Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 October 2011 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair reported that a ‘Light Up Bramhall’ event would be being held on Thursday, 1 December 2011 at 6.30 pm.  It was further reported that the Christmas lights in Cheadle Hulme would be being switch on at 4.30 pm on Saturday, 26 November 2011 in the Cheadle Hulme precinct.

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

Representatives of Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Operaion Treacle had been running during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with these events.  Subsequent analysis had suggested that there had been a 60% reduction in the number of calls to the police.

·         There had been a spate of thefts of wing mirrors from Mercedes vehicles in the area and residents were urged to be vigilant.

·         The Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South area had seen reductions in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.  Attention was now being directed towards tackling burglaries and public awareness around unattended vehicles on cold mornings.

·         Work continued to be undertaken around schools to reduce problems associated with inconsiderate parking.

·         It was important to advise local businesses of the need to ensure the safety of their staff during the festive period, particularly with respect to the movement of cash after close of business.

RESOLVED - That the representatives of Greater Manchester Police be thanked for their attendance.

BAe Systems, Woodford

Paul Lawrence (Service Director (Place Management)) will attend the Area Committee to update the Committee and members of the public on progress made to the date with the development of the BAe Systems Woodford site.

BAe Systems, Woodford

Paul Lawrence (Service Director (Place Management) Stockport Council) attended the meeting to provide an update on progress made to date with the development of the BAe Systems Woodford site.  It was reported that the decommissioning of the site was now complete and had been declared as being no longer operational.  The Council had been working closely with BAe Systems to develop a long term planning approach to the development of the site.

The Area Committee was advised that the Council understood that BAe Systems had been approached by the Bamford family who had expressed an interest in the acquisition of the site.  It was commented that the Council and the prospective owners would seek to respect the wishes of local residents in any future development.

The Council was working with Cheshire East Council to develop a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for this area which would set out the principles of development, including type, scale, design and the broad areas of development which it was hoped would be in place by February 2012.

RESOLVED – That Paul Lawrence 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 on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

Members of the public were 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.

One public question was submitted in relation to the development of sites in the area for potential use as gypsy and travellers sites.

The question was answered at the meeting.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

Andrew Wolfenden (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highways issues within the area represented by Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was reported that the annual inspection of highways in the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South area was now underway and any actionable defects found would be repaired.

·         The pavements on Linden Road and Princess Avenue were scheduled for repair during the first week in December.

·         Concern was expressed that successful claims were being made for injuries sustained as a result of carriageway or pavement defects which were then not repaired which had the potential to open the Council up to future such claims.

·         Weight restriction signage on Bramhall Park Road, Bramhall was in need of replacement or cleansing.

RESOLVED – That Andrew Wolfenden be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

There were no applications to consider.

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

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 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).

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

Material change of use from a shop with ancillary sales of tea, coffee & sandwiches for consumption on the premises to a mixed use as a shop and a cafe/bistro serving hot meals for consumption on the premises and the installation of an additional cooling unit to the rear elevation.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 47883 for the material change of use from a shop with ancillary sales of tea, coffee and sandwiches for consumption on the premises to a mixed use as a shop and a cafe/bistro serving hot meals for consumption on the premises and the installation of an additional cooling unit to the rear elevation at 1 The Bramhall Cente, Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Application for Variation of Condition 2 of Decision for DC020374, to extend opening hours from 08:00 to 22:00, Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 48231 for the variation of condition 2 of the decision for DC020374, to extend opening hours from 08:00 to 22:00, Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays at Waitrose Ltd, Station Road, Cheadle Hulme,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – (Five for, three against) That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the activity associated with the proposed extended hours of opening would adversely impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents by reason of noise and general disturbance caused by customers and vehicles attracted to and from the Supermarket contrary to Policy SIE-1 and SIE-3 of the adopted Stockport Core Strategy DPD.

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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) (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 joint report of the Service Directors (Place Management) and (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report details a proposal for the diversion of that section of footpath 19 Hazel Grove & Bramhall from Woodford Road (Point A)(as shown by a bold solid black line marked A-B-C on the plan at Appendix 1) to a line from a point 10.2 metres east of Point A (Point E) on Woodford Road following the northern and northwestern field perimeter fence as shown by a bold dashed black line marked E-F-G-C on the plan attached at Appendix 1.

The Area Committee is recommended to resolve to make an order under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 diverting that part of footpath 19 Hazel Grove & Bramhall shown by solid black line between Points A-B-C to a line shown by broken black line marked E-F-G-C on the plan at Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Ernest Nama on 474 4595 or email: ernest.nama@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Service Directors (Place Management) and (Legal and Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the diversion of that section of Footpath 19 Hazel Grove and Bramhall from Woodford Road (Point A) (as shown by a bold solid black line marked A-B-C on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report) to a line from a point 10.2 metres east of Point A (Point E) on Woodford Road following the northern and northwestern field perimeter fence as shown by a bold dashed black line marked E-F-G-C on the plan attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

RESOLVED – That an order be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act

1980 diverting that part of Footpath 19 Hazel Grove and Bramhall shown by the solid black line between Points A-B-C to a line shown by the broken black line marked E-F-G-C on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report.

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

The report details the review currently being undertaken on the way the Council runs its car parks and as a part of this has developed a draft strategy for parking.  This draft strategy is in the process of being consulted on and as part of this it is being brought to the Area Committee for comment as requested by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee. 

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the draft strategy.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on Tel: 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@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 comment on the draft strategy for parking.  The draft strategy was in the process of being consulted on and as part of this It has been submitted for the consideration by and comments of the Area Committee as part of the wider public consultation.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Parking in the vicinity of schools was a persistent source of complaint in the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South area.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the constraints of national planning policy which had introduced a maximum, rather than a minimum, parking standard for new developments which it was considered had exacerbated parking problems in the area.

·         Commercial operations were taking advantage of the perception in the Borough of inadequate enforcement of parking restrictions to leave vehicles on double yellow lines, with the sole purpose of displaying advertising on them, often for several days at a time.

·         It was commented that the document was aspirational in tone and the Area Committee would be keen to see an Action Plan formulated to implement the aims included within it.

·         It was noted that the report stated that free parking in the town centre during the Christmas period had been provided in previous years, and clarification was requested on whether this would continue to be provided.

·         Residents within the town centre were currently provided with a permit to park free of charge as a temporary solution, and further information was requested on what the proposed long-term process would be and when this would be introduced.

·         The report stated that a number of car parks did not make a profit and the number and location of these were asked for.

·         The Stockport Metroshuttle was lauded in the report for its number of patrons, however when broken down into hourly loadings the service did not seem as well utilised as it could potentially be.

·         The proposal to make the Merseyway Car Park pay on exit was supported.

·         Members commented that they would support the retention of the Bramley Close Car Park as a free car park.

·         There may potentially be problems with parking capacity in the town centre caused through the removal of public parking from within the Stopford House multi-storey car park and the implications of this proposal would need to be fully explored.

·         Further information was requested in relation to the proposals for a multi-storey car park to be built on the Grand Central site adjacent to Stockport Railway Station.

·         There was a need to attract people into Stockport town centre, and parking charges needed to be set at a level that encouraged visitors, and the transfer of parking facilities to pay on exit would further facilitate this.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments made be considered as part of the consultation on the draft Stockport Parking Strategy 2011.

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

The report outlines the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents with regards to the junction of Jenny Lane and Woodford Road, Woodford and details proposals for the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time and No Stopping Except for Buses Traffic Regulation Orders on Jenny Lane and Woodford Road, Woodford.

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration to the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time and No Stopping Except for Buses Traffic Regulation Orders on Jenny Lane and Woodford Road, Woodford in the light of the responses received to the consultation.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 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) outlining the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents with regard to the junction of Jenny Lane and Woodford Road, Woodford and detailing proposals for the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time and No Stopping Except for Buses Traffic Regulation Orders.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the following:-

No Waiting at Any Time

Woodford Road, Woodford – south west side from a point 10 metres north west of the northerly kerb line of Jenny Lane to a point 10 metres south east of the southerly kerb line of Jenny Lane.

Jenny Lane, Woodford – both sides, from the south westerly kerb line of Woodford Road for a distance of 15 metres in a westerly direction.

Proposed No Stopping Except for Buses

Established under Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (None TRO Based)

Woodford Road, Woodford – south west side from a point 10 metres north west of the northerly kerb line of Jenny Lane for a distance of 23 metres in a north westerly direction.

(2) That approval be given to the following at a cost of £1500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Bramhall South ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time

Jenny Lane, Woodford – north side, from a point 15 metres west of the south westerly kerb line of Woodford Road for a distance of approximately 36 metres in a westerly direction.

Jenny Lane, Woodford – south side from a point 15 metres west of the south westerly kerb line of Woodford Road for a distance of approximately 17 metres in a westerly direction.

Proposed No Stopping Except for Buses

Established under Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (None TRO Based)

Jenny Lane, Woodford – south side, from a point approximately 32 metres west of the south westerly kerb line of Woodford Road for a distance of 23 metres in a westerly direction.

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that since the publication of the agenda, governing body vacancies had arisen at Bradshaw Hall Primary School and Hursthead Infant and Hursthead Junior Schools as follows:-

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be recommended to make the following appointments:-

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: Damian Eaton, 0161 474 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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on Area Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.