Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 June 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

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

The Chair announced that a fashion show would be taking place at the Deanwater Hotel on 18 July 2013 organised by the ‘What Lyes Beneath’ shop in Bramhall to raise funds for Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention.

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

Sergeant Craig Blackburn (Greater Manchester Police) and Nigel Hudson (Community Safety Operations Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South area.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Greater Manchester Police had held a community engagement day in Bramhall on Thursday, 13 June to offer crime prevention advice and get feedback on how the community felt their area was being policed.  Residents were also informed about the work being done with Stockport Council to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and advised the public on how they could work more closely with police to improve their neighbourhood.

·         Vehicle crime remained a priority for the police; however it was noted that a significant proportion of such crimes were a result of vehicles being left insecure.

·         Notwithstanding the recent spate of good weather, incidents of anti-social behaviour had reduced from the same period last year.

·         The Stockport ‘Cycloan’ project was an initiative supported by Stockport Council to give young offenders the chance to repair bicycles recovered by the police to help young offenders pay back their debt to society and to encourage new skills and confidence to help prevent reoffending.

·         A member of the public expressed concern in relation to anti-social behaviour which included verbal abuse and criminal damage which had been occurring on Lumb Lane, Bramhall.

·         A discussion took place around inconsiderate parking on pavements and the powers of the police to intervene if the parking was considered to be an unnecessary obstruction.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Blackburn and Nigel Hudson be thanked for their 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 highways and local environmental quality.

Carolyn Turner (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 environmental and highways issues within the area represented by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Blocked gullies on Bramhall Lane South and Bridge Lane, Bramhall had been attended to during a recently introduced night cleansing shift to evaluate whether this had an impact on the number of gullies that could be successfully cleaned.  A number of main routes throughout the Cheadle Hulme South ward were scheduled to be cleaned as part of the regular day shifts.

·         Businesses in the Bramhall area were being visited to remind them of the need to apply for permits to place ‘A-Boards’ on pavements.  It was confirmed that there was no cost to businesses for such a licence.

·         Work had been undertaken by Community Payback to cleanse the steps on Hulme Hall Road, Cheadle Hulme near to the railway bridge.

·         It was commented that there were a number of routes where refuse collectors were leaving wheelie bins in the middle of the pavement which caused an obstruction and that operatives needed to be reminded to return them to the side of the pavement.

·         It was stated that large tyres had been deposited in the Lady Brook running through Happy Valley Local Nature Reserve.  In response it was stated that the maintenance of the brook was the responsibility of the Environment Agency, but that this would be reported to them for removal.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the progress that had been made on a number of road defects previously raised by the Area Committee.

·         A request was made for Moss Lane, Bramhall between its junctions with Acre Lane and Hall Moss Lane to be placed on the Structural Maintenance Plan.

RESOLVED – That Carolyn Turner be thanked for her attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

The report provides an update on the progress of the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans and seeks feedback on the draft 2012/13 action plans.

Neighbourhood Action Plans are used by Stockport Homes to bring together in one holistic plan, a range of housing issues, and wider sustainability issues that impact on the quality of life for residents living in neighbourhoods, such as the quality of the local environment, anti-social Behaviour, community safety, worklessness and help to identify future investment and make managerial decisions.

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

Officer contact: Maria Lindars on 474 2965 or email: maria.lindars@stockporthomes.org

FeriJebelli (Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Stockport Homes) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans and seeking feedback on the draft 2013/14 action plans.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was positive to note that one effect of the recent welfare reform changes had been that a number of tenants had moved into smaller properties which had released a number of three bedroom properties back into the social housing market.

·         In response, it was stated that there remained a risk in relation to the availability of one bedroom accommodation to allow tenants to downsize.  As a result the Council was introducing a policy to ensure that any tenants who were actively seeking to downsize would not be required to pay any resultant rent arrears that accrued as a result of the reduction in housing benefit and their inability to move into a smaller property.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that FeriJebelli be thanked for her attendance.

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.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the presentation.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: 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 interested 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 following additional issues were raised:-

·         Discussions had taken place with Queensgate Primary School in relation the measures that could be put in place to mitigate the impact of the road on the school.

·         There would need to be additional traffic management measures implemented on a number of routes adjoining the new relief road.

·         Consideration had been given to the potential future residential developments in Woodford and Cheshire.

·         The positive public response to the consultation had been encouraging.

RESOLVED – That Jim McMahon be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

To consider an application for £450 for funding towards the cost of providing a ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme.

David Langton attended the meeting attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors on the behalf of Churches Together in Bramhall and Woodford in relation to their application for funding towards the cost of providing a ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £450 (£150 from each ward allocation) to Churches Together in Bramhall and Woodford towards the cost of providing a ‘Holiday at Home’ scheme.

To consider an application for £366 for funding towards the cost of a holding ‘Party in the Park’ event.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of application on behalf of Oak Meadow Focus Group for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of a holding ‘Party in the Park’ event.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £366 (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) to Oak Meadow Focus Group towards the cost of a holding ‘Party in the Park’ event.

To consider an application for £490 for funding towards the cost of the venue hire, food and craft materials for the ‘Hot Shots’ community club.

David Langton attended the meeting attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors on the behalf of Bramhall Baptist Church in relation to their application for funding towards the cost of the venue hire, food and craft materials for the ‘Hot Shots’ community club.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £490 (£290 from the Bramhall North ward allocation and £200 from the Bramhall South ward allocation) to Bramhall Baptist Church towards the cost of the venue hire, food and craft materials for the ‘Hot Shots’ community club.

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

The following development applications 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 of Place Management and 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 Management and Regeneration 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.

Demolition of existing Store, erection of new MOT Testing Bay with reception/ waiting room together with replacement car parking.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Dominic Harvey on 0161 474 3544 or email: dominic.harvey@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 51989 for the demolition of existing store, erection of new MOT testing bay with reception/ waiting room together with replacement car parking at Sphere, Chester Road, Woodford,

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that:-

(i)         The site lay within the green belt as defined by Saved Policy GBA1.1 "Extent of Green Belt" and identified on the Proposals Map of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review. 

(ii)        The extension would not be for one of the purposes stated in Saved Policy GBA1.2 "Control of Development in Green Belt" of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review and failed to preserve the openness of the green belt.

(iii)       The case submitted in an attempt to demonstrate ‘very special circumstances' was insufficient to outweigh harm by reason of inappropriateness and as such the extension was contrary to the provisions of Saved Policy GBA1.2 "Control of Development in Green Belt" of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review and Paragraph 88 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

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 Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration 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 Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details proposals to make changes to the Council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) 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’.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the proposals.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton on 0161 474 3657 or email: chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (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 Area Committee expresses its support for the proposed changes to the Council’s Application Validation Checklist.

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

The report details two objections which had been received following the advertisement of the Order.

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

Officer contact: Zoe Allan on 0161 474 3138 or email: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk / Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4839 or email: 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) detailing two objections which had been received following the advertisement of proposals to introduce No Waiting at Any Time Traffic Regulation Orders in the Hulme Hall Avenue area, Cheadle Hulme.

RESOVLED - That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised.

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

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise with properties on Ladybrook Road adjacent to the rear access for Ravenswood Residential Apartments of Manor Road, Bramhall following concerns that parked vehicles were reducing visibility to the right when trying to exit on to Ladybrook Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions on Ladybrook Road, Bramhall on its south east side, from a point 30 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Manor Road for a distance of 13 metres in a north easterly direction.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809 or email: 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) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise with properties on Ladybrook Road adjacent to the rear access for Ravenswood Residential Apartments of Manor Road, Bramhall following concerns that parked vehicles were reducing visibility to the right when trying to exit on to Ladybrook Road.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following scheme at a cost of £550 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation):-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

Ladybrook Road, Bramhall, south east side, from a point 30 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Manor Road for a distance of 13 metres in a north easterly direction.

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

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise with properties on Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme in relation to proposals for the reduction of the existing parking bay and for the extension of the existing prohibition of waiting to prevent vehicles parking across a driveway access close to the alley way that links Pownall Road with Bancroft Avenue

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the following:-

Revocation of Limited Waiting Mon-Fri 8am-6pm 1 hour No Return 1 Hour except for Residents Permit Holders

Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme, south west side, from the passageway (between No.’s 28 – 30 Pownall Road) for a distance of 5 metres in a north westerly direction.

Introduction of No Waiting at Any Time

Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme, south west side, from the passageway (between No.’s 28 – 30 Pownall Road) for a distance of 5 metres in a north westerly direction.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809 or email: 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) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise with properties on Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme in relation to proposals for the reduction of the existing parking bay and for the extension of the existing prohibition of waiting to prevent vehicles parking across a driveway access close to the alleyway that linked Pownall Road with Bancroft Avenue.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following scheme at a cost of £650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation):-

Revocation of Limited Waiting Mon-Fri 8am-6pm 1 hour No Return 1 Hour

except for Residents Permit Holders

Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme, south west side, from the passageway (between No.’s 28 – 30 Pownall Road) for a distance of 5 metres in a north westerly direction.

Introduction of No Waiting at Any Time

Pownall Road, Cheadle Hulme, south west side, from the passageway (between No.’s 28 – 30 Pownall Road) for a distance of 5 metres in a north westerly direction.

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

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents in relation to a proposal to introduce traffic management measures to help alleviate congestion at the junction of St James Way and Stanley Road and to create an informal passing place for the school bus services.

The Area Committee is requested to:-

(1) Recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) gives approval to the following:-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, both sides from the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for a distance of 15 metres in a northerly direction.

Stanley Road, Cheadle Hulme, north side, from a point 12 metres west of the westerly kerb line of St James Way to a point 8 metres east of the easterly kerb line of St James Way.

(2) Give approval to the following:-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, east side, from a point 43 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for a distance of 17 metres in a northerly then north westerly direction.

Proposed No Waiting Monday – Friday 8am – 9.30am & 3pm – 4.30pm

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, west side, from a point 15 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for the remainder of its adopted length.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809 or email: 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) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents in relation to a proposal to introduce traffic management measures to help alleviate congestion at the junction of St James Way and Stanley Road and to create an informal passing place for the school bus services.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the following scheme at a cost of £950 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation):-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, east side, from a point 43 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for a distance of 17 metres in a northerly then north westerly direction.

Proposed No Waiting Monday – Friday 8am – 9.30am & 3pm – 4.30pm

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, west side, from a point 15 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for the remainder of its adopted length.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to give approval to the following:-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

St James Way, Cheadle Hulme, both sides from the northerly kerb line of Stanley Road for a distance of 15 metres in a northerly direction.

Stanley Road, Cheadle Hulme, north side, from a point 12 metres west of the westerly kerb line of St James Way to a point 8 metres east of the easterly kerb line of St James Way.

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

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at Nevill Road Infant and Queesgate Primary Schools in addition to recommending the reappointment of governors to the Governing Bodies of Hursthead Infant, Hursthead Junior, Moss Hey Primary and Thorn Grove 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) requesting the Area Committee to provide nominations for Authority Governor vacancies at Nevill Road Infant and Queesgate Primary Schools in addition to recommending the reappointment of governors to the Governing Bodies of Hursthead Infant, Hursthead Junior, Moss Hey Primary and Thorn Grove Primary Schools.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) be recommended to approve reappointments to governing bodies as follows:-

(2) That the vacancies at Nevill Road Infant and Queensgate 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 Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@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 on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting 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 further investigate the potential for the proposal to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone within the lay-by from the borough boundary between Stockport and Cheshire East on Wilmslow Road, Woodford to be funded by the Deanwater Hotel.