Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 August 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 August 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

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

The Chair reported on the work of the Agricultural and Rural Centre in Romiley which was a not-for-profit centre that provided a range of agricultural and rural services for adults and children with disabilities and their carers.  The Centre provided an opportunity for participants to work with animals and on the land.

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

Inspector Brendan O’Brien and Sergeant Paul Bray (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Werneth area.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         The Area Committee welcomed Sergeant Bray who had recently started work in the Werneth area to target vehicle crime.

·         It was noted that vehicle crime had increased compared with the levels recorded at this point last year, however it was encouraging to note that overall levels of crime had reduced.

·         An arrest had been made which had seen a marked reduction in some types of vehicle crime.

·         Operation Treacle would be repeated again this year during the autumn months to tackle problems associated with darker nights, Bonfire Night and Halloween.

·         Police surgeries in the area were currently undergoing a review to ensure that they were meeting the needs of local residents.

RESOLVED – That Inspector O’Brien and Sergeant Bray 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 at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

Members of the public were 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.

Two public questions were submitted relating to (a) the obstruction of a pathway at Bankfield House Care Home, Woodley; and (b) a job advertisement placed by Stockport FLAG for an Information and Advice Service Manager.

RESOLVED – That in accordance with the Code of Practice the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at previous committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environment quality.

(a) Richard Daniels (Team Leader, Area Conditions) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The Area Committee expressed its concern in relation to ongoing problems in respect of the security of the site of the former Cherry Tree Hotel and requested that the Area Conditions team urgently liaise with the Council’s Planning Enforcement Officer to secure the perimeter of the site to prevent unauthorised access.

RESOLVED – (1) That Richard Daniels be thanked for his attendance.

(2) That the Service Directors (Place Development) and (Place Management) be requested to take urgent action to secure the perimeter of the site of the former Cherry Tree Hotel to prevent unauthorised access.

(b) Stephen Lawson (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highways issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members expressed their ongoing concern and disappointment that the Werneth area did not yet have a dedicated Highways Officer.  It was further commented that notwithstanding the attendance at the Area Committee of an officer from the service, the lack of dedicated support was significantly hindering the work of the Area Committee and councillors to tackle problems associated with the highway which had been raised by local residents.  The Area Committee requested that urgent attention to be given to this matter and that the Managing Director of Solutions SK be requested to advise members when this situation would be rectified.

·         An order had been placed for work to repair defective ironwork on Stockport Road East in the vicinity of Bents Lane.

·         The Area Committee had previously given approval to a scheme on Kingsway and Osborne Street, Bredbury and had subsequently requested that implementation of this be expedited.  Members had since been advised that the cost of this scheme had increased from that originally approved by the Area Committee, and a request was made that the increase should be met from the central budget rather than from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

·         Work had previously been done to clear a number of blocked gullies on Sandy Lane, Romiley.  It was commented that while 18 gullies were clear, a further 27 gullies on Sandy Lane remain blocked and further work needed to be done to remedy this.

·         Members raised the poor condition of the road surface on Beech Lane and St Chad’s Avenue, Romiley on the approach to Romiley Board Mill.

·         The resurfacing work on Oldham Drive, Woodley was of a high quality and the thanks of the Area Committee was extended to the Highways Team.

RESOLVED – (1) That Stephen Lawson be thanked for his attendance.

(2) That the Managing Director of Solutions SK be requested to clarify the position with regard to lack of a dedicated Highways Officer for the Werneth area and to advise the Area Committee of the anticipated date for the appointment of a replacement officer to fill this vacancy.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

No organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that since the publication of the agenda, three applications for Area Flexibility Funding had been received.

(a)       Friends of Romiley Station

Mr David Clarke, Chairman of the Friends of Romiley Station, attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to an application for Area Flexibility Funding toward the cost of providing tools and equipment for the maintenance and upkeep of Romiley Railway Station.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £250 to the Friends of Romiley Station toward the cost of providing tools and equipment for the maintenance and upkeep of Romiley Railway Station.

(b)       New Life to Bredbury Green

Mrs Catherine Hone, Chairman of New Life to Bredbury Green, attended the meeting and answered Councillors’ questions in relation to an application for Area Flexibility Funding toward the start-up costs of the organisation and for basic furniture and advertising.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £500 (£250 from the Kick Start Grant allocation and £250 from the General Fund allocation) to New Life to Bredbury Green toward the start-up costs of the organisation and for basic furniture and advertising.

(c)        Berrycroft Tenants and Residents Association

The Area Committee considered an application from Mrs Jean Connor of the Berrycroft Tenants and Residents Association for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of providing a trip to Blackpool for elderly and disabled residents.

RESOLVED - That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £425 to the Berrycroft Tenants and Residents Association towards the cost of providing a trip to Blackpool for elderly and disabled residents.

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

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

Development applications were 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 5 no. detached dwellings.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the signing of a Section 106 agreement to secure:-

(i)         the relocation of the Club to Woodley Sports Club prior to the commencement of the development; and

(ii)        a commuted sum in relation to off site recreational open space in  line with policy SIE-2.

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

In respect of plan no. 45953 for the erection of five detached dwellings at Greave Tennis Club, Hillcourt, Romiley,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Creation of five tennis courts and additional parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to the imposition of conditions and signing of a Section 106 Agreement to secure:-

(i)         the linking this development to that at Greave Tennis Club.

(ii)        the development to be completed and made available for use prior to the redevelopment of Greave Tennis Club.

(iii)       a community use agreement in respect of the use of the courts; and

(iv)      a financial contribution to cover the costs of preparing, seeding, cutting and baling (over a 9 year period) of the replacement species rich grassland off site.

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

In respect of plan no. 45963 for the creation of five tennis courts and additional parking at Woodley Sports Centre, Lambeth Grove, Woodley,

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to the use of the financial contribution secured through the proposed Section 106 agreement for the maintenance of the woodland and the footpath adjacent to the proposed development site.

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

The Area Committee expressed it’s concern in relation to ongoing problems in with odour emissions from the Junction 25 Recycling Centre, Bredbury.  Members further commented on odour issues from the River Goyt in the vicinity of Otterspool Road.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the Area Committee providing an update on investigations undertaken by Environmental Health in relation to issues of odour from (i) the Junction 25 Recycling Centre, Bredbury and (ii) the River Goyt in the vicinity of Otterspool Road.

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

The report details proposals to change the status of the Woodley Local Centre from the current status as Prohibited Streets to Consent Streets for Street Trading.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee approve the creation of a ‘Consent Street’ area to facilitate the hosting of events which are subject to the Council’s event application process and Werneth Area Committee approval.

Officer contact: Paula Kelly on 474 4518 or email: paula.kelly@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) detailing proposals to change the status of the Woodley Local Centre from the current status as Prohibited Streets to Consent Streets for Street Trading.

RESOLVED – That the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee be recommended to approve the creation of a ‘Consent Street’ area to facilitate the hosting of events which would be subject to the Council’s event application process and approval by the Werneth Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report details the findings of initial surveys following a petition received for Permit Parking from residents of Oak Avenue, Romiley and to report the recommendations made by the Service Director (Place Management).

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note the results of the survey and approve the recommendation of the Service Director (Place Management) that no further action be taken on this request.

(2) That should the Area Committee determine that there is a need for a Permit Parking Scheme, consider the following proposals, subject to the Executive Councillor (Transportation) agreeing to relax the criteria in this instance stating the grounds for the relaxation.

Proposed Permit Parking Monday to Sunday, 8am-8pm

Oak Avenue, both sides from its junction with the access road to Romiley Precinct car park for the whole length in a south easterly direction.

Officer contact: Graham Price on 474 4893 or email: graham.price@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) detailing the findings of initial surveys following a petition received for permit parking from residents of Oak Avenue, Romiley.

It was reported that following the outcome of the initial surveys undertaken on Oak Avenue, Romiley the Service Director (Place Management) had recommended that the Area Committee take no further action in respect of the request for permit parking.

RESOLVED – (1) That, notwithstanding the recommendation of the Service Director (Place Management), and in recognition of the concerns expressed by local residents, the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to relax the criteria for the introduction of permit parking and to give approval to the introduction of the following at a cost of £1000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget:-

Permit Parking, Monday to Sunday, 8.00 am – 8.00 pm

Oak Avenue, both sides from its junction with the access road to Romiley Precinct car park for the whole length in a south easterly direction.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to undertake additional enforcement of the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Orders on Oak Avenue, Romiley which were currently the subject of frequent violations.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report requests the Area Committee to nominate Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Bredbury War Memorial and Romiley War Memorial on 13 November 2011.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to nominate Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Bredbury War Memorial and Romiley War Memorial on Sunday, 13 November 2011.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be nominated to lay wreaths on Sunday, 13 November 2011:-

Bredbury War Memorial      – Councillor Mags Kirkham

Romiley War Memorial       – Councillor Syd Lloyd

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at St Marks CE Primary School (Liberal Democrat nomination) and Werneth School (Liberal Democrat nomination).

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 474 3847 or email: libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to provide nominations for Authority Governor vacancies at St Marks CE Primary School (Liberal Democrat nomination) and Werneth School (Liberal Democrat nomination).

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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.