Agenda and minutes

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Mags Kirkham be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 March 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 26 March 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive any announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair announced that the residents of the University Estate, Woodley were holding a ‘street party’ for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Monday, 4 June 2012 at 3.00 pm, and the public and all members were encouraged to attend.

Councillor Gordon further reported that St Barnabus CE Church, Bredbury would also be holding an event for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the afternoon of Sunday, 3 June 2012.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

With the consent of the Area Committee, this item was considered in conjunction with Agenda Item 6(vi) ‘Open Forum – Safer Stockport Partnership – Annual Report 2011/12’.

Inspector Paul Bray (Greater Manchester Police) and Karen Pimlott (Community Safety Operations Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to make a presentation in respect of the work of the Safer Stockport Partnership to reduce crime in 2011/12 and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Werneth area.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Reassurance was given that the number of PCSOs in the Werneth area was not being reduced.  It was also confirmed that additional policing resources were being allocated to the area.

·         The practice of replacing damaged glass bus shelter panels with grey plastic sheeting was criticised as a result of the negative impact that this had on the streetscene.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Bray and Karen Pimlott be thanked for their attendance.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting and at local libraries and information centres.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair and members of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public questions was submitted relating to potential improvements to the existing weight restriction and one way signage on Barlow Fold, Romiley.

Bredbury Green and Romiley ward councillors undertook to liaise with Traffic Service to discuss possible solutions to the current contraventions of the existing Traffic Regulation Orders in that area.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality and the condition of the highway.

Alan Whitfield (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental and highways issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Carlton Avenue, Romiley had a number of previously reported large pot holes in the carriageway, and it was requested that the previously ordered works be expedited.

·         There were a number of pot holes on the Oldham Drive Estate, Woodley and it was requested that attention be given to the repair of these.

·         It was requested that consideration be given to ways of addressing the issue of overflowing litter bins at Woodley Precinct which may include the siting of an additional litter bin or an increase in collections.

·         Concern was expressed with regard to pavement defects on Barrack Hill Close in the light of the large elderly population in that area.  The location of the current street signage which was frequently obscured was also commented upon.

RESOLVED – That Alan Whitfield be thanked for his attendance.

To receive petitions from members of the public and community groups.

No petitions were submitted.

Safer Stockport Partnership - Annual Report 2011/12

Representatives of the Community Safety Unit and Greater Manchester Police will make a presentation to the Area Committee outlining the work of the Partnership to reduce crime in the Werneth area in 2011/12.

The Chair reported that the Open Forum in respect of the ‘Safer Stockport Partnership – Annual Report 2011/12’ had been considered in conjunction with Agenda Item 6(iv).

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

The following development application will be considered by the Area Committee:-

A development application was submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director of Place is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges)

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of a 2 -3 storey 81 bed care home facility together with a new access and off street parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 474 3550, email jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 49298 for the erection of a 2 -3 storey 81 bed care home facility together with a new access and off street parking at the former Springwood School, Compstall Road, Romiley,

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to a condition relating to the submission of additional details with regard to the provision of additional parking spaces on Compstall Road, Romiley and a further consultation with residents on this aspect of the proposals when those details were submitted for discharge.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                                          

The report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on Outside Bodies.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth 0161 474 3204 email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2012/2013:-

Barrack Hill Educational Trust

CouncillorHazel Lees

CouncillorMike Wilson

Civic Hall, Woodley User Group Management Committee

CouncillorChristine Corris

CouncillorChris Gordon

CouncillorMags Kirkham

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Service Director (Place Management) can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol approved by the Area Committee at its meeting on 23 May 2011 is attached for information.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons in accordance with the Protocol.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth 0161 474 3204 email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Service Director (Place Management) could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED - That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton, 0161 474 damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on Area Flexibility and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Mike Wilson be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.