Agenda and minutes

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

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

Councillor Orrell in the chair

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

RESOLVED – That Councillor Kevin Hogg be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 April 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 April 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

(i)         Chair’s Announcements

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

(ii)        Neighbourhood Policing

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

(iii)       Public Question Time

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).

(iv)       Environmental and Highway Services

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.

(v)        Petitions

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

(vi)       Open Forum

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.

(vii)      Area Flexibility Funding

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

Norbury Church Toddler Group

(i)         Chair’s Announcements

No announcements were made.

(ii)        Neighbourhood Policing

Inspector Brendan O'Brien (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbouring Policing issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee. 

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

• Ongoing work to address burglaries and licensing related issues.
• The execution of a number of warrants in connection with fraud.
• International recognition of the ‘You Say, We Pay’ participatory budgeting work in Offerton. Members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) would be attending a European Community Safety Conference in Budepest to discuss this work.
• Progress with the implementation of the New Policing Model within the East NPT, including the increasing use of restorative justice as an alternative to courts.

RESOLVED – That Inspector O’Brien be thanked for his attendance.

(iii)       Public Question Time

No public questions were submitted.

(iv)       Environmental and Highway Services

(a) Chris Yuille (Streetscene Co-ordination Manager)attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised / comments made:-

·         Recent increase in the theft of gulley covers. Efforts were underway to provide a cheaper replacement.

·         Thanks to Officers for their speedy response in replacing the stolen gulley cover on Tannock Close.

RESOLVED – That Chris Yuille be thanked for his attendance.

(b) 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 issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised / comments made:-

·         Since March there had been over 300 enquiries to the Area Conditions Team for the area, of which nearly 150 related to advancement of refuse sacks and approximately 80 related to fly tipping.

·         Notices had been issued on the Offerton Estate for the advancement of refuse, following extensive education for residents.

·         Notice served in relation to the cleanliness of Offerton Precinct.

·         Concern over the condition of the Hazel Grove bus terminus.

·         Questions about the impact of the new waste collection service on instances of fly-tipping. Extensive education of residents about the new services had been successful. Education was always undertaken prior to any enforcement.

·         Roll-out of recycling facilities on the Offerton Estate and difficulties encountered due to the layout and numbering of properties.

·         Concerns about private bin cleansing companies using misleading statements to potential customers to suggest they were working in partnership with the Council.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for his attendance.

(v)        Petitions

No petitions were submitted.

(vi)       Open Forum

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

(vii)      Area Flexibility Funding

(a) Norbury Church Toddler Group

Cath Palmer of the Norbury Church Toddler Group attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of replacement play equipment for the group.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £500 to the Norbury Church Toddler Group toward the cost of replacement play equipment.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to provide the applicant with details of the Greater Manchester Airport Community Fund.

(b) Hazel Grove Allotment Association

George Wilson of the Hazel Grove Allotment Association attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of a new shelter structure.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £347.40 to the Hazel Grove Allotment Association toward  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a joint report of the Service Directors (Legal & Property) and (Environment)

The report sets out objections received to proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit on Bosden Farm Estate and includes the response of the Service Director (Environment) to the issues raised.

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

Officer contact: Zoe Allan/Mark James, 0161 474 3138/ 2077, zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk / mark.james@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Democratic Services Manger submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Property) detailing objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order to introduce a 20mph speed limit on the Bosden Farm Estate, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That, not withstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised.

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

(i) DC046699                     6 York Drive, Hazel Grove

Single storey front extension, single storey side porch extension and dormer roof extension to side.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

(a)   To consider the development applications where members of the public have attended the meeting in order to speak or hear the Area Committee’s deliberations.

(b)   To consider the remaining applications.

(c)   To consider consultations (if any) received by the Service Director (Regeneration) on any planning issues relevant to the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

Officer contact: Karyn Clarke, 0161 474 3551, Karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk

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, Communities, Regeneration & Environment 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 Communities, Regeneration & Environment 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.

In relation to plan no. 46699 for a single storey front extension, single storey side porch extension and dormer roof extension to side at 6 York Drive, Hazel Grove,

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns over the potential massing of the building given its proximity to the neighbouring property and the potential impact of the development on the streetscene.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Property)

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 Service Director (Regeneration) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Property) (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 – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Directors (Legal & Property) and (Regeneration) be requested to provide an update to ward councillors in relation to the enforcement action at 10 Devonshire Park Road.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Business Services

The report sets out a request from Network Rail to locate a compound on Council owned land to facilitate maintenance works at the railway bridge on Chester Road.

The Area Committee Members is requested to note the content of this report and provide any comments regarding the proposed use of the land by Network Rail. 

Officer contact: Ian Keyte 0161 495 6093, ian.keyte@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Managing Director of NPS (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request from Network Rail to lease a portion of Council owned land at Chester Road, Hazel Grove to facilitate maintenance work to railway bridges in the area.

RESOLVED – That the Managing Director of NPS be recommended to approve a lease to Network Rail for land at Chester Road only subject to the following conditions:-

• access to the remainder of the open space to be maintained from the frontage on Chester Road via a 5 metre wide strip on right hand side adjacent to the single dwelling
• hardcore/stoning to be laid to protect surface of the open space
• the land to be reinstated to previous condition within an appropriate time frame to be agreed by NPS with Network Rail
• that Network Rail be required to instruct its contractors not to park their private vehicles on the frontage of Chester Road.
• That Network Rail be required to install anti-pigeon netting to railway bridges in Hazel Grove, including the bridge at Chester Road and at Macclesfield Road.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Communities)

The report sets out a request from Hazel Grove Carnival Association to use Torkington Park on 9 and 10 July 2010 for the Hazel Grove Carnival.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application.

Officer contact: Tim Devine, 0161 474 4419, tim.devine@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Communities) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from the Hazel Grove Carnival Committee requesting the use of Torkington Park on 9 and 10 July 2011 for the annual Hazel Grove Carnival.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the appointment of representatives of the Council on Hazel Grove Community Association and the Torkington Centre Management Committee.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations to represent the Council on the outside bodies.

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) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council on the outside bodies in the Stepping Hill area.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be appointed as representatives of the Council on outside bodies for 2011-12:-

Hazel Grove Community Association

Councillors Stuart Corris, Kevin Hogg and William Wragg

Torkington Centre Management Committee

Councillor William Wragg

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the current arrangements in relation to the appointment and role of Highway Ward Spokespersons and the monitoring of the Highway Maintenance and Local Initiatives Delegated Budget.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and approve the proposals contained in the report.

Officer contact: Craig Ainsworth 0161 474 3204 email: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed protocol for the Highway and Traffic Ward Spokesperson.

RESOLVED – (1) That the proposed Highway and Traffic Ward Spokesperson be approved, including the delegation to the relevant Corporate Director authority to spend up to £300 of the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget, in consultation with the relevant Ward Spokesperson.

(2) That the Corporate Director be authorised to review annual the level of delegated budget and amend if required in consultation with the Chair and ward spokespersons.

(3) That the Area Committee agree not to commit expenditure from the following financial year’s Highway Maintenance and Local Initiatives delegated budget for any schemes before January 1 in any given year unless approval has been obtained from the Executive Councillor (Transportation).

(4) That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

• Hazel Grove Ward – Councillor Stuart Corris
• Offerton Ward – Councillor John Smith
• Stepping Hill Ward – Councillor Ben Alexander

There are currently 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 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, the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Environment) be requested to provide reports to the next meeting on the following outstanding issues:-

• Weight restriction on Bean Leach Road, Offerton
• Weight restriction on Chester Road/ Grundy Street

(3) That the Service Director (Environment) be requested to contact Satellite Navigation providers to request that Bean Leach Road and Grundy Street were identified on Satellite Navigation as being unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles.

(4) That the Service Director (Environment) be requested to confirm the timetable for the implementation of the traffic management scheme on Lyndhurst Avenue.