Agenda and minutes

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

Councillors were invited to elected a chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

Councillors Kevin Hogg and William Wragg were nominated for the position of Chair. The number of votes given for each councillor was as follows:-

Councillor Kevin Hogg – 3

Councillor William Wragg – 3

In the event of their being an equality of votes, councillors agreed to elect a Chair for the meeting.

It was then

RESOLVED – That Councillor William Wragg be elected Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Laura Booth be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the duration of the meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9 April 2013 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.

There were no announcements made.

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

Sergeant Cullen (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public on Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

Councillors referred to a recent burglary at the convenience store on Fulmar Drive, Offerton. It was commented that investigations were ongoing but that there was a high profile police presence in the area.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Cullen 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 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.

Kay Williams (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 highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised:-

·         Instances of fly-tipping were being investigated.

·         Untaxed vehicles were being removed from streets in Hazel Grove. Concerrns were raised about vehicles for sale on Dialstone Lane.

·         Repairs were being made to potholes on Marple Road, Offerton. Concerns were expressed that the damage in this area may recur as the underlying problems with water damage had not been resolved.

·         Planned maintenance was due to take place on Highfield Road/ Sanderling Road.

·         A trial was taking place on Commercial Road/ London Road of a new method for gulley replacements.

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

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the proposed resurfacing of the footway of Milford Grove, Offerton, at a cost of £23,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt, 0161 218 1492, chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Milford Grove, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the following Highway Maintenance and Local Initiative scheme be approved, at a cost of £23,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

Milford Grove, Offerton – for the full length, remove flags from footway and replace with bitmac, and install new kerb line (3 month’s notice required for utilities).

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.

There were no funding applications to consider.

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 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 Services Manager 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 Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

At 6.25pm the meeting adjourned

At 6.32pm the meeting reconvened.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & 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 & 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.

Councillors asked a number of questions in relation to the operation of the new arrangements. It was suggested that councillors be kept informed of the operation of the new arrangements to ensure appropriate resources were in place to meet demand.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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 for Place Management & 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 Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

Demolition of existing double garage, partitioning of existing residential dwelling plot with new detached dwelling in existing side garden.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission but to defer and delegate the final decision to officers to determine upon the securing of commuted sum in respect of the provision or recreation and amenity open space.

(NOTE: This item had been deferred from the previous meeting held on 9 April 2013)

In respect of plan no. 51864 for the demolition of existing double garage, partitioning of existing dwelling plot with new detached dwelling in existing side garden (consideration of which had been deferred from the meeting on 9 April 2013), it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposed dwelling constitutes overdevelopment of the site by virtue of its scale, siting and design and would give rise to an unacceptable level of overlooking which would be prejudicial to the privacy and amenity of adjoining residential properties contrary to policy SIE-1 "Quality Places" of the adopted Stockport Core Strategy DPD and the Council’s “Design of Residential Development” Supplementary Planning Document; the proposed dwelling would harmful to the character of the streetscene by virtue of its siting and design and would be contrary to policy SIE-1 "Quality Places" of the adopted Stockport Core Strategy DPD and the Council’s “Design of Residential Development” Supplementary Planning Document.

To consider a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Service Director (Place Management)

The report details objections received to a package of proposal to improve safety along Dialstone Lane and at the junctions with adjoining roads. The report also contains the response of the Service Director (Place Management) to the issues raised.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the objections received and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) Order be amended in line with the proposals detailed at paragraph 3.1 of the report.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to the proposals to introduce waiting restrictions on Dialstone Lane and connected roads with the purpose of improving road safety.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to make the Order as advertised.

To consider a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Service Director (Place Management)

The report sets out an objection received to the proposal to introduce prohibition of waiting restrictions on the junctions of Hempshaw Lane with Whalley Road and Garth Road, Offerton, and the response of the Service Director to the concerns raised.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the Order as advertised.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) summarising a objection received to the proposal to introduce waiting restrictions on the junctions of Hempshaw Lane with Whalley Road and Garth Road, Offerton in order to improve safety.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objection received, the Order be made as advertised.

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

The report details a proposal to reduce permit parking restrictions fronting 23 – 25 Hope Street, Hazel Grove to facilitate loading/unloading to a commercial premises.

The Area Committee recommended to and approve the following, at a cost of £450:

Revoke Permit Parking on Hope Street from a point 22 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Napier Street for a distance of 8 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to revoke part of the current permit parking restrictions on Hope Street, Hazel Grove in order to improve access to commercial premises.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved, at a cost of £450 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

Revoke Permit Parking

Hope Street

From a point 22 metres south west of the south westerly kerb line of Napier Street, for a distance of 8 metres in a south westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor

The report sets out a proposal to negotiate the disposal of this pair of semi-detached houses in advance of any future disposal of the main Offerton School site.

The Area Committee is invited to provide any comments on the proposed negotiation.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal to dispose of a pair of semi-detached houses on the site of the former Offerton School, Fairway, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to dispose of a pair of semi-detached houses on the site of the former Offerton School, Fairway, Offerton be welcomed.

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

The Area Committee is invited to consider and approve an application from Circus Funtasia Ltd to hold an ‘All Human Circus Show’ in Torkington Park between 24 and 30 June 2013.

Officer contact: Richard Booker, 0161 474 4829, Richard.booker@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application received for the use of Torkington Park between 24 and 30 June 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Circus Funtasia for the use of Torkington Park between 24 and 30 June 2013 for an ‘All Human Circus’ be approved.

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

The Area Committee is invited to consider and approve a request from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to use Torkington Park between 12 and 13 July 2013 for the Annual Carnival.

Officer contact: Richard Booker, 0161 474 4829, richard.booker@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application received for the use of Torkington Park between 12-13 July 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association for the use of Torkington Park between 12-13 July 2013 for the Annual Hazel Grove Carnival be approved.

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

The Area Committee is invited to consider and approve a request received from the Panther Car Club to hold the Woodsmoor Lane Classic Car Show on Woodsmoor Playing Fields on 26 August 2013.

Officer contact: Richard Booker, 0161 474 4829, Richard.booker@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application received for the use of Woodsmoor Lane Playing Fields on 26 August 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Panther Car Club for the use of Woodsmoor Playing Fields on 26 August 2013 for the Woodsmoor Lane Classic Car Show be approved.

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 is attached for information.

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following councillors be appointed as Ward Spokesperson/ Joint Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Hazel Grove Ward – Stuart Corris/ William Wragg

Offerton – Laura Booth/ Wendy Meikle/ Johh Smith

Stepping Hill – Ben Alexander

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

That the Area Committee is requested to make nominations to represent the Council on the Hazel Grove Community Association and the Torkington Centre Management Committee.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to nominate representative of the Council on outside bodies for 2013/14.

RESOLVED – That the following be nominated to represent the Council during 2013/14 on the outside bodies indicated:-

Hazel Grove Community Association

Councillors Stuart Corris, Kevin Hogg and William Wragg

Torkington Management Committee

Councillor William Wragg

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

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at Warren Wood Primary School (Liberal Democrat Group 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) inviting the Area Committee to provide a nomination for a Local Authority Governor vacancy at Warren Wood Primary School.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to approve the following nomination:-

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

The report provides an update on the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget up to the end of April 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Simon Sherry, 0161 474 2420, 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 the Area Committee with an update on their delegated Highways Maintenance and Traffic Management budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to discuss with the ward spokespersons possible highway maintenance schemes with a view to these coming forward to the Area Committee for agreement as soon as possible.

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 Budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to provide an update to the Ward Spokesperson on the proposed highway works for Great Moor District Centre.