Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 August 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 August 2017 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interest they had in any of the items on the agenda for th emeeting

The following interests was declared:-

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair announced that there would be a public meeting taking place at Stepping Hill Hospital on Wednesday 27 September at 6pm relating to problems caused by parking. Representatives from the Hospital Trust, the Council’s Network Management Service and the Police would be in attendance with local councillors to discuss the concerns of residents and to seek possible solutions.

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.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

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

Eight public questions were submitted.

The first questioner was not in attendance at the meeting and so the Chair reported that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the questioner would receive a written response.

Questions two to seven related to parking problems the section of Ripley Avenue, Great Moor that was closest to the Stepping Hill Hospital site. Questioners outlined their difficulties relating to the existing permit parking scheme covering less than the whole of this road; inconsiderate and dangerous driving, parking and manoeuvring in this area by visitors and staff of the hospital; and difficulties experienced by residents who had disabilities in gaining access to their vehicles and being blocked in.

In particular the questioners asked what the Council was doing to address these problems; why residents were being given an ultimatum of agreeing to pay for a new permit scheme or lose their existing scheme; what the Council would do to assist those with disabilities who were experiencing difficulties with parking a reasonable distance from their homes; whether the Council would consider making the whole of the road a permit zone.

In response, Councillor Booth expressed her sympathy for residents and highlighted the ongoing challenges with hospital related parking in the wider area. Residents were encouraged to attend the public meeting taking place on 27 September at 6pm at the Hospital.

In relation to specific problems on this section of Ripley Avenue, Cllr Wright stated that the cost of the removing the pavement buildout was so significant because of the utilities that were under this part of the pavement. He further stated that having discussed with the Chief Executive of the Trust the possibility of closing the hospital access on Ripley Street that this would not be acceptable to the Trust as it would limit access to the site for pedestrians using Woodsmoor Station. He acknowledged the desirability of a free permit scheme in this area but stated that it was no longer Council policy to provide such a facility.

In relation to the ongoing consultation with residents of Ripley Avenue about the possibility of implementing a paid-for permit scheme, Councillor Hadfield stated that the Area Committee had previously discussed the possibility of seeking approval to waive the requirement for 51% support from residents in order to upgrade the scheme, however the Area Committee did not wish to set a precedence that would disadvantage a number of residents.

Councillor Lewis-Booth emphasised the need for majority resident support for the introduction of a scheme and the need for an anonymous Council consultation to determine the level of support. He also encouraged residents to note details of cars where motorists were persistently driving dangerous as persistent offenders could be referred to the Police.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager clarified that for a permit zone to be enforceable this required a legal Traffic Regulation Order, and that this involved further public consultation. It was not possible, as suggested in the questions, to erect signage suggesting it was a permit zone unless such an Order was in place.

The final question related to Swanage Avenue, Offerton and asked why the Council was refusing to acknowledge the problems being experienced by residents following the re-development of the former Dialstone Centre site and specifically the provision of a pedestrian access between Swanage Avenue and the new development.

In response a representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that following a similar question last meeting further guidance had been sought from the Council’s Legal Services in relation to the feasibility of gating or stopping up orders. The feedback received suggested that the Council may struggle to demonstrate that this access was no longer needed given that it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(ii)

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.

Kay Williams, Public Realm Inspector, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following update was provided:-

·         Overgrown vegetation had been cut back by Electricity North West at the substation at the junction of Norwood Road and Buxton Road.

·         Letters had been sent to the two owners of land adjacent to the bend in Torkington Road asking that they cut back overgrown vegetation.

·         The passageway on Crown Mews had recently been added to the Community Payback scheme for litter picking and vegetation cutting.

·         Efforts were ongoing with a number of Council departments in relation to concerns about a developer restricting or blocking access to Daniel Street in Hazel Grove.

·         Since the last meeting there had been 27 reported cases of fly-tipping that had been cleared or passed to the Community Payback team.

·         Since the last meeting there had been 20 reported abandoned vehicles that had been addressed.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         A request was made that the railing to the Hazel Grove Memorial Gardens be painted before Remembrance Day.

·         There was a collapsed drain cover on the A6 in the vicinity of the cycle shop.

·         Concerns were expressed that the current cleansing and collection arrangements for the A6 in Hazel Grove District Centre were not adequate given the volume of litter generating activity in the area, particularly at weekends.

·         Potholes on Woodsmoor Lane Bridge had not yet been patched, although they had been reported.

·         A damaged lamppost and leaking water main at the end of Woodsmoor Lane had been reported but no action taken.

·         Action was requested to address vermin caused by fly-tipping on Trawden Green. Although Stockport Homes had taken action to reduce the accessibility of nearby properties there remained the need to address the infestation.

·         Repairs were needed to the lighting on Bean Leach Road from the pinch point to the bridge as this was a hazardous route in the dark.

·         Graffiti had not been removed from the bridge on Bean Leach Road.

·         Action was needed to address the poor state of the pavements on Garth Road.

·         A request was made to cut back a large tree on Braemar Road, Hazel Grove located between the junction of Hazelwood Road and the junction with Kintore Avenue as it was impacting on visibility at the junction.

·         A request was made for the unadopted passageway on Great Moor Street to be added to the Community Payback schedule for a litter pick and clean up issue due to the build-up of detritus.

·         Action was needed to address littering and waste at the back on the properties on Buxton Road, Great Moor, particularly for the takeaways in this area.

·         Concerns were raised about spikes on top of the railings around the park on Turnstone Road, Offerton adjacent to the doctor’s surgery as these may cause injury to children.

RESOLVED – That Kay Williams be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

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

Mr Will Dawson submitted a petition on behalf of residents of Hurdsfield Road, Offerton requesting the Council investigates the introduction of residents’ only permit parking.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration for further investigation.

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

The report provides an update on the public consultation being undertaken regarding transport issues and options in Stockport to inform the updating of the South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy to 2040.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

Sue Stevenson, Head of Highways and Transportation at Stockport Council, attended the meeting to outline the refreshing of the South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy (SEMMMS) and seeking input from the public and area committees. The refreshed SEMMMS would complement the development of the Council’s emerging Local Plan.

The following comments were made/ issues were raised:-

·         Train provision for the area was often overcrowded, out of date, dirty and often delayed and there were insufficient trains out of peak hours. Concerns were expressed that that improvements to these services were contingent on driver only trains.

·         Providing new and improved walking and cycling routes was important, but these needed to be separate from existing roads for health and for safety reasons.

·         Did the decline in bus usage across Greater Manchester reflect the increased Metrolink coverage? In response it was stated that bus usage varied across Greater Manchester and by providers, with particular challenges in the north of the city-region. Stockport had a more community focussed service and generally more consistent patronage.

·         At recent engagement events about the Local Plan/ SEMMMS Refresh there was opposition to the M60-A6 Bypass. Nevertheless there was significant support from residents in Hazel Grove for the proposals.

·         It would be helpful for the refresh to address those original SEMMMS projects that were not pursued or implemented.

·         Was the 2011 Travel Census quoted in the report still valid? In response it was stated that this was a national data source, but was supplemented with more recent local data.

·         The importance of accessibility of facilities and transport services was often simply given lip service, but the reality lagged behind. This should be given greater prominence in the document.

·         There had been lots of speculation about the Northern railway timetable provision on Hazel Grove to Manchester line and it previous published proposals were to go ahead this would result in a significant loss of service.

·         Air quality was a concern along the A6 corridor. The Director for Public Health had previously made recommendations about actions to tackle car idling and rapid/continuous acceleration/deceleration.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and Sue Stevenson be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Norbury Church Allotment Association seeking funding toward the cost of purchasing a wooden meeting room on the site.

Miss Maureen Walsh representing Norbury Church Allotment Association attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of a new meeting space.

RESOLVED – (1) That an award of £500 be made from the Ward Flexibility Fund to Norbury Church Allotment Association as a contribution toward the cost of a new meeting space.

(2) That in the event that other grant applications being unsuccessful that a further application from Norbury Church Allotment Association for the remainder of the project costs be welcomed.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Project.inc for a grant of £ 114.28 (from the Stepping Hill Area Committee allocation) to support the expansion of the access to arts project.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of Project Inc requesting funding toward the cost of an arts project with 11-16 year olds.

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Borough-wide Funding Group for consideration due to the coverage of the project being greater than the Area Committee

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

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

A development applications was considered.

(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 Chief Executive 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.

Proposed construction of two dwellings.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant subject to conditions.

In respect of plan no. 66372 for the proposed construction of two dwellings at 23A Store Street, Great Moor, it was

RESOLVED – (Seven in favour, two against) That planning permission be granted subject to appropriate conditions.

There are no planning appeals, enforcement appeals or enforcement notices to consider.

There were no outstanding appeals or enforcement matters.

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

The report sets out the outcome of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO's), implementation of traffic calming measures, the provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossing facilities and the installation of bollards at the end of the passage between Turnstone Road and Barfold Close associated with the planning consent for Warren Wood Primary School expansion.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the measures contained within the report and the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders contained in Appendix A can be made.

Officer contact: Mark James, 0161 474 2077, mark.james@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the outcome of a public consultation on proposed traffic management measures associated with the expansion of Warren Wood School. The report invited the Area Committee to approve the introduction of additional waiting restrictions and physical traffic calming measures.

Some councillors expressed concerns about the introduction of speed humps and questioned their efficacy.

RESOLVED – (Eight in favour, one abstention) That the approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders:-

(A)    Revocations – (Diag No. 4145_SK06)

(i)      Revoke No Stopping Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm On School Entrance Markings

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, east side from a point 56 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Hornsea Road for a distance of 41 metres in a northerly direction.

ii)      Revoke No Waiting Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, east side from a point 24 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Hornsea Road for a distance of 32 metres in a northerly direction.

(B)    Waiting Restrictions – (Diag No. 4145_SK02 & 03)

(i)      Proposed No Stopping Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm On School Entrance Markings

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, east side, from a point 28 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Hornsea Road for a distance of 70 metres in a northerly direction. 

(ii)     Proposed No Waiting Monday to Friday 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, south side, from a point 40.5 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Shearwater Road for a distance of 143.5 metres in a westerly, then south westerly, then southerly direction.

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, west side, from a point 10 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Wenlock Close for a distance of 151 metres in a southerly direction.

(iii)    Proposed No Waiting At Any Time

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, east side, from a point 28 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Hornsea Road for a distance of 46 metres in a southerly direction.

          Hornsea Road, Offerton, both sides, from the easterly kerb line of Turnstone Road for a distance of 10 metres in an easterly direction.

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, west side, from a point 10 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Brendall Close, for a distance of 28 metres in a southerly direction.

          Brendall Close, Offerton, both sides, from the westerly kerb line of Turnstone Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.

          Turnstone Road, Offerton, west side, from a point 10 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Poise Brook Road for a distance of 27 metres in a southerly direction.

          Poise Brook Road, Offerton, both sides, from the westerly kerb line of Turnstone Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.

          Shearwater Road, Offerton, north side, from a point 14 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Turnstone Road for a distance of 11 metres in a westerly direction.

          Shearwater Road, Offerton, south side, from the easterly kerb line of Kingfisher Road for a distance of 46 metres in an easterly direction.

          Kingfisher Road, Offerton, east side, from the southerly kerb line of Shearwater Road for a distance of 7 metres in a southerly direction.

(C)    Proposed Road Humps (Diag No. 4145_SK02 & 03)

(i)      Proposed 75mm high, 4.5 metres long flat top road humps

          Shearwater Road, Offerton, from a point 20 metres east of the easterly kerb line of Kingfisher Road.

          Shearwater Road, Offerton, from a point 62.5 metres north of the northerly kerb  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

The report will set out proposals for amending parking restrictions at the junction of Commercial Road and Talbot Street in Hazel Grove.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to revoke and replace a Traffic Regulation Order at the junction of Commercial Road and Talbot Road, Hazel Grove to resolve anomalies between the existing Order and the road markings.

RESOLVED – That the approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders:-

Revoke No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm / No Loading Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Commercial Road

North West side from the North Easterly kerb line of Talbot Street for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Talbot Street

North East side from the North Westerly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Westerly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Commercial Road

North West side from the North Easterly kerb line of Talbot Street for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Talbot Street

North East side from the North Westerly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Westerly direction.

Extend No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm / No Loading Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Commercial Road

From a point 11 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Talbot Street for a distance of 2 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Talbot Street

South West side from a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 2 metres in a North Westerly direction.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Meikle.

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Meikle.

Councillor Meikle stated that many of the issues she had intended to raise had been covered earlier in the meeting as part of the response to a public question.

Councillor Meikle stated that in light of residents’ concerns more should be done to return Swanage Avenue to its longstanding status as a cul-de-sac, and suggested the installation of a gate.

It was suggested that there were residents of the new housing on the Bellway Homes estate who would not be in favour of closing this access.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reiterated that the closing of this access by means of a gate would require a Gating Order, which along with the physical measures could cost significant resources and take a considerable length of time.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to monitor the operation of the new access between Swanage Avenue and the new Bellway Homes estate once the development was complete and to report back to the Area Committee after 6 months.

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

The Greenspace Team has received an application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold a Winter Wonderland event at Torkington Park on Saturday 9th December.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association seeking permission for the use of Torkington Park for a Winter Wonderland.

RESOLVED – That the application from Hazel Grove Carnvial Association for the use of Torkington Park on 9 December 2017 for a Winter Wonderland event be approved

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate a councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Hazel Grove Remembrance Service on Sunday, 12 November 2017.

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) inviting the Area Committee to appoint a councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Sunday service at Hazel Grove War Memorial.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Oliver Johnstone be appoint to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at Remembrance Sunday service at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 12 November 2017.

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 with decisions taken at previous meetings, including the current positions on the Ward Flexibility and Delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.