Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Aslam, S. Hussain, Wilkinson and Williamson.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the meetings of the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board held on 5^th November 2025 and 22^nd January 2026 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 5^th November 2025 and the 22^nd January 2026 be approved as a correct record.

To scrutinise proposals to publish the Biodiversity Duty Report (2026) in line with section 40A of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The Scrutiny Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of

Place/Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Environment that sought approval to publish the Biodiversity Duty Report (2026) in line with section 40A of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The report was due to be presented to the Cabinet, at its meeting on 23^rd March 2026, where Members would consider any comments and observations presented by this Scrutiny Board. A version had already been considered by the Cabinet on 24^th March 2025.

In considering the report, Members of the Scrutiny Board sought clarification on:

a. was there a set number for gains? It depended on what came forward for development and future reports would be more informative.

b. was the BNG requirement an additional requirement? It was separate from the duty, not additional but in line with Policy

Officers advised that there was a requirement to publish the report and had to be published by the 23^rd March 2026 followed by every 5 years to protect and restore areas of wildlife.

RESOLVED that the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board endorses the Biodiversity Duty Report publication on the Council’s website so that the Council will fulfil its legal duty set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

To provide an update on overall scheme progress and to obtain approval for the Council to enter into the necessary Grant Funding Agreements.

The Scrutiny Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of

Place/Deputy Chief Executive that provided an update on the overall scheme progress and which sought approval for the Council to enter into the necessary Grant Funding Agreements and to complete all other necessary

agreements/documentation to allow the development of 331 new homes at Princes Gate to commence on site.

The report was due to be presented to the Cabinet, at its meeting on 23^rd March 2026, where Members would consider any comments and observations presented by this Scrutiny Board. A version had already been considered by the Cabinet on 24^th March 2025.

In considering the report, Members of the Scrutiny Board sought clarification on:

a. the contract management review minutes on major projects? Officers would liaise with the Chair as the request came from the Audit Committee.

b. access to part B reports? Reports were only part B due to sensitivities, however they were made public once agreed. This would be looked at for the 2026/27 municipal year.

RESOLVED that the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board endorses the Princes Gate development update and approval of the Council entering the Grant Funding Agreements and completions of other necessary agreements to allow the development of 331 new homes at Princes Gate to commence on site.

To scrutinise proposals for the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Scrutiny Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of

Place/Deputy Chief Executive that sought approval for the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the proposed establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The report was due to be presented to the Cabinet, at its meeting on 23rd March 2026, where Members would consider any comments and observations presented by this Scrutiny Board.

In considering the report, Members of the Scrutiny Board sought clarification on:

a.    maximalist approach with the red line? It was noted that everything within the red line was a mix of regeneration and new builds.

b.    Where would the money be coming from? It was noted that it would not be new money, however Private Sector money and work with the GM Mayor would allow the best use of what was available.

c.    Did the Council control the MDC? It was noted that the MDC insulated decisions from political uncertainty, there would be political representation on the Board along with independence of the Chair with expertise around Health and Leisure. The Council would have a stake in the MDC.

d.    Would there be further consultation and what was the process? It was noted that resident feedback would be part of the consultations however, the main focus would be Stakeholders and Environmental Partners. Following the consultation, a report would be produced and shared on the responses.

RESOLVED that the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board endorses the Proposal to undertake Statutory Consultation on the Establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

To consider the Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme 2026/27

The Scrutiny Board considered its Work Programme for 2025/26.

RESOLVED that the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme for 2025/26 be noted.

Key Decision Document published ahead of the Cabinet meeting on 23^rd March 2026.

The Scrutiny Board gave consideration to the Key Decision Document which outlined key decisions that the Cabinet were due to take at its meeting on 23^rd March 2026 and at future meetings.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions since the previous meeting.

It was noted that 3 decisions had been made under Rule 14, namely the Economic Development and Regeneration - Flexible Grant Acceptance, Greater Manchester Empty Homes and Leasing Programme – Acceptance of Funding and the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) – Acceptance of Funding.

RESOLVED that the Rule 14 decisions be noted