ref. No: 104445/FO/2013/N2 Received: Wed 11 Dec 2013 Validated: Tue 17 Dec 2013 Status: Application Approved
CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT Erection of new double height extension to eastern end of existing building, a single storey ancillary building (following demolition works covered by 102773/DEM/2013/N2) , 2 no. single storey security lodges, the provision of a new vehicular site entrance onto Wenlock Way and the reconfiguration of the existing entrance onto Vaughan Street, all with associated boundary treatments and landscaping, in association within the existing B1 Use Class (new Drama Production Hub). Wenlock Way Gorton Manchester M12 5DH Ref. No: 102895/VO/2013/N2 Received: Mon 01 J ul 2013 Validated: Wed 03 J ul 2013 Status: Application Approved
Erection of 8 no. dwellinghouses with associated landscaping, boundary treatments and car parking following demolition of existing buildings. J unction of Clowes Street/Ashover Avenue/Haverford Street West Gorton Manchester M12 Ref. No: 099635/FO/2012/N2 Received: Wed 13 J un 2012 Validated: Tue 19 J un 2012 Status: Application Approved
Outline Planning Application for housing-led mixed use redevelopment comprising: a maximum of 565 new dwellings; a Community Hub building(s) comprising Class A1 retail, Class A2 offices, Class A5 hot food takeaway (maximum floorspace 120 sq.m in total), Class B1office floorspace and Class D1 health centre and ancillary pharmacy use (maximum 1650sqm GFA non- residential space in total); new recreation open space; and associated access and infrastructure provision , following demolition of existing buildings. Land Between Hyde Road/Pottery Lane/Bennett Street West Gorton Manchester M12 Ref. No: 099219/OO/2012/N2 Received: Fri 27 Apr 2012 Validated: Wed 09 May 2012 Status: Application Approved
CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT Erection of 2 x 4 storey apartment buildings (68 apartments in total) and associated car parking and landscaping Plot 2
Manchester City Council Appendix 10 - Item 10 Executive 29 October 2014
Land Bounded By Pottery Lane/ Wenlock Way/ Aines Street And Miles Street West Gorton Manchester Ref. No: 093786/VO/2010/N2 Received: Tue 20 J ul 2010 Validated: Fri 06 Aug 2010 Status: Application Approved
CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT Erection of a four storey apartment building (24 x 2 bedroom apartments in total) and associated car parking and landscaping Plot 2.1 Land Bounded By Pottery Lane/ Wenlock Way And Lilford Close West Gorton Manchester Ref. No: 093772/VO/2010/N2 Received: Fri 16 J ul 2010 Validated: Fri 06 Aug 2010 Status: Application Approved
CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT Erection of 28 Houses and 32 Apartments with associated car parking, landscaping and security gates to alleyway, with new roadways and boundary treatments Land Bounded By Clowes Street/Hyde Road/Deepdene Street And Passageway Abutting Fairhaven Street And Ainsdale Street West Gorton Manchester Ref. No: 093756/VO/2010/N2 Received: Fri 16 J ul 2010 Validated: Fri 06 Aug 2010 Status: Application Approved
Erection of residential development of 29 houses including new access roads and associated boundary treatments Land Bounded by Clowes Street, Ashover Avenue and Armitage Primary School. West Gorton Manchester Ref. No: 093758/FO/2010/N2 Received: Fri 16 J ul 2010 Validated: Fri 06 Aug 2010 Status: Application Approved