Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 5 July 2012.                                                                                

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 5 July 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor reported that she since the last meeting of the Council, she had attended a number of events throughout the borough, including the ‘Stockport 2012 Pass the Baton Finale’ which had been organised by the Stockport Green Space Forum.

It was further reported that the Mayor had attended a production of Bugsy Malone at the Romiley Forum which had been a showcase for young artistic talent in the borough.

The Mayor also attended the birthday celebrations for two centenarians and the 40^th Anniversary of the opening of Offerton Fire Station.

Finally, the Mayor referred to the recent death Mrs Winifred Crook who had served as the Mayor of Stockport between 1987 and 1988.  All those present at the meeting stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Mrs Crook.

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

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the Summons.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Nine public questions were submitted relating to:-

(i)         The results of the survey that had been conducted on the proposed masterplan for the former BAe Woodford site,

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) responded that that public opinion had not been supportive of the proposal for 950 houses at the site, but previous consultation has also shown that most residents are against any development of the Woodford Aerodrome site which was unlikely to be an outcome of any future development of the site.

(ii)        What measures would be taken to mitigate against the impact of traffic generated by any increase in housing provision in the Woodford area.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) responded that any development proposals should identify opportunities to improve public transport provision.

(iii)       Why was the use of the former BAe site for employment stated as being unsuitable by virtue of an increase in car commuting when any housing development would similarly increase such car movements.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) stated that traffic generation figures used to model and identify highways impact from developments, show that employment use generates more traffic movements throughout the day when compared to residential journeys.

(iv)       Whether the Council was following the correct legal process with regard to the Woodford SPD in the light of advice received by Woodford Community Council.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) replied that the Council was currently taking legal advice to be clear that the SPD is in line with current Planning Policy and Case Law.

(v)        Whether the proposal to build 950 homes on the Woodford site conflicted with the adopted Core Strategy for Stockport.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) commented that housing should be focused in regeneration areas and surrounding existing town, local and district centre.  However the Council could not ignore the opportunity to meet housing need represented by the Woodford Aerodrome site and the fact that the Stockport Core Strategy identified that residential development on the Woodford Aerodrome site was appropriate as a way to helping to meet housing needs in the locality and for the borough.

(vi)       The impact that any proposed development would have on the green belt in the Woodford area.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) responded that any development proposals for the site must be in accordance with the existing ‘Major Existing Developed Site’ areas and should not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

(vii)      How the Council could encourage a single development which would triple the size of Woodford.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) responded that any proposals involving redevelopment should not occupy a larger area of the site nor exceed the heights of existing buildings.

(viii)     Two questions were asked with regard to maintenance funding for athletic tracks.

The Executive Councillor (Public Realm) responded that increasing lighting provision as such facilities would be difficult to achieve in the current financial climate.

A further eleven public questions were submitted where the questioner was not present at the meeting.  In accordance with the Code of Practice for asking Public Questions at meetings of the Council, it was stated that a written response would be sent to the questioners.

To receive petitions, and by prior arrangement, receive delegations and presentations from members of the public, community groups or partnership organisations.

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)     Section 41 Spokespersons

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the joint authorities:-

(b)     Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee:-

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

There were no questions to the spokespersons appointed to answer questions on the business of the joint authorities.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority or the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

To receive a report from the Executive Leader and other members of the Executive on the conduct of Executive business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported on recent developments with regard to the financial position of Solutions SK.  It was stated that an investigation was ongoing and that because of the complexity of this investigation, it was likely to be a long and slow process.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Leaders of the Opposition Groups on the Council for their engagement with the process and undertook to ensure that all parties were briefed on further developments.

RESOLVED – That in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 13(n), the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.1(a) that related to responses to questions put to the Executive being provided at the conclusion of the process be suspended to enable responses to be made after each question had been put.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Executive Leader or other members of the Executive, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor (Governance and Corporate Services) and the Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services), (Economic Development and Regeneration), (Health and Wellbeing), (Sustainable Futures) and (Supporting Communities) answered questions relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11

RESOLVED – That in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 13(n), the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.1(a) that limited the number of questions or comments that may be put to an Executive Councillor and the duration of those questions and comments be suspended to enable a debate to take place, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14, in relation to recent developments at Solutions SK.

At 8.41 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

At 8.52 pm the meeting reconvened.

The Council Meeting then proceeded to debate the recent developments at Solutions SK.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 9 July 2012 and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the minutes of the Executive Meeting on 9 July 2012 and the record of Executive Decisions taken since the last meeting of the Council to be duly received.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of Scrutiny business.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Scrutiny Chairs, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

In accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11, Councillor Bailey answered a question as the Chair of the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee in relation to the topic agreed by the Scrutiny Committee for review as part of the Scrutiny Work Programme.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

Adults & Communities – 23 July 2012

Children & Young People – 25 July 2012

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 30 July 2012

Environment & Economy  – 26 July 2012

Health – 24 July 2012

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 31 July 2012

The Mayor declared the minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Adults & Communities – 23 July 2012

Children & Young People – 25 July 2012

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 30 July 2012

Environment & Economy  – 26 July 2012

Health – 24 July 2012

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 31 July 2012

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) was submitted outlining the development of work programmes for scrutiny committees in 2012/13 to ensure that scrutiny works alongside and supports the decision making process and can fully contribute to the policy review and policy development facets of scrutiny.  The report also provided details of a proposed programme of reviews to be carried out by scrutiny committees in 2011/12.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2012/13.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation and Licensing, Environment and Safety Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions from councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the minutes of the following Ordinary, Area and Ward Committees:-

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

Ward Committees

The Mayor declared the minutes of the following ‘Ordinary’, Area and Ward Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Ordinary Committees

Audit – 26 June 2012

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 1 August 2012

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 2 July and 3 July 2012

Planning & Highways Regulation – 2 August 2012

Standards – 10 July 2012

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 19 July 2012

Central Stockport – 19 July 2012

Cheadle – 17 July 2012

Heatons & Reddish – 16 July 2012

Marple – 18 July 2012

Stepping Hill – 17 July 2012

Werneth – 16 July 2012

Ward Committees

Brinnington and Reddish Joint – 26 July 2012

Hazel Grove – 10 July 2012

Plans to disband 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

This council calls on the MOD and Chief of the General Staff to reconsider these plans and instead support the success and leadership shown by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in recruiting, training and retraining loyal soldiers.

This council further calls on the government to act to save the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in recognition of its proud history and the heroism of its servicemen.

Moved by:                  Councillor Sue Derbyshire

Seconded by:            Councillor Martin Candler

Plans to disband 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

RESOLVED - This council calls on the MOD and Chief of the General Staff to reconsider these plans and instead support the success and leadership shown by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in recruiting, training and retraining loyal soldiers.

This council further calls on the government to act to save the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in recognition of its proud history and the heroism of its servicemen.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) was submitted detailing the proposed Business Programme for the municipal years 2013/14 and 2014/15 together with minor changes to the current Business Programme. 

RESOLVED – That the Business Programme for the municipal years 2013/14 and 2014/15 together with minor changes to the current Business Programme including those amendments circulated at the meeting be approved and adopted.

To note the resignation of Mr Anthony Durrant from the Independent Remuneration Panel.

RESOLVED – That the resignation of Mr Anthony Durrant from the Independent Remuneration Panel be noted and that Mr Patrick Dempsey be appointed to fill the vacancy.

The Monitoring Officer to report at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That Mrs Valerie Cottom be appointed as Independent Person to the Standards Committee and that Mrs Julie Carter and Mr Andrew Stewart be appointed as Independent Members on the Standards Committee.