Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 May 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 29 May 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the replacement of ‘introduce’ with ‘considered’ in the last sentence of resolution (2) of Minute 12.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

Hazel Grove Public Art

A new public art sculpture for Hazel Grove is due to be official opened on Sunday, 22 July 2012 at 12.30pm outside Sainsbury’s in Hazel Grove.

2^nd Woodsmoor Classic Car Rally

The Panther Car Club have organised a Classic and Vintage Car Show to take place on the Woodsmoor Lane Playing Fields on Monday, 27 August 2012 between 11am and 4pm. All proceeds will go to TOMMY’S and St Anne’s Hospice.

·         The Chair reported on the recent successful Olympic themed events that had taken place in the area, including the Torch relay along the A6 and the ‘Pass the Baton’ events in local parks.

·         It was reported that the new public art feature in Hazel Grove would be formally unveiled by the Deputy Mayor on Sunday, 22 July 2012 at 12.30pm.

·         The Chair invited Mr Andy Stobbie to announce that the 2^nd Woodsmoor Classic Car Rally would take place on Monday, 27 August 2012 on Woodsmoor Lane Playing Fields.

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

Sgt Mike Cooper (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public on neighbourhood policing matters within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) had been working with the staff at Stepping Hill Hospital to reduce anti-social behaviour at the site.

·         The NPT had provided shed alarms to vulnerable residents to help prevent thefts from their sheds.

·         There was ongoing work to detect vehicle crime in the area.

·         Crime had reduced across a range of indicators compared to last year.

·         A recent report of a racially motivated assault was not representative of a increasing trend. Responding to these offences was a Divisional priority and it was hoped residents had growing confidence in the Police’s ability to detect these crimes.

·         Operation Alloy was continuing to address metal thefts and the situation was improving.

RESOLVED – That Sgt Cooper 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.

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

Two questions were asked in relation to the future use of the Offerton School site, whether it was in the greenbelt and whether the Area Committee would be willing to accept a presentation from the new residents’ group For Offerton Revival.

In response, councillors confirmed that no formal planning application had been lodged with the Council for the site, but that any development would need to match the existing footprint of the school as the land was in greenbelt. Councillors also welcomed the opportunity for the For Offerton Revival Group to make a presentation to a future meeting.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Council would need the permission of the Secretary of State for Education for disposal of former school sites and that this request had been made by the Council.

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 public realm issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         Nine notices had been served on residents for incorrectly presenting their refuse and recycling for collection.

·         The annual Highway Safety Inspections were underway in the area.

·         There was an accumulation of detritus and debris on the pavements on sections of Bramhall Moor Lane which was blocking gulleys.

·         There had been a recent visit to Blackpool to inspect their innovative approach to pavement repairs which had greatly reduced the cost of their work.

RESOLVED – (1) That Kay Williams be thanked for her attendance.

(2) That the Public Realm Team be requested to provide an update to the next meeting on the restorative justice project to remove litter from the footpaths to the rear of Longmead and Linda Avenues.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the following schemes to be funded from their Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

Hazel Grove Ward

Bosden Hall Road, Hazel Grove - To remove flagged footway and reconstruct using bituminous materials. Estimated costs £14,000.00.

Stepping Hill Ward

Delamere Road, Great Moor – To remove flagged footway and reconstruct using bituminous materials. Estimate costs £16,000.00

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt, 0161 474 2419, chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider highway improvement schemes.

RESOLVED – (1) That the following highway improvement scheme be approved, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget at an estimated cost of £16,000 (Stepping Hill Ward allocation):-

Stepping Hill Ward

Delamere Road, Great Moor – To remove flagged footway and reconstruct using bituminous materials

(2) That consideration of the proposed scheme on Bosden Hall Road be deferred to allow for further consideration of the scheme.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider the following applications for Area Flexibility Funding:-

(a)  MedEquip4Kids

(b)  Manchester Rugby Club Senior Colts

(c)  Stockport County Community Sports & Education Foundation

(a)                   MedEquip4Kids

Rose Franks from MedEquip4Kids attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for medical equipment for the Tree House Children’s Unit at Stepping Hill Hospital.

It was reported that since the application was submitted the group had been able to fund the purchase of the equipment that had been applied for but requested that consideration be given to supporting the purchase of two devices to monitor the breathing of babies at risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Councillors expressed concern about whether the application was in accord with the aims of the Flexibility Fund and in particular whether it was appropriate to fund equipment for use by a publically-funded body.

RESOLVED – That Democratic Services Manager be recommended to decline making a grant to MedEquip4Kids on this occasion but that this not preclude the Group from making a further application for a project that would add value to the work of the NHS but was not already provided by that organisation.

(b)                   Stockport County Community Sports & Education Foundation

Jason Swapp, Assistant Community Officer, attended the meeting to answer questions about an application for funding to support a series of football events for children in Stockport that would take place during school holidays.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £960 toward the cost of the Stockport County Community Foundation Football Road Show.

(c)                    Manchester Rugby Club Senior Colts

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of the Manchester Rugby Club Senior Colts requesting support toward the cost of sports kits, partly for use on an upcoming tour of Poland.

RESOLVED – (Four in favour, two against) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to decline to make a grant on this occasion.

A representative of United Utilities will attend the meeting to discuss the Area Committee’s concerns about delays in responding to highway collapse caused by collapsed drains.

James Devereux, District Engineer for Stockport, United Utilities Water Network, attended the meeting to discuss the work of United Utilities (UU) in the area and in particular the communication between UU and the Council in relation to drainage and sewage collapses on the highway.

Councillors discussed the difference in the responsibilities of the Council and United Utilities in respect of draining and highway repairs caused by faults with the drainage and sewage network.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         The responsibility of United Utilities did not include ancient or concealed watercourses, of which there were a number in the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee, which would previously have been the responsibility of the Water Board. The Council had recently acquired new powers to respond to problems associated with these features as the flood management authority.

·         United Utilities as a company was no longer responsible for electricity connections as this part of their business had been sold to North West Electricity.

·         The problems with the collapsed highway on Hatherlow Lane in Hazel Grove had been caused by a collapsed gulley that was the responsibility of the Council. The delays in determining the cause may have arisen due to a breakdown in communication between the Council and United Utilities but it was not the case that United Utilities had not responded appropriately to requests from the Council.

RESOLVED – That James Devereux be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

Representatives from Stockport Homes will attend the meeting to update the Area Committee on progress with delivering the Neighbourhood Action Plans for Offerton and Offerton North and to seek feedback on the draft plans for 2012/13.

Officer contact: Rebecca Cullen (Stockport Homes East Area Housing Manager), 0161 474 2944, rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

Fay Whittaker and Sarah Moore (Stockport Homes) attended the meeting and presented the draft 2012/13 Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans for Offerton and Offerton North (copies of which had been circulated), and seeking the comments of the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There had been noticeable improvements to the physical environment of the Offerton Estate, as well as an improved community spirit.

·         All partners involved in the Estate should be commended for their hard work, but Stockport Homes in particular.

·         The Council and Stockport Homes had worked hard to make the most of the opportunities to provide some of the most disadvantaged residents of Stockport with access to cheap electricity through the extensive solar panel installation programme.

·         The new community hub on the Estate was attracting a lot of young people, some of whom were engaged in anti-social behaviour. This needed to be monitored.

RESOLVED – (1) That Fay Whittaker and Sarah Moore be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

(2) That the draft Neighbourhood Action Plans for Offerton and Offerton North be welcomed.

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

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

(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).

Proposal for the replacement car parking for the Devonshire Centre, partial realignment of its internal access road and associated works.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 48005 for replacement car parking for the Devonshire Centre, partial realignment of its internal access road and associated works at the Devonshire Centre, Cherry Tree Hospital, Cherry Tree Lane, Great Moor

a member of the public spoke against the application on behalf of residents.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That planning permission be granted with appropriate conditions, including conditions to protect the trees on the site.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Development) be requested to make arrangements for an Emergency Tree Preservation Order to be placed on the site to ensure the protection of the trees in the lead up to and during construction.

Proposal for the demolition of factory buildings and erection of 3 dwellings (outline application).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission (subject to the applicant paying a commuted sum for off-site open space and recreation provision in accordance with Policy SIE-2).

In respect of plan no. 49868 for the demolition of factory buildings and erection of 3 dwellings (outline application) at CINRO Plastics Ltd, Garden Street, Great Moor

a member of the public spoke against the application on behalf of residents

and

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

It was then

RESOLVED (Three in favour, two abstentions) – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns over whether the width of the highway was suitable for the proposed works, and that a Highway Engineer should attend the visit to advise councillors.

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 Services 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 the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report will provide an update to the Area Committee on outstanding planning issues connected to the new development at Stockport Grammar School following the request made at the previous meeting.

Officer contact: Steve Burns, 0161 474 2648, steve.burns@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) responding to concerns raised by the Area Committee at its last meeting on 29 May 2012 in relation to the ongoing development at Stockport Grammar School.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager informed the Area Committee that a further planning application had been received by the Council from the Grammar School seeking to vary the conditions relating to this development and advised members of the need to exercise caution in any questions or comments they may make.

In response to questions from councillors a representative of the Service Director (Place Development) confirmed that a lighting scheme and travel plan had been received from the school as required by the conditions on the planning permission and that these were being considered by the Council.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details the Boroughwide framework for the Council in taking formal Planning Enforcement action as part of an Enforcement Development Plan Document (DPD).

Due to the removal of Planning Policy Guidance 18: Enforcing Planning Control by the recently published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), there is a requirement for Local Planning Authorities to develop a local planning policy document covering planning enforcement. In the case of the Council, this involves updating its existing standalone planning enforcement policy. The role of the Enforcement Policy DPD is to provide a framework to secure the implementation of the LDF, in particular to secure compliance with the adopted Core Strategy. The Enforcement Policy DPD will become part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and will set out how the Council should carry out its planning enforcement activities.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Dave Westhead on 474 3520 or email: dave.westhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee and the public to take part in the consultation on the recently published preferred options for the Council’s Enforcement Development Plan Document that would provide a borough-wide framework for the Council to take formal planning enforcement action.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details the results of a consultation carried out with residents following a request to investigate their concerns regarding parked vehicles in the vicinity of Life Leisure Sports Centre, Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove.

The Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee and the Stepping Hill Area Committee are requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) approves the following:

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South

ProposedImplementation of Wooden and Morpeth Bollards on the Bramhall Moor Lane (North Side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A

Stepping Hill

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

            Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove,south side from a point 70m west of the westerly kerb line of Lostock Avenue for a distance of 53m in a westerly direction.

ProposedImplementation of Morpeth Bollards on the Bramhall Moor Lane (South Side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A

Officer contact: Andrew Varey, 0161 474 4809, Andrew.varey@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) summarising the results of a consultation with residents of part of Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove that had been undertaken on measures to improve safety in the vicinity of the Life Leisure Sports Centre.

The matter was also due to be considered by the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee at its meeting on 20 July 2012.

RESOLVED – That Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following at a total cost of £2550, to be funded jointly from the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South and Stepping Hill Area Committees’ Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (£1020 from the Stepping Hill Ward allocation):

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove, south side from a point 70m west of the westerly kerb line of Lostock Avenue for a distance of 53m in a westerly direction.

Proposed Implementation of Morpeth Bollards on the Bramhall Moor Lane (south side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A.

To consider referrals from Ward Committees (if any)

There were no referrals to consider.

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

The Area Committee is requested to:-

·         provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at Moorfield Primary School (para 3.0)

·         recommend the reappointment of the Governors detailed in paragraph 4.0 of the report

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 make a nomination of an LA Governor for Moorfield Primary School and to recommend the reappointment of governors for various schools in the area.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to approve the following reappointments of Local Authority Governors to the following schools:-

(2) That the LA Governor vacancy at Moorfield 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: 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 and Highway Maintenance & Traffic Management delegated budget.

It was reported that, since the last meeting, the Hazel Grove Ward Councillors had agreed to have Joint Ward Spokespersons.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Councillors Stuart Corris and William Wragg be confirmed as the Joint Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic matters.

(3) That the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management) be requested to submit a report to the next meeting on the objections received to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order on Hempshaw Lane/ Milford Grove.

(4) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to submit a report to the next meeting on the revised proposals for the Dialstone Lane route treatment.

(5) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to provide the Ward Spokesperson with an update, as a matter of urgency, in relation to:-

·         Additional agreed works to complete the lay-bys on the A6 in Great Moor.

·         Extension of school ‘keep clear’ ‘zig-zag’ markings on the A6 outside Stockport Grammar School.

·         Installation of bollards at the junction of the A6 and Cherry Tree Lane.

(6) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to allocate, in principal, approximately £1362 from the Area Flexibility Budget toward the cost of a traffic scheme on Flowery Field, Woodsmoor.

(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 to prevent unnecessary delay to the applicant)

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a request received from the Hazel Grove Carnival Committee to amend their previous permission to hold the Annual Carnival on 11-12 August 2012 rather than 14-15 July as previous agreed. It had been necessary to postpone the event because of the waterlogging on the park caused by recent heavy rain.

RESOLVED – That the application from Hazel Grove Carnival Committee to hold the Hazel Grove Carnival in Torkington Park on 11-12 August 2012 be approved.