Agenda and minutes

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

Councillors were invited to elect 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. The number of votes for each councillor was as follows:-

Councillor Kevin Hogg – 7

Councillor William Wragg – 2

It was then

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

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

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

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 June 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the deletion of the resolution of Minute 13 ‘The Metropolitan Borough Council of Stockport (Dialstone Lane & other Roads, Offerton) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 2013’ and its replacement with the following:-

“RESOLVED – That, in light objections received and the response of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, the Order be made as advertised subject to the replacement of the appropriate part of the schedule with the following revised restriction:- 

No Waiting at Any Time

Dialstone Lane, West side from a point 55 metres South of the South Easterly kerb line of Cherry Tree Lane to a point 120 metres North of the North Westerly kerb line of Cherry Tree Lane.”

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the following:-

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Chair reminded the Area Committee that the Hazel Grove Carnival would be taking place on Saturday, 13 July 2013 and the Stockport Carnival on Saturday, 20 July 2013.

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

Councillors reported that they had received correspondence from the Chief Superintendent of Stockport Division of Greater Manchester Police informing them that due to changes to the organisation of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) it would no longer be possible for an officer from the NPT to attend every Area Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to remove the ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ standing item from future agendas.

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 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 local environmental quality or highways issues.

The following issues were raised:-

·         The Offerton Precinct site had been secured to prevent public access. Any problems with fly-tipping should be reported to the Public Realm Service.

·         There had been a successful prosecution of a company involved in fly-posting in the area.

·         The Community Payback Team had agreed to undertake regular litter picking etc., around the Newby Road Industrial Estate.

·         Work had been undertaken to improve the condition of Cow Lane, which had resulted in the reappearance of wild flowers. The Community Payback Team would also be working to cut back hedges in the area.

·         Repairs were due imminently to a highway collapse on Chapel Street, Hazel Grove.

·         Concerns were raised about the high hedges on Bramhall Moor Lane near 120 to 120A. In response it was stated that uncertainty over responsibility for the land had now been resolved and it was planned to cut these hedges back, although because of the dangerous location this needed to be planned careful. It was suggested that residents nearest to the work be contacted in advance.

·         There remained concerns about leaks and depressions on Marple Road. United Utilities had undertaken work in the area but councillors stated there were other areas of concern.

·         Concerns were raised about the frequency of visits by Traffic Wardens to the Fulmar Drive Shopping Parade and the potential impact on local businesses. It was stated that there were other more appropriate places to park when using these shops than Fulmar Drive.

·         Concerns were expressed about the quality of the resurfacing that had taken place on Hatherlow Lane which had started to degrade. Concerns were expressed about the condition of work on Penryhn Crescent. In response it was stated that some temporary patching work had been carried out in this area to prevent worsening of the pot holes before a more thorough repair could be made.

·         A further pot hole had developed near the junction of Station Street and Hatherlow Lane.

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

(2) That the Public Realm Inspector be requested to:-

·         investigate continued leakages from under the carriageway on Marple Road and works already carried out by United Utilities and report back to councillors;

·         provide copies of the Council’s policies in respect of  potholes and flyposting to Offerton Ward councillors; and

·         request Solutions SK to investigate the quality of the resurfacing work undertaken on Hatherlow Lane and to report back to Hazel Grove Ward councillors.

(3) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to undertake speed surveys on Woodsmoor Lane approaching the junction with Bramhall Lane South.

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

Members of the public were invited to submit petitions on any matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Mr David Philips submitted two petitions on containing 175 signatures from residents from a number of roads close to the proposed location of Junction 6 of the proposed A6 to Manchester Airport Relied Road/ A555. 95% of the signatories were stating their objection to the proposed junction (referred to as Option 1 in the consultation documentation) and their preference for an underpass at this location (Option 2).

RESOLVED – That the petition in relation to Location 6 of the Proposed A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road be noted and referred to the Project Team for consideration as part of the second phase consultation.

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

Friends of Torkington Park

To consider an application requesting £1000 toward the cost of a new notice board in Torkington Park.

Woodsmoor Lane/ Bramhall Lane South Roundabout

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

(a)       Friends of Torkington Park

Mr Richard King of the Friends of Torkington Park attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for Area Flexibility Funding toward the cost of a new Community Notice Board in the Park.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of up to £1000 to the Friends of Torkington Park toward the cost of a new community notice board.

(b)       Woodsmoor Lane/ Bramhall Lane South Roundabout

Councillor Wendy Orrell reported that she had received a number of complaints about the condition of the roundabout at the junction of Woodsmoor Lane and Bramhall Lane South and suggested that the Area Committee consider using some of its Flexibility Budget to fund the replanting of this area.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Public Realm Service had indicated that the work to prepare the area and replant with hardy shrubs would be £750, with maintainence of the site being covered by the existing service level agreement.

Councillors welcomed the proposal but suggested that it would be more appropriate for the cost for the work to be met from the Highway Maintenance delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be authorised to replant the roundabout at the junction of Woodsmoor Lane and Bramhall Lane South with shrubs, to be funded at a cost of £750 from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes.

Representatives of Stockport Homes will attend the Area Committee to provide an update on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Management Plans for Stockport Homes areas Marple & Hazel Grove, Offerton and Offerton North, highlighting particular successes and challenges. The report and presentation will also set out the proposed Plans for 2013/14.

The Area Committee is invited to note the outcomes of the earlier Neighbourhood Action Plans and comment on the plans for 2013/ 14.

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

Faye Whittaker and Sarah Moore from Stockport Homes attended the meeting to present the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Management Plans for Offerton North, Offerton Estate and Marple & Hazel Grove housing areas.

The following achievements/ issues were highlighted:-

·         installation of new CCTV cameras in the Offerton North area;

·         successful ‘residents suregeries’ held;

·         provision of additional recycling facilities in conjunction with the Bosden Avenue Residents Association;

·         successful ‘You Say, We Pay’ event on the Offerton Estate.

Councillors asked questions and made comments. The following issues were raised:-

·         welcome the work in these areas and the improvements being delivered;

·         the improvements made on the Offerton Estate and the value of the Community Centre/ Hub as a focal point for community activity. There had been a range of new groups established with assistance from the ‘You Say, We Pay’ event and using the Community Hub as a base;

·         the importance of providing activities for older people. The creation of an Older People’s Champion on the Neighbourhood Management Board was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That Faye Whittaker and Sarah Moore be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

To consider a presentation from the Service Director (Major Projects)

The presentation will set out the key elements of the second phase consultation for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme, in particular on the final proposals for the junction treatments. This consultation will inform the final decision on the proposed scheme before it proceeds to formal planning application stage.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

Jim McMahon, Service Director (Major Projects) attended the meeting and provided an update on the outcomes of Phase 1 of the consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme. An update was also provided on the second phase consultation that was currently underway on the emerging preferred scheme.

The presentation covered the following key issues:-

·                There had been over 9000 responses as part of the Phase 1 Consultation, with 70% indicating support for the scheme and 13% not in favour.

·                As part of the local engagement activity, there was a clear difference of opinion between the response from the consultation as a whole and those of residents in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Junction 6 (Macclesfield Road). Additional information had been provided to the residents to explain the emerging preferred option for this junction treatment.

·                Every effort was being made to minimise the visual and noise impact of the road with sound bunds and fencing being proposed as well as landscaping treatments.

·                The proposed scheme would also include a dedicated cycle route along the entire length (including retrofitting the existing A555 road) as well as a range of measures to project access to rights of way that intersected the road route.

·                The second phase of consultation was currently underway and 85,000 letters had been sent to properties along the proposed route. Exhibitions and local liaison groups would also be held.

The Chair made reference to the petitions submitted earlier in the meeting in relation to the proposed Junction 6 Treatment and invited Mr McMahon to respond.

In response it was stated that the petitions were likely to reflect the Project Team’s own analysis of the consultation responses. The matter had been discussed extensively as part of the resident liaison group and the analysis shared with residents indicated that both Option 1 (signalised junction) and Option 2 (underpass) were comparable in terms of visual impact, noise levels and environmental impact/ air quality. Given this, it was felt that on balance the signalised junction was the more cost effective option.

Councillors commented that for the residents closest to the proposed junction the visual, noise and air quality impact would not be comparable to an underpass and that the Executive needed to carefully consider the merits of this option given the strength of local feeling.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·                Whether analysis had been undertaken on levels of noise generated between 12-6am as this was often more disruptive to residents than day time noise levels. In response it was stated that the analysis undertaken was in accordance with national guidelines, but that further investigation could be undertaken to determine what these levels might be. In response to further comments it was stated that should there be a requirement to produce this analysis it would be completed.

·                Whether the road/ junctions would be lit and the impact on nearby properties. In response it was stated that both light and noise mitigation measures were being planned for the route and that modern lighting was more effective at minimising light spillage. It was confirmed that for safety reasons all junctions would be lit.

·                Whether the junctions at the north end of the proposed road would lead to increased levels of congestion at existing junctions on the A6. In response it was stated that traffic modelling indicated that there would be a reduction in waiting at a number of junctions in the area, including the A6/ Macclesfield Road junction.

·                What difference, if any, there was between the route of the road should a signalised junction or an underpass be constructed at the Junction 6 location. In response it was stated that the line of the road would essentially be the same, although the overall amount of area used to construct these two options would differ.

·                What the rational was for the proposed Junction 6 treatment. In response it was stated that providing convenient  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(viii)

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

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 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).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of 42 dwellings.

The Area Committee invited to recommend to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee to defer and delegate the granting of planning permission to the Corporate Director subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement for the provision of recreational open space.

In respect of plan no. 51671 for outline permission for the erection of 42 dwellings at MAN Diesel & Turbo UK Ltd, Mirrlees Drive, Hazel Grove,

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to consideration of the Area Committee’s comments in respect of:-

·         The potential loss of a site allocated for employment, particularly in light of the previous permission for the adjacent site being conditional on the provision of this employment allocation.

·         The density of the proposal and whether this would have been acceptable had the site been included in the permission for the adjacent site.

·         The reduced level of affordable housing and that 40% should be required in accordance with Council Policy.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that any Reserved Matters application for this site be submitted for consideration by the Area Committee.

Erection of wooden fence with concrete posts and plinth no higher than 2 metre on the inside of the existing boundary wall to Nursery Close.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 52405 for the erection of wooden fence with concrete posts and plinth no higher than 2 metres on the inside of the existing boundary wall to Nursery Close at 11 Hillcrest Road, Offerton,

members of the public spoke against the application on behalf of local residents, and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (Six in favour, three against) That planning permission be granted with appropriate conditions.

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 an 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 joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out three objections received to revised proposals for the introduction of Permit Parking on Bosdenfold Road/ Brookfield Terrace, Hazel Grove. The comments of Traffic Services are also included in the report.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the objections received and the comments of Traffic Services, and is recommended to make the Order as advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allan/ Georgina Summers, 0161 474 3138/ 4853, zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk / georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to a revised proposal to introduce Residents Permit Parking on part of Bosdenfold Road, Hazel Grove known as Brookfield Terrace. The report also set out the response of Traffic Services to the issues raised.

RESOLVED – (1) That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the Residents’ Parking Scheme for Brookfield Terrace after 2 years of its operation, including the number of permits provided.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide an update to the Ward Councillors in relation to investigations into the feasibility of utilising Council land in the vicinity of Brookfield Terrace as additional parking.

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

The report sets out a proposal to introduce parking restrictions on Newby Road, Levens Road and Arnside Avenue, Hazel Grove to prevent double parking that creates congestion and hampers the safe passage of around the Industrial Estate. The report details the results of a consultation exercise carried out with properties in the area.

The Area Committee is recommended to approved the Traffic Regulation as set out in the report.

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) setting out proposals to introduce measures to reduce illegal and inappropriate parking on the Newby Road Industrial Estate following concerns raised by local businesses.

RESOLVED – (1) That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved, at a cost of £2000 to be funded from the Capital Programme 2013/14,:-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Newby Road

South side from a point 10 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Lowick Close for a distance of 40 metres in a Westerly direction.

South East side from a point 10 metres North East of the North Easterly kerb line of Lowick Close for a distance of 35 metres in a North Easterly direction.

East side from a point 17 metres North of the Northerly kerb line of the Easterly cul-de-sac part of Newby Road for a distance of 42 metres in a North Westerly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Newby Road

Both sides from a point 15 metres North West of the projected North Westerly kerb line of Arnside Avenue to a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Arnside Avenue.

South West side From a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Levens Road to a point 7 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Levens Road.

South West side from a point 15 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Watchgate to a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Watchgate.

North East side from a point 14 metres South East of the projected South Easterly kerb line of Watchgate in a South Easterly direction; then North Easterly direction to a point level with the projected South Westerly building line of Unit 45.

Westerly part of the circulatory, East side, from the Northerly kerb line of the Southerly part of the circulatory continuing to the Southerly side of the Northern circulatory to a point 8 metres West of the projected boundary line between the Electricity Sub Station and Unit 38.

Southerly part of the circulatory, North side, from the Easterly kerb line of the Westerly part of the circulatory to a point 70 metres East of the projected South Westerly kerb line of Lowick Close.

Northerly part of the circulatory, North side, from a point 3 metres West of the projected boundary line between the Electricity Sub Station and Unit 38 for a distance of 89 metres in an Easterly direction and to tie in with existing.

Arnside Avenue

Both sides from the North Easterly kerb line of Newby Road for a distance of 15 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Levens Road

Both sides from the South Westerly kerb line of Newby Road for a distance of 10 metres in a South Westerly direction.

North West side from the projected South Westerly building line of Unit 4 in a South Westerly then Westerly direction to a point 3 North West of the projected South Easterly building line of Unit 4.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to include additional restrictions on the southerly side of Newby Road in the vicinity of the existing bollards to improve the effectiveness of these measures, and that the detailed siting and extent of these additional measures be delegated to the Service Director in consultation with the Ward Spokesperson.

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

The report details the findings of an investigation into problems with the turning heads on Brookside Avenue and Wood Top Close, Offerton, including feedback from a consultation with local residents.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the report and to consider one of the following options:

a)    No Waiting at Any Time:

Brookside Avenue

From the Southerly limit of its cul-de-sac end on the Easterly side for a distance of 5 metres in a Northerly direction; on the Westerly side for a distance of 8 metres in a Northerly direction; restrictions to tie in together across the Turning Head.

b)   No Waiting at Any Time

Brookside Avenue

From the Southerly limit of its cul-de-sac end on the Easterly side for a distance of 5 metres in a Northerly direction; on the Westerly side for a distance of 8 metres in a Northerly direction; restrictions to tie in together across the Turning Head.

Wood Top Close

From the Easterly limit of the Turning Head adjacent to Brookside Avenue on the North side for a distance of 6 metres in a Westerly direction; on the South Easterly side for a distance of 5 metres in a Westerly direction; restrictions to tie in together across the Turning Head.

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

A representation of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the results of an investigation into problems with parking in the turning heads on Brookside Avenue and Wood Top Close, Offerton.

The report set out a number of options, including No Waiting Restrictions on both Brookside Avenue and Wood Top Close, and to remove existing advisory markings from Wood Top Close and to resurface. Councillors discussed the merits of the various options, and the consensus was reached that additional enforceable restrictions on Wood Top Close would be unnecessary and costly as there was not a significant problem with vehicles being parked at this location.

RESOLVED (Seven in favour, one against, one abstention) – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved, at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Offerton Ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time

Brookside Avenue

From the southerly limit of its cul-de-sac end on the easterly side for a distance of 5 metres in a northerly direction; on the westerly side for a distance of 8 metres in a northerly direction; restrictions to tie together across the turning head.

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

The Area Committee is invited to recommend that the governors listed in the report be re-nominated for their positions at Dial Park (2), Great Moor Infant (2) and Moorfield Primary schools.

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 consider the reappointment of a number of Local Authority Governors following the end of their term of office at schools in the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

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

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 current position on the Area Flexibility and Highway Maintenance & Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide clarification on those elements of Peter Street, Hazel Grove that needed to be adopted.

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

The purpose of this report is to inform the Area Committee of changes to the Council’s existing Planning Application Validation Checklist (AVC) and a new supporting document ‘Explanatory Notes for the National and Local Information Requirements for the Validation of Planning Applications’. 

Due to the length of the AVC and explanatory notes documents, copies have not been appended to the report.  However, copies are available for viewing on the Council website using the link below at www.stockport.gov.uk/planning 

The Area Committee is invited to recommend that the proposed changes be adopted.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton, 0161 474 3657, chris.smyton@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) detailing proposals to make changes to the Council’s Application Validation Checklist for the validation of planning applications, and a new supporting document ‘Explanatory Notes for the National and Local Information Requirements for the Validation of Planning Applications’.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.