Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

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

To appoint a Vice Chair for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Mike Wilson 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 8 April 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 April 2013 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 Interest

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

The Chair announced that on 18 May 2013 the Mayor had attended the opening ceremony for the Stockport Hydro project at Otterspool Weir on the River Goyt.  It was further stated that the two Archimedes screw turbines had been named ‘Thunder’ and ‘Lightning’ during the ceremony.

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

PC Si Farrington-Newman and PCSO John Cracknell (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 comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There had been a recent spate of thefts from sheds in the central Romiley area.  The police had stepped up patrols in the area and had made one arrest.

·         A discussion took place in relation to the strategies the police had in place to tackle burglaries.  These included moving resources to concentrate on those times when most incidents occurred and focussing on those prolific offenders upon their release from prison.

RESOLVED – That PC Farrington-Newman and PCSO Cracknell 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.

No public questions were submitted.

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:-

·         A number of enforcement notices had been issued including for fly tipping of domestic waste on Far Cromwell Road, Bredbury and a warning letter had been sent to a resident for repairing vehicles on the highway.

·         Network Assets remained in discussion with Traffic Services in relation to the potential for road closures during the future programmed resurfacing works on Higher Bents Lane, Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That Alan Whitfield be thanked for his attendance.

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

The report details proposals for the planing out and resurfacing of the carriageway on Park Street, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider giving approval to the proposals at a cost of £9,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the planing out and resurfacing of the carriageway on Park Street, Bredbury.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the planing out and resurfacing of the carriageway on Park Street, Bredbury at a cost of £9,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation).

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

The report details proposals for the and resurfacing of the carriageway on Oldham Drive, Reeman Close and Grimshaw Close, Woodley.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider giving approval to the proposals at a cost of £12,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the resurfacing of the carriageway on Oldham Drive, Reeman Close and Grimshaw Close, Woodley.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the resurfacing of the carriageway on Oldham Drive, Reeman Close and Grimshaw Close, Woodley at a cost of £12,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation).

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

The report details proposals for the resurfacing of the carriageway on Ashton Street, Woodley from its junction with Hyde Road to past its junction with South View.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider giving approval to the proposals at a cost of £19,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the resurfacing of the carriageway on Ashton Street, Woodley from its junction with Hyde Road to past its junction with South View.

The representative of the Service Director (Place Management) reported that since the publication of the agenda, the cost of the proposed works had been revised down from the £19,000 quoted in the report to £17,225.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the resurfacing of the carriageway on Ashton Street, Woodley from its junction with Hyde Road to past its junction with South View at a cost of £17,225 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation).

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

The report details proposals for the resurfacing of the carriageway on Green Lane, Romiley up to its junction with Howard Close.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider giving approval to the proposals at a cost of £27,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE:  The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100 B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable the Area Committee to give consideration to proposals to resurface part of Green Lane, Romiley in order that the works could be choreographed with programmed traffic schemes scheduled to take place in the vicinity of Green Lane).

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the resurfacing of the carriageway on Green Lane, Romiley up to its junction with Howard Close.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the resurfacing of the carriageway on Green Lane, Romiley up to its junction with Howard Close at a cost of £27,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green and Romiley ward allocation).

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported upon the receipt of a petition signed by nine residents of St Marks Street, Bredbury (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the introduction of a residents only permit parking scheme.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for investigation.

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.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that 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.

(i)         Woodley Allotment Association

To consider an application for £1,000 for funding towards the cost of creating a community picnic area adjacent to the recently upgraded main entrance car park.

(ii)        Project Cherrywell

To consider an application for £500 towards the start-up costs of the organisation which aims to provide a meeting place for the community partially in the form of a café in an empty shop unit.

(a)       Woodley Allotment Association

Mr Roy Preston attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of the Woodley Allotment Association for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of creating a community picnic area adjacent to the recently upgraded main entrance car park.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £1,000 to the Woodley Allotment Association towards the cost of creating a community picnic area adjacent to the recently upgraded main entrance car park.

(b)       Project Cherrywell

Mrs Linda Mullins attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Project Cherrywell for Area Flexibility Funding towards the start-up costs of the organisation which aimed to provide a meeting place for the community partially in the form of a café in an empty shop unit.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £500 to Project Cherrywell towards the start-up costs of the organisation.

(c)          Romiley Rise and Shine Group

Mr Alan Goff attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of the Romiley Rise and Shine Group for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of a coach trip for members of the Group with the aim of preventing social isolation amongst the elderly.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £250 as a contribution towards the cost of the coach trip.

(d)          Romiley Summer Festival

Councillor Syd Lloyd submitted an application on behalf of the Romiley Traders Association for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of holding the Romiley Summer Festival.  Councillor Lloyd, upon presenting the application, left the room and took no further part in the discussion or vote on this item.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of holding the Romiley Summer Festival.

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

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 Management and Regeneration 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 Management and Regeneration 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.

Removal of existing stables and loose boxes and replacement with new stables including construction of new manege.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 50938 for the removal of existing stables and loose boxes and replacement with new stables including construction of new manege at fields with existing stables at Ashton Road, Bredbury, it was

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

Retention of recreational stable block.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 51816 for the retention of recreational stable block at Gravel Bank Barn, 56 Gravel Bank Road, Woodley, it was

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

Alterations to existing building to create new first floor to include side and front extension.  Construction of new access and new hardstanding area.  Re-submission of DC51245.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 52211 for alterations to existing building to create new first floor to include side and front extension and the construction of new access and new hardstanding area (resubmission of DC051245), it was

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

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

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 on 474 3217 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of changes to the planning system which came into force on 30 May 2013 with specific regard to:-

·         Allowing the change of use for certain buildings without needing planning permission.

·         Increasing the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises, in non-protected areas, for a three-year period.

·         Increasing existing permitted development for certain telecommunications equipment, such as masts and antenna.

The representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration circulated an addendum to the report at the meeting seeking the comments of the Area Committee on proposals to make amendments to the delegation arrangements within the Council’s Constitution (Part 3 – Scheme of Delegation) to allow the Planning Authority to determine those prior approval applications resulting from the increase in the existing permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises within the proscribed 42 and 56 day timeframes.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee expresses its concern with regard to the impact of the changes introduced as part of the ‘Planning Reform Proposals’ on the Council’s ability to exercise democratic oversight and control of the planning process within the borough.

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

The report provides and update on the current position with regard to the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budgets as at the end of April 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Simon Sherry on 474 2430 or email: simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budgets for the Bredbury and Woodley and Bredbury Green and Romiley wards as at the end of May 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@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:-

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

The report details an application received from Romiley Traders for the use of Romiley Park on 6 July 2013 for a fun day.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer contact: Richard Booker on 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@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) requesting permission for the use of Romiley Park for a fun day on 6 July 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

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: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 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 appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2013/2014:-

Barrack Hill Educational Trust

Councillor Hazel Lees

Councillor Mike Wilson

Civic Hall, Woodley User Group Management Committee

CouncillorChristine Corris

Councillor Chris Gordon

Councillor Mags Kirkham

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education).

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at Bredbury Green Primary School.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Education) requesting the Area Committee to provide nominations for an Authority Governor vacancy at Bredbury Green Primary School (Conservative Group nomination).

The representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that since the publication of the agenda, a further vacancy had occurred at Romiley Primary School (Liberal Democrat Group nomination) for which a nomination had been received in the name of Mrs Natalie Bird.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) be recommended to approve the appointment of Mrs Natalie Bird to the governing body of Romiley Primary School.

(2) That the vacancy at Bredbury Green Primary School be noted.

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 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) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.