Macclesfield Town Council Strategy 2019 – 2023

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1. Macclesfield Town Council

1.1 Introduction

Established in 2015 following the Community Governance Review carried by Cheshire East Council, the first meeting of the now Town Council was held on 21^st May 2015 at Macclesfield Town.

The meeting was convened as Macclesfield Parish Council and members took the decision to reclassify the authority as Macclesfield Town Council, thereby establishing the first Chairman of Macclesfield Parish Council as the first Mayor of Macclesfield Town Council.

Made up of 12 members, representing the 7 wards of Macclesfield (Broken Cross & Upton, Macclesfield Central, Macclesfield East, Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Macclesfield South, Macclesfield Tytherington and Macclesfield West & Ivy), The Town Council is responsible for local service delivery within Macclesfield, funded through the annual precept.

This strategy, following the local elections of May 2019, has been developed through consensus and discussions with elected members. This is a living document that will be revisited and revised as the council refines its approach to local service delivery.

2. Town Council Vision

To act as a focus and catalyst for community empowerment, driving Macclesfield forward and promoting it as a centre for commerce, retail, administration, and tourism, providing and supporting inclusive and sustainable services and constantly working towards continuing improvement for residents, businesses and visitors to Macclesfield. Taking account of the climate emergency and in all considerations, services and actions seeking to make Macclesfield a greener and more sustainable town.

2.1 Town Council Values

2.1.1 Sustainability

Consideration and attention will be given to ensure that Macclesfield Town Council provides socially, economically and environmentally sustainable services wherever Practicable.

2.1.2 Efficiency

Service provision and commissioning will be under scrutiny and review to ensure all services supported and provided by Macclesfield Town Council are delivered in the most resource efficient manner achievable at that time.

2.1.3 Innovation

Macclesfield Town Council seeks to find innovative ways to deliver services and support initiatives that provide improvements for residents, businesses and visitors and that promote Macclesfield.

2.1.4 Inclusion

In all aspects of Macclesfield Town Council’s service provision, consideration must be given to ensure accessibility and representation of all of the community.

3. Key Themes

• Environment
• Transport
• Local Service Delivery
• Community
• Streetscene
• Town Centre Regeneration
• Leisure – outdoor activities
• Council identity & communication

4. Environment

When considering the environment, Macclesfield Town Council takes a view of both the broader environmental impact of its services, improvements and strategy as well as considering the local environment in terms of green spaces, appearance and accessibility. Macclesfield Town Council declared a climate emergency in June 2019, which now directs an ongoing commitment to consider environmental impact (positive and negative) in all decisions it takes.

4.1 Issue Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Climate Emergency	All service delivery and procurement decisions	As well as council operation and service delivery, all decisions must consider the impact they can have (+ve & -ve) on environmental sustainability.	Environment Policy Sustainability Policy Procurement Policy	Commitment to “Sustainable First” procurement. All events plastic-free Future “green” vehicle provision (if applicable). Sustainable transport first for travel by officers and members. Work with CEC for better waste management / disposal including scheme for creating energy from food
Air Quality	Public Health Issues Perception of the town	Influence Highways and Planning decisions Develop community lead Setting target dates for improvement	Terms of reference Planning Committee Environment Policy Sustainability Policy Cycle strategy	Monitor CEC progress for delivery of AQAP, seeking an annual reporting presentation to this council. Responses to planning applications to consider policy associated with sustainability. Improve public realm planting. Identify sustainable (walking/cycling) routes & advertise widely and seek funding to support delivery
Green spaces (leisure) and soft landscaping	Reduction in quality of the available green spaces Public realm works focus on hard landscaping	Take a lead service delivery role in parks and green spaces. Partnership and relationship with ANSA. Promote soft landscaping in Macclesfield where possible eg highways works and planning applications.	Budget funds for public realm	Seek the transfer of assets & services associated. Maintain and develop the Ranger Service. Deliver planting in the public realm. Progress the ambition for 1600 trees to be planted as a new woodland.
Litter	Poor quality public realm Discourage visitors & shoppers	Town Ranger Service. Influence ANSA Promote the development of a Community Clean Team	Community & Social Policy H&S policy	Town Ranger Service. Provision of more bins. More signage. Access to report it tools advertised widely Encourage community involvement Take a local lead
River Bollin	Pollution and littering	Liaison with DEFRA/Rivers Authority/Environment Agency Promote community work/action projects Develop Community Lead	Community & Social Policy
Greenbelt	Building on green spaces	Development of planning policy	Planning Committee Terms of Reference	Develop a clear policy identifying the value of the greenbelt. Build evidence to support retention of green belt land
Public realm	Low investment in the public realm	Influence the investment in the public realm. Build partnership with delivery agencies.	Budget funds for public realm	Revisit the value of a BID. Deliver planting in the public realm Develop capital reserve to invest in the public realm.

4.2 Delivery Strategy

4.2.1 Climate emergency

1. Procurement policy will be further developed to highlight the commitment of the council to sustainable procurement and services.
2. It will be a condition of involvement and commissioning that all future events are plastic free and that packaging is derived from sustainable sources and recyclable/compostable.
3. Travel to other locations and around the town will be on a sustainable first approach (cycle, walking, train, bus) where practicable.
4. At the decision making stage, consideration will be given to the impact that decision, either positive or negative, could have on environmental sustainability. Such decisions can therefore be adjusted to have a less negative or more positive impact.
5. The council will seek to establish regular means of communication to promote sustainable living and activities.
6. Work with CEC for better waste management / disposal including scheme for creating energy from food
7. Appoint a lead Councillor / Councillor Champion

4.2.2 Air Pollution

1. Officers and members to develop effective working relationships with senior highways decision makers and influence developments in such a way as to seek consideration for the reduction and mitigation of pollution in Macclesfield.
2. Officers and members to respond to development and highways consultations, such that responses include consideration of the effect of further development on air quality in Macclesfield.
3. Planning Committee to have consideration for the impact of proposed developments on pollution and the opportunity to advise mitigation where possible.
4. Cheshire East Council to be tasked with providing clear timescales to deliver meaningful Air Quality Management Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan that will drive improvements in air quality within Macclesfield
5. Macclesfield Town Council to proactively seek and deliver planting schemes along routes associated with high traffic flow and poor air quality
6. Macclesfield Town Council to commission work that identifies sustainable transport routes and links around the town to produce appropriate informative material

4.2.3 Green spaces (leisure) and soft landscaping

1. Macclesfield Town Council will work in close partnership with ANSA with regard to the provision of green spaces, their maintenance and investment
2. Planning Committee will inform improvements to planning proposals and request provision of improvements to soft landscaping where appropriate.
3. Macclesfield Town Council will develop, adopt and review a Public Realm Policy, which will inform the priorities for investment and influence.
4. Maintain and develop the Town Ranger Service
5. Find opportunities for improved public realm planting
6. Potential for wilding projects in and around the town
7. Potential for areas of public green spaces to be developed for pollinators and insect populations to support biodiversity.
8. Progress the ambition for 1600 trees to be planted on Macclesfield Common as a new woodland for future children in Macclesfield.
9. Innovating for cost-effective green wall scheme / working with current Britain in Bloom scheme, principally on Churchill Way / Silk Road / London Road
10. wild meadows – help ANSA and CEC design wild flower meadows into their garden maintenance.

4.2.4 Litter

1. Macclesfield Town Council officers will develop key relationships with ANSA as the service provider for public realm street cleansing
2. Macclesfield Town Council website to include links to CEC service pages where waste issues can be reported.
3. Promote and facilitate the development of a community clean team, which will support the work of ANSA street cleansing as well as acting as a focus for promotion and marketing of keeping the town tidy.
4. Through available budgets, seek opportunities for greater provision of on street waste facilities.
5. Macclesfield Town Council will develop, adopt and review a Social and Community Engagement Policy to inform and support the engagement and facilitation of community groups and activities.
6. Maintain & develop Town Ranger Service
7. Improve availability of informative signage for recycling and litter

4.2.5 River Bollin

1. Officers to engage with the Environment Agency with regard to reporting issues.
2. Where possible, community involved to generate community ownership of the river
3. Community engagement with fishing groups

4.2.6 Greenbelt

1. The development of structured planning policies and guidelines will support the delivery of meaningful involvement by Macclesfield Town Council in the process of considering planning applications.
2. Commission appropriate reports and evidence gathering relating to biodiversity, environmental impact, wildlife corridors and habitat ranking.
3. Refer to Local Plan Brownfield development policies and infrastructure provision policies

4.2.7 Public realm

1. Macclesfield Town Council, through the budget setting process, will consider provision for public realm improvements, including the building of capital reserves to address larger projects
2. through the LAP, Macclesfield Town Council will seek to inform the investment in public realm
3. Through close relationships with Cheshire East Highways, Macclesfield Town Council officers and members will take every opportunity relating to informing the delivery of public realm improvements
4. Revisit the value and potential impact of a BID
5. Develop opportunities for improved planting for air quality, aesthetic and biodiversity benefits
6. Green events – encouraging extra funding to make sure all events are green and plastic-free.
7. Smart Spaces – support for local groups and organisations to use smart technology (automated lighting, heating, security etc) and help preparation for using renewables.
8. Working with local farmers to include them with Friday Market and Foodie Friday

5. Transport

When considering Transport, Macclesfield Town Council takes in to consideration the current provision of infrastructure and services and how these can best be utilised and combined to provide a full view of potential for safe and sustainable transport in and around the town.

5.1 Issue Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Town bus services	Service has reduced over years. Risk of community and individual isolation. Increase in individual car use impacting on traffic levels and air quality. Cost of services to user impacts on accessibility.	Consider additional town service. Subsidise to build culture of use. Subsidise to improve financial accessibility. Advertise widely. Commit to long term delivery and future operational sustainability.	Macclesfield Movement Strategy. Sustainability Policy Environment Policy	Develop business case and operational model for additional bus provision. Consider budgetary requirements. Subject to details and viability, introduce additional and financially accessible bus service.
Community Transport	Accessible transport for residents with specific needs. Community cohesion through volunteer engagement and third sector delivery.	Encourage third sector development of suitable service(s). Promote widely.	Macclesfield Movement Strategy. Sustainability Policy Environment Policy	Actively seek partners to develop and support provision for community transport. Consider budgetary requirements. Support the building of the operational model and capacity (eg FlexiLink)
Sustainable transport alternatives	Improve accessibility by alternatives to motor transport. Provide safer cleaner routes. Improve air quality. Improve access to physical activity.	Infrastructure review.	Macclesfield Movement Strategy. Sustainability Policy Environment Policy Macclesfield Physical Activity Strategy Macclesfield Cycle Strategy	Infrastructure Review. Primary and secondary desire line review. Capital programme planning for implementation consideration. Consideration of budgetary requirements. Cycling initiatives. Press CEC to fulfil commitments and initiatives within the Macclesfield Movement Strategy Link in with neighbouring authorities seeking to build cycle routes eg through to Stockport and Manchester. Seek the provision of publicly accessible EV charge points in Macclesfield
Issue reporting	Making it easier for residents to report issues	Promotion of and improvement of CEC reporting tools	To be defined	Working with CEC to make reporting repairs easier.

5.2 Delivery Strategy

5.2.1 Town Bus Service

1. Gain an understanding of the framework that controls the delivery of public transport
2. Develop an operational and feasibility understanding
3. Detailed consideration of resource requirements and business planning.
4. Subject to feasibility, budget and projected outcomes, consider the introduction of a new town bus service.
5. Investigate Bus service for special town events & football matches
6. Investigate Bus connection between AZ Hurdsfield & Lyme Green circular to encourage parking and ride

5.2.2 Community Transport

1. Understand the need for community transport and its context to support individuals to access personal care and services.
2. Develop operational and resource requirement understanding of delivery model
3. Understand budgetary requirements against measurable outcomes
4. Facilitate third sector development and delivery of the service

5.2.3 Sustainable Transport Alternatives

1. Commission work to understand existing infrastructure and desire lines for potential town travel routes
2. Develop an understanding of capital investment costs and prioritisation
3. Budgetary consideration
4. Delivery and promotion
5. Cycling initiatives.
6. Inform through planning process, consultations and direct requests with CEC that Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points are installed around the town and town centre and that they are readily accessible to the public

5.2.4 Issue Reporting

1. Working with CEC to make reporting repairs easier.

6. Local Service Delivery

The council considers the delivery of a locally focussed and reactive as well as planned service delivery and asset development as a key opportunity for the positive development of the town. All consideration relating to this requires future transfer of assets and services from the unitary authority and consideration for transitional arrangements.

6.1 Issue Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Town Hall	Current lack of community access and engagement addressed. Lack of entertainment venue of scale addressed. Development of a business operational model to meet more of the costs of ownership.	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to lead on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse).
Community Centres	Lack of co-ordination and cross working. Missed community engagement opportunities	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to led on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse).
Parks (incl Park Pavilions) & green spaces	Address local ambitions and focus on parks. Flexible approach to service delivery. Distance (currently) from operational HQ	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to led on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse). Improve signage on playing fields (eg dog fouling and litter)
Cemetery	Local concern with regard to operational delivery and service standards	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to led on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse).
Car Parks	Local concern relating to lack of local view and focus on differing needs of town centre users. Lack of investment. Currently acting as poor gateways to the town. Service currently considered to be a deterrent to town centre access rather than an asset.	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to led on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse). Seek clarity and commitment from CEC with relation to the Macclesfield Movement Strategy
Markets	Poor delivery. High cost of service. Low engagement.	Subject to transfer: Review the asset balance sheet for past years’ operation. Consultation. Research. Delivery Strategy. Consider this as part of a strategic package of assets and services within the town. Community Asset Trust ownership	To be defined	Address the ambition of the council to led on local service delivery and therefore to receive assets and services from CEC. Negotiate the Local Service Delivery Strategic Package. Build a business plan and operational model for the town hall as part of a larger service delivery strategy. Review policies and process to meet requirements in consultation with stakeholders as well as professional advisors (Wirehouse).
Museums	Concern that museums are at risk	Take a closer interest in the museum strategy. Seek board representation	To be defined	Consider budgetary requirements. Seek board representation.

6.2 Delivery Strategy

A local Service Delivery Strategic Package will require consideration as a whole as well as individually operationally. Identifying that the majority of the services currently listed are at a budgetary cost, the services that provide a surplus should be part of the package to make any such local service delivery a sustainable package.

6.2.1 Town Hall

1. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
2. Identify income streams and projections
3. Understand budgetary requirements
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Consider as an asset within a Community Assets Trust.
6. Identify Stakeholders
7. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.2 Community Centres

1. Identify profit and loss sheet
2. Identify stakeholders & continue to work positively with other agencies (eg Peaks & Plains Housing)
3. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Understand budgetary requirements
6. Consider as an asset within a Community Assets Trust.
7. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.3 Parks (incl Park Pavilions) & green spaces

1. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
2. Identify income streams and projections
3. Understand budgetary requirements
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Consider as an asset within a Community Assets Trust.
6. Identify stakeholders
7. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.4 Cemetery

1. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
2. Identify income streams and projections
3. Understand budgetary requirements
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Consider as an asset within a Community Assets Trust.
6. Identify stakeholders
7. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.5 Car Parks

1. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
2. Identify income streams and projections
3. Understand budgetary requirements
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Consider as an asset within a Community Assets Trust.
6. Identify stakeholders
7. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.6 Markets

1. Build and develop a business plan and operational structure.
2. Identify income streams and projections
3. Understand budgetary requirements
4. Develop the organisational structure for delivery of this service as part of a Local Service Delivery Strategic Package.
5. Identify stakeholders
6. Understand regulatory framework associated

6.2.7 Museums

1. Seek engagement with the Museums Trust
2. Build an understanding of the operational field and resource requirements
3. Consider the opportunities and development risks associated
4. Consider the budgetary requirements

7. Community

The engagement and consultation with the community has been identified as a core priority for the council, noting that this is a multi-faceted area requiring regular review.

7.1 Issue Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Consultation	Clearer steer on future decision making. Closer engagement with the community and the council. Opportunity to identify future delivery priorities.	Consider structure, timing and scope of large-scale consultation. Ensure budgetary requirements. Resource the distribution and facilitation of consultation and collation of response.	Community & Social Policy Customer Care Policy Equality Policy	Identify topics for consultation. Agree means of consultation. Resource delivery and collation.
Planning Policy Review	To meet the needs of local development for residents now and in the future. Seeking greater engagement with the planning process and local development.	Review planning policy as it relates to Macclesfield. Drive planning policy development as it relates to Macclesfield	Planning Committee Terms of Reference. Cheshire East Local Plan (plus supplementary planning policy documents)	Gain a clear view on the next steps for the council to actively engage in the development of planning policy as it relates to Macclesfield.
Local Policing Unit	Community safety. Risk Awareness. Fear of crime. Reactive services.	Maintain close links with the LPU. Consider funding additional resource (PCSO, Community Speedwatch). More CCTV.	To be defined	Inclusion of LPU at all council Meetings. Member briefing by Chief Inspector. Budgetary consideration.
Community Cohesion	Seeking to engage the community in working together to improve residents’ sense of place and community.	Connecting community groups around the town. Facilitating greater involvement with volunteering. Building social history assets.	Community & Social Policy Customer Care Policy Equality Policy	Promoting community group activities and meeting dates. Building the (voluntary) role(s) of a volunteer co-ordinator in Macclesfield. Develop an oral history of memories of Macclesfield. Share and promote all community activities as a priority.
Civic & Community Pride	The need to build residents’ pride in the town, engaging them in taking ownership of their streets, the appearance of the public realm.	Town Ranger Service. Floral Displays. Community Gardens. Greening routes through the town. Improved access to bins and recycling in the public realm. Improved informative signage.	To be defined	Maintain and develop the Ranger Service. Support the delivery of community gardens & greening projects. Greening walking/cycle routes through the town. Provision of more public realm bins.
Inclusivity	Building a culture of inclusion and consideration within the town and the council’s services, decisions and operations.	Identifying communities and sub-groups at risk of isolation and lack of inclusion. Designing operation and decision making to consider inclusion.	Community & Social Policy Customer Care Policy Equality Policy	Working on LGBT inclusivity & positivity, including supporting pride events and initiatives. Promoting information and groups relating to groups at risk of isolation or persecution. Work towards making MTC a Stonewall Council
Schools	As a means of engagement with a broad range of residents.	Communications plans to include schools. Youth Summit development.	To be defined	All events and activities to be promoted through schools. Lead Cllrs to deliver more talks to schools to increase Youth Summit engagement. Event projects to include for school projects – schools to be informed prior to September of planned council activities.
Community Grants	Providing funding at a local level for community groups in Macclesfield	Provision of Community Grants Scheme	Community Grants Policy Financial Regulations	Increase promotion of the community Grants Scheme. Granted groups to advertise and promote the scheme. Updates from granted groups to be included in blog posts
Housing	Provision of affordable and social housing	Identifying sites and opportunities to promote sustainable and affordable housing options	To be defined	Working with social housing providers to support the development of affordable housing options Seek that CEC increases commitment to enforcement Identifying abandoned properties and seeking mechanisms to bring them in to occupation Supporting the redevelopment of brownfield sites and disused buildings for development in to appropriate housing units. (4.2.6 c above)

7.2 Delivery Strategy

7.2.1 Consultation

1. Identify topics for consultation.
2. Agree means of consultation.
3. Resource delivery and collation.

7.2.2 Planning Policy Review

1. Gain a clear view on the next steps for the council to actively engage in the development of planning policy as it relates to Macclesfield.
2. Engage with Cheshire East on ongoing policy development and agree terms of reference.
3. Consider a Neighbourhood Development Plan in a Macclesfield context

7.2.3 Local Policing Unit

1. Inclusion of LPU at all council Meetings.
2. Member briefing by Chief Inspector.
3. Budgetary consideration & CCTV provision.

7.2.4 Community Cohesion

1. Promoting community group activities and meeting dates.
2. Building the (voluntary) role(s) of a volunteer co-ordinator in Macclesfield.
3. Develop an oral history of memories of Macclesfield.
4. Share and promote all community activities as a priority.
5. Freshers Fair – Try Something New event
6. Playing out
7. Community Pubs – Keep Live Music in town
8. Summer Evening events – including opera and classical music, with temporary tables to encourage people to eat together

7.2.5 Civic & Community Pride

1. Maintain and develop the Ranger Service.
2. Support the delivery of community gardens & greening projects.
3. Greening walking/cycle routes through the town.
4. Provision of more public realm bins, benches and notice boards.
5. Trackside public art schemes, making most of connections

7.2.6 Inclusivity

1. Working on LGBT inclusivity & positivity, including supporting pride events and initiatives.
2. Promoting positive information and groups relating to groups at risk of isolation or persecution.
3. Helping CEC and third sector move forward on homelessness.
4. Care Leavers /Vulnerable young people support
5. Working with Chinese community on artworks to celebrate connection to Xi’an
6. Working towards making MTC a Stonewall Council
7. Working on Black and Ethnic Minority inclusivity, projects and events

7.2.7 Schools

1. All events and activities to be promoted through schools.
2. Lead Cllrs to deliver more talks to schools to increase Youth Summit engagement.
3. Events and projects to include for school project involvement – schools to be informed prior to September of planned council activities.
4. Ward councillors will seek to engage with their local schools

7.2.8 Community Grants

1. Increase promotion of the community Grants Scheme.
2. Granted groups to advertise and promote the scheme.
3. Updates from granted groups to be included in blog posts.

7.2.9 Housing

1. Working with social housing providers to support the development of affordable housing options
2. Seek that CEC increases commitment to enforcement Identifying abandoned properties and seeking mechanisms to bring them in to occupation
3. Supporting the redevelopment of brownfield sites and disused buildings for development in to appropriate housing units. (4.2.6 c above)

8. Street Scene (public realm)

The appearance of the town, it’s legibility and also accessibility is key to the council’s vision for Macclesfield. Providing a street scene where residents and visitors can feel welcome, safe and also encouraged to keep it tidy will benefit all stakeholders in the town.

8.1 Issues Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Benches & Bins	Availability of litter receptacles on outlying estates. Seeking to reduce littering.	Identifying grot spots and areas of high footfall. Noting areas where littering is endemic to address this ongoing issue	To be defined	Highlighting areas of need. Provision of additional bins. Provision of additional collections. Consideration of resource/budget. Consideration of additional recycle bins. Provision of notices. Consideration of fixed penalty notices.
Town Ambassadors	Seeking to improve accessibility and promotion of the town. Engaging the community in civic pride.	Reviewing the scope of such a service. Identifying volunteer resource required. Identifying resource required to support the volunteer service.	To be defined	Reviewing the scope of such a service. Identifying volunteer resource required. Identifying resource required to support the volunteer service.
Meadow Planting	Moving to a more biodiverse public realm offer.	Strategic partnerships with ANSA and CE Highways. Raising biodiversity as priority within MTC and partner service organisations.	Environmental Policy (to be updated)	Raising the priority within CE Highways & ANSA. Identifying resource requirements. Budgetary consideration. Promotion and awareness.
Tidier Estates	Greater civic pride and community engagement in the public realm where they live.	Review street scene service from ANSA/CE Highways. Maintain & Develop Town Ranger Service	To be defined	Members to identify areas for greater consideration within wards. Resource requirements to be considered. Budgetary consideration. Liaison with ANSA and CE Highways for their direction. Refer to Bins & Benches above.
Floral Displays	Improving the street scene with floral displays	Provision of multiple public realm planters and displays.	To be defined	Consideration of provision. Consideration of broader provision. Budgetary consideration.
Greening & Wilding	Finding opportunities to reduce maintenance and intervention and thereby increase biodiversity colonisation.	A vision for accessible spaces that have been allowed to develop and grow naturally for greater biodiversity and access by residents to spaces laid aside for wilding and greening.	To be defined – possibly greater definition within the Sustainability Policy.	Identifying possible sites. Large sites – Site acquisition or permissions. Small sites – project initiation. Budgetary consideration.
Town Ranger Service	Taking a local service view for a reactive service improving the public realm through street cleansing, maintenance, repair and improvements.	Town Ranger Service ongoing review.	To be defined	Maintain and develop Ranger Service. Identifying goals and future capacity expectations. Resource and budgetary consideration.
Signage & Legibility	See Section 9. Below

8.2 Delivery Strategy

8.2.1 Benches & Bins

1. Through liaison with ward members and service providers (ANSA, CE Highways), identifying opportunities for increased provision at sites of local need.
2. Consideration of resource/budget to meet the additional provision and servicing.
3. Provision of additional bins.
4. Provision of additional collections.
5. Consideration of additional recycle bins.
6. Provision of notices to promote keeping neighbourhoods clean.
7. Consideration of fixed penalty notices.
8. Middlewood Whale metal bins and ‘I love Macc’ bins on Middlewood Way- working with Tescos and Tytherington school to spell out

8.2.2 City Ambassadors

1. Reviewing the scope of such a service through understanding similar existing provisions in other locations.
2. Identifying volunteer resource required.
3. Identifying resource required to support the volunteer service.

8.2.3 Meadow Planting

1. Raising the priority within CE Highways & ANSA.
2. Identifying resource requirements, calling on other locations’ experiences.
3. Budgetary consideration.
4. Promotion and awareness.

8.2.4 Tidier Estates

1. Ward members to identify areas for greater consideration within wards.
2. Resource requirements to be considered, such as bins (as above) and the resource required to service additional provision.
3. Budgetary consideration.
4. Liaison with ANSA and CE Highways for their direction.
5. Extend CCTV and better lighting to smaller shopping precincts in Macclesfield, using smart technology connected to the main centre

8.25 Floral Displays

1. Consideration of provision at its current level and ambition for future provision.
2. Consideration of broader provision, such as looking at planting of roundabouts.
3. Budgetary consideration.

8.2.6 Greening & Wilding

1. Identifying possible sites where larger and smaller projects can be delivered.
2. Large sites – Site acquisition or permissions.
3. Small sites – project initiation.
4. Budgetary consideration and future resourcing
5. Thornton Square – Pocket Park

8.2.7 Town Ranger Service

1. Review the current service for value and opportunities for development to meet community ambitions and expectations.
2. Identifying goals and future capacity expectations to inform future provision
3. Resource and budgetary consideration with full strategy for future service delivery to provide a reassured service.
4. Consider additional ranger deputy/ies

9. Town Centre Regeneration

Macclesfield Town Council will maintain robust and accessible financial records and practices to support efficient service delivery and provision of resources.

9.1 Issue matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
In Town Living	Providing living accommodation in the town centre to support sustainable travel, economy and lifestyles	Supporting planning policy that encourages town centre residential development, whilst considering the economic vitality of the town centre.	Cheshire East Local Plan	Support development projects that meet guidelines and quality accommodations for the town centre.
Chestergate Roof	Provision of all weather retail and town centre leisure.	Working with Cheshire East Council regeneration teams to identify the means and opportunities relating to ambitious development projects for the town centre	To be defined	Consultation with stakeholders and the community.
Void & Vacant Properties	To understand the opportunities relating to vacant premises within the town centre.	To identify the influences that create vacancy and the opportunities to mitigate.	To be defined	Development of Learning Shops project. Regular and consistent vacancy surveys. Provision of management data and intelligence (footfall and wifi).
Signage & Legibility	Making Macclesfield a town more easily navigated by vehicle or foot.	Working with partner agencies to identify opportunities for improved signage and accessibility.	Equality Policy Clear Way Forward	Seek CE Highways review and view on signage in Macclesfield. Engage professionals to review legibility. Provision of resource. Develop action plan for delivery of recommendations and resourcing.
Conservation Strategy	Retaining the built heritage of the town	Developing a strong overview of town heritage assets and building local policy to support their viable future	Local Plan	Consider the provision of a new Conservation Area Review Map conservation assets Develop robust planning consultation policy responses

9.2 Delivery Strategy

9.2.1 In Town Living

1. Support development projects that meet guidelines and quality accommodations for the town centre.

9.2.2 Chestergate Roof

1. Consultation with stakeholders and the community.
2. Developing an understanding of the scope and requirements of the proposal.

9.2.3 Void & Vacant Properties

1. Development of Learning Shops project.
2. Micro-investments Scheme for Town Centre Shops
3. Public Toilets
4. encourage early-evening shop opening (for population that can never shop)
5. Christchurch Toilets & Facilities

9.2.4 Signage & Legibility

1. Seek CE Highways review and view on signage in Macclesfield.
2. Engage professionals to review legibility.
3. Provision of resource.
4. Develop action plan for delivery of recommendations and resourcing.
5. Tunnicliffe Trail / Art Trails

9.2.5 Conservation Strategy

1. Consider the provision of a new Conservation Area Review
2. Map conservation assets
3. Develop robust planning consultation policy responses

10. Leisure

Whilst seeking to provide a range of services for the community, Macclesfield Town Council is committed to supporting the provision of leisure facilities and opportunities, including those that promote physical activity and wellbeing.

10.1 Issue Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Move More	Providing the opportunity to access leisure activities	Making activity the fun and easy option. Taking a view on opportunities for physical activity for all residents. Promoting activities that benefit the community. Making council leisure activities accessible.	Macclesfield Activity Strategy.	Provision of Street Sports Service. Provision of Supported Summer School Service. Promoting activities and events in the town, eg Park Run & Junior Park Run Identifying opportunities for trails and routes around the town. Seeking to deliver and promote a range of directed activities that are accessible and reflect the broad interests of the community, eg Park Fit & Pram Fit
Playing outdoors.	Opportunities for street play. Community cohesion. Community engagement	Develop a CEC policy for street play	CEC Street Play Policy – to be adopted	Work with CEC to build the policy. Seek that a suitable policy is adopted to allow for street play. Build community awareness of the opportunity. Resource and facilitate start up projects.

10.2 Delivery Strategy

10.2.1 Move More

1. Provision of Street Sports Service.
2. Provision of Supported Summer School Service.
3. Promoting activities and events in the town, eg Park Run & Junior Park Run.
4. Identifying opportunities for trails and routes around the town.
5. Seeking to deliver and promote a range of directed activities that are accessible and reflect the broad interests of the community, eg Park Fit & Pram Fit
6. Connecting Macclesfield to the countryside – Ski-style trail map
7. Seek ways that access to the Leisure Centre can be improved

10.2.2 Playing Outdoors

1. a.Work with CEC to build the policy.
2. Seek that a suitable policy is adopted to allow for street play.
3. Build community awareness of the opportunity.
4. Resource and facilitate start up projects.

11. Council Identity & Communication

The council will seek to raise awareness of the council to build knowledge in the community of the services provided as well as acting as a point of refence for residents when seeking to access services.

11.1 Issues Matrix

Issue	Impact	Strategy	Policy	Actions
Awareness of the council	Making residents aware of their local council and its place in service delivery	Ongoing engagement with digital media. Press releases relation to the ongoing work of the council. Publicly available information in traditional forms (posters and flyers)	To be defined	Provision of regular digital updates, including the advertising and reporting of Council run and Council sponsored events on Facebook. Provision of website. Press releases created for council projects and activities to include publishing as a blog and on Facebook. Provision of posters and flyers for a distribution list, including notice boards.

11.2 Delivery Strategy

11.2.1 Awareness of the council

1. Provision of regular digital updates, including the advertising and reporting of Council run and Council sponsored events on Facebook.
2. Provision of website with consideration for formatting and design.
3. Press releases created for council projects and activities to include publishing as a blog and on Facebook.
4. Provision of posters and flyers for a distribution list, including notice boards.
5. Review website for usefulness
6. Macc Update released quarterly
7. Develop a “Report It” hand out for resident