Agenda and minutes

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

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

There were no announcements made.

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

Inspector 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 area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised:-

·         Continuing reductions in crime across a number of indicators.

·         There had been a spike in instances of thefts from motor vehicles and the public were reminded to keep valuables out of sight and vehicles locked when unattended.

·         Ongoing efforts to tackle metal thefts through Operation Alloy.

·         Work with licensees to prepare for the Christmas season.

·         Five drug warrants had been executed in the area in the last month.

·         The public were reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving, particular during the festive period.

·         Continued instances of drinkers taking glasses and bottles outside of licensed premises in Hazel Grove.

·         Recent Traveller incursion on Melford Road, including areas of highway. Notice had been served to quit the site.

·         Concerns by residents about cold-calling.

·         Concerns raised at Hazel Grove Ward Committee about a vehicle causing an obstruction on Beech Avenue which would be investigated further.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Bray be thanked for his 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 on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

No public questions were submitted.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer 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.

Adam Cunningham (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental and highway issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised:-

·         An investigatory excavation had begun on Bramhall Moor Lane/ Rutters Lane, Hazel Grove.

·         Litter patrols taking place in Great Moor. Letters had been written to a number of businesses in the area to remind them of their obligations in respect of litter and refuse.

·         There had been an increase in number of vehicles for sale on Dialstone Lane.

·         Problems with stray cats being attracted to the littering in the car park of KFC in Hazel Grove.

·         A request was made for a replacement street name plate for Crown Mews.

·         Accumulations of litter and detritus on Hempshaw Lane were reported.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for his attendance.

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.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisations had indicated 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.

Greater Manchester East Scouts (12 October 2010)

Representatives of the Scout Group will attend the meeting to report back on the Japan Jamboree.

Greater Manchester East Scouts – Japan Jamboree

Andrew Corrie (Scout County Commissioner) and Chris Slater (Scout Leader and former Adventure Scout) from the Greater Manchester East Scouts attended the meeting to report back on the £1000 grant received from the Area Committee to support a trip to the Scout Jamboree held in Japan in 2010.

It was reported that the Greater Manchester East Scouts contingent to the event was 150, a third of whom were from Stockport. This represented the second largest contingent at the event after the host nation, out of a total of 23,000 Scouts. The event itself had taken place at the foot of Mount Fuji but the Group had also undertaken other visits and activities in the country.

As a result of the trip, friendships had been formed with other Scouts and with the host families in Japan. A number of the Scouts had also taken up Japanese language courses at college and university.

The Greater Manchester Scouts had undertaken fund raising activities following the recent Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.

It was also commented that the funding support from this and other Area Committees had been invaluable, as was the continued support of the Council for Scouting in the borough.

Members welcomed the lasting impact of the trip on those who participated in the event.

RESOLVED – That Andrew Corrie and Chris Slater of Greater Manchester East Scouts be thanked for their attendance.

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.

Redevelopment of Dialstone Centre site to include demolition of

existing building to provide sixteen number two bedroom houses, twenty-seven

number three bedroom houses and fifty-one number four bedroom houses with

associated open space and two local areas for play

DC048028 - Land At Blackstone Field, Offerton

Proposed redevelopment of part of Blackstone Field for a new

community hub incorporating a four court sports hall, gym, changing rooms, viewing

area, one floodlit all weather five-a-side football pitch, one seven-a-side grassed

football pitch, multi function community room and library, medical centre, pharmacy,

small retail unit (200m2 net), extra care accommodation comprising 56 apartments,

60 bed care home, car parking and landscape enhancements to Blackstone Field.

DC048029 - Former Dial Park School Site, Blackstone Road, Offerton

Removal of concrete slab and residual structures, landscaping and

seeding of the former Dial Park School to provide local open space.

The Area Committee is recommended to recommend to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee that planning permission be granted subject to the applicants entering into a Section 106 legal agreement to secure commuted sums for off-site provision and maintenance of open space and for affordable housing.

In respect of plan nos (i) 48027 for the redevelopment of the Dialstone Centre site to include the demolition of existing building to provide sixteen number two bedroom houses, twenty-seven number three bedroom houses and fifty one number four bedroom houses with associated open space and two local areas of play at Dialstone Centre, Lisburne Lane, Offerton; (ii) 48028 for the proposed redevelopment of part of Blackstone Field for a new community hub incorporating a four court sports hall, gym, changing rooms, viewing area, one floodlit all weather five-a-side football pitch, one seven-a-side grassed football pitch, multi-function community room and library, medical centre, pharmacy, small retail unit (200m2 net), extra care accommodation comprising 56 apartments, 60 bed care home, car parking and landscape enhancements at land at Blackstone Field, Offerton, and (iii) removal of concrete slab and residual structures, landscape and seeding of the former Dial Park School to provide local open space at the site of former Dial Park School site, Offerton

a resident spoke against the applications,

and

a representative of the agent spoke in support of the applications.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the applicants entering into a Section 106 agreement to secure commuted sums for off-site provision and maintenance of open space and affordable housing.

Partial demolition of 171 Dialstone Lane to create a 2 bedroom dwelling and erection of 4no. 2 storey, 4 bedroom dwellings with associated parking and access.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission and defer and delegate the final decision to officers subject to appropriate conditions and the applicant paying a commuted sum.

In respect of plan no. 44674 for the partial demolition of 171 Dialstone Lane to create a two bedroom dwelling and erection of four number two storey, four bedroom dwellings with associated parking and access at 171 Dialstone Lane, Offerton

a resident spoke against the application on behalf of local residents,

and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that, notwithstanding Planning Policy Statement 3 (Housing) the proposal would:-

·         be inappropriate and overdevelopment of a greenfield site and therefore be contrary to Policy HP1;

·         be overdevelopment of the site leading to an overshadowing of neighbouring properties due to the three storey effect of the proposed four bedroomed properties and therefore be contrary to CDH1.1;

·         have a negative and inappropriate impact on the streetscene of the proposed redevelopment of 171 Dialstone Lane and therefore be contrary to Policy DCD1;

·         provide insufficient amenity space for the redeveloped 171 Dialstone Lane and therefore be contrary to Policy L1.3.

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

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details proposals to widen and re-mark the carriageway of New Moor Lane to increase capacity and reduce congestion at the junction of the A6 London Road and New Moor Lane as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the report and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the widening and re-marking of the carriageway of New Moor Lane as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Georgina Summers, 0161 474 4853, georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to widen and remark the carriageway of New Moor Lane to increase capacity and reduce congestion at the junction of the A6 London Road and New Moor Lane.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the widening and remarking of the carriageway at New Moor Lane as detailed in the report.

The report sets out a proposal to introduce two speed tables on Bean Leach Road to to reduce vehicle speeds near the newly refurbished playground just north of No.48 Bean Leach Road to improve safety for pedestrians crossing at the new pedestrian refuge island adjacent to the playground, subject to the completion of a public consultation exercise.

Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the implementation of the two speed tables and the introduction of the associated Traffic Regulation Order detailed in Appendix 2 subject to the completion of a public consultation exercise.

Officer contact: Georgina Summers, 0161 474 4853, georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal to introduce two speed tables on Bean Leach Road to reduce vehicle speeds in the vicinity of the newly refurbished playground.

RESOLVED – That consideration of the report be deferred and the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to undertake further speed surveys in the vicinity of the proposed speed tables to ascertain whether the recent installation of pedestrian refuges on Bean Leach Road had reduced speeds of vehicles since the last surveys had been undertaken and to discuss the results with the Ward Spokesperson before a further report be submitted to the Area Committee.

To consider report of East Area Housing Manager, Stockport Homes

The report updates the Area Committee on progress in delivery of Stockport Homes (SHL) Neighbourhood Action Plans for Offerton, Offerton North and Hazel Grove. Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAP`s) are used by Stockport Homes to bring together in a holistic plan for a neighbourhood, a range of housing issues, and wider sustainability issues that impact on the quality of life for residents living in neighbourhoods, such as the quality of the local environment, anti-social behaviour, community safety, worklessness and help to identify future investment and make managerial decisions.

The Area Committee is invited to note and comment upon the Neighbourhood Action Plan update.

Officer contact: Rebecca Cullen, 0161 474 2944 rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

Representatives of the East Area Housing Manager of Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plan for Offerton, Offerton North and Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Involvement of Stockport Homes in the potential new community hub for the Offerton Estate would be welcomed.

·         The neighbourhood walkabouts with Councillors and Housing Officers was welcomed.

·         There had been a marked improvement on the Offerton Estate due to hard work by Stockport Homes and tenants.

·         The stream and its banks behind houses on Hazelwood Road needed maintenance and regular cleansing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and progress with the Neighbourhood Action Plans be welcomed.

To consider a report of report of the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management)

The report sets out objections received regarding the above named Order that has been agreed by the Central Stockport Area Committee on 25 August 2011. The report also details the response of the Service Director (Place Management) to the objections.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that the exemption for school buses remain in place and that the Order not be made.

Officer contact: ZoeAllan, 0161 474 3138, zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to the proposal to remove the exemption for buses from the weight restriction on Kennerley Road, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That in the view of the Area Committee the exemption for schools buses should remain in place and the Order not be made.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Stuart Corris.

Councillor Corris invited the Area Committee to consider a proposal from the British Legion and the Hazel Grove community to install a plaque in the Hazel Grove Memorial Garden to honour Mrs Eva Warrington who had been an active member of the community for many years, but who had died earlier this year.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supports the installation of a memorial plague in Hazel Grove Memorial Garden in memory of Mrs Eva Warrington.

There are no vacancies to consider.

There were no governor 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: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on the Area Flexibility Funding and Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

In relation to Minute 9 of 22 November 2011 (School Street, Hazel Grove) Councillor Corris reported that a representative of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) had confirmed that the land in question was within the control of the Chester Diocese of the Church of England.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to write to the Diocese of Chester outlining the concerns of residents and the Area Committee in relation to the condition of land and buildings at land adjoining School Street, Hazel Grove.

To consider a report of the Operation Director NPS (Stockport) Ltd.

The report seeks to advise the Area Committee of an approach to the Council by Stagecoach to take an assignment and increase the length of an existing lease at Melford Road (Greyhound Industrial Estate) Hazel Grove as a precursor to a proposal to develop a Park and Ride facility in this area.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the report and that the user clause and length of lease can be amended only in the event that planning permission is granted for the proposed redevelopment of the Telereal site and in those circumstances, for the Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services to use his delegated authority to authorise the matter to proceed.

(NOTE: The Chair has agreed that this item will be considered as a matter of urgency in order to prevent undue delay to the potential leasee in taking forward their proposals for the site).

Contact: Chris Harney (NPS) 0161 495 6091 or chris.harney@nps.co.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 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order to prevent undue delay to the potential leasee of the site in taking forward proposals for the site)

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Operations Director of NPS Stockport (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of an approach to the Council by Stagecoach to take an assignment and increase the length of an existing lease at Melford Road, Greyhound Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove as a precursor to a proposal to develop a Park and Ride facility in this area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.