Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details the findings from a February-March 2020 consultation about proposals to introduce ‘Dual Use’ parking zones in Stepping Hill, and recommends that the proposals are not proceeded with.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport not proceed with the proposals further.

Officer Contact: Eraina Smith on 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

Mark Glynn (Director of Place Management, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report on behalf of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings from a consultation undertaken between February and March 2020 in relation to proposals to introduce ‘Dual Use’ parking zones in Stepping Hill, and recommending that in the light of the results of that consultation, the proposals are not proceeded with.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The issues being experienced within the locality of the hospital now go beyond the Council’s ability to resolve and that consideration needed to be given to drawing up a petition to government supported by local councillors from all parties, residents and the Stepping Hill Neighbourhood Action Group to provide additional parking capacity at the hospital.

·         The progression of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework means that there would only be an intensification of travel to and from the hospital as the number of residents within the borough increased.

·         It was queried whether consideration could be given to developing a bespoke solution for Aber Avenue as its location was such that it could be considered by some visitors to be part of the hospital grounds.

·         In response to a suggestion that residents permit parking signage could be left in situ for those schemes that would no longer be enforced, it was stated the Council could not leave obsolete signage and unenforced schemes in place as it would undermine the credibility of enforcement across the borough.

RESOLVED – (1) That the outcome of the consultation with local residents, and specifically the overwhelming opposition to the scheme as proposed and the principles of a resident-paid permit scheme, be noted.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to not proceed further with the proposals.

(3) That it be noted that the Council would continue to work with the hospital and monitor residents’ concerns in an attempt to address local issues.

(4) That it be noted that free residents permit parking schemes are not always enforceable ad are being phased out, and that the Council would consult with affected residents on existing free permit schemes in the area on whether these are made chargeable or revoked in line with the Council’s policy, as such a time that the schemes are subject to maintenance of changed are requested.