Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 February 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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 and Prejudicial Interests

It was noted that the Standards Committee had approved a dispensation to enable those councillors who were members of the Board of the Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation and who would otherwise have a personal and prejudicial interest in the matter being discussed to take part in the debate and vote at the meeting.

Personal Interests

Councillor                            Interest

No announcements were made.

Inspector Ian Ashenden attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues within the Central Stockport area. He also reported on recent crime committed in the Central Stockport area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members commented that across the Borough there had been reports of nuisance caused by off-road bikes. It may be that the same group of individuals were involved and that they had been travelling across the Borough.  They posed a risk to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. In response, Members were advised that there had been an increase in the frequency of this type of nuisance.  Data was currently being analysed in order to ensure that enforcement action was effectively targeted.  Work was also being undertaken to develop a thorough intelligence picture.  In addition, Greater Manchester Police were working with partners to investigate how key areas for this activity could be made less accessible.

·         In response to a question regarding community vehicle speed initiatives, Members were requested to send details of any known hot spots in order that limited Police resources could be targeted in those areas.

·         A group of young people had been causing anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the new sports area at Cheadle Heath Park and it was queried whether a dispersal order could be issued

RESOLVED – That Inspector Ian Ashenden 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.  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 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.   Two public questions were submitted as follows:-

The first public question related to the recent removal of the advance stop lines at the junction of Heaton Lane and the A6 in Stockport town centre and how this fitted in with Council strategies relating to cycling and walking, and health and wellbeing.

The meeting was advised that the advance cycle stop lines (ASLs) at the junction of Heaton Lane and the A6 had been removed during the implementation of the recent Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) scheme 706.  They had been removed due to the need to maximise queuing space between Cotton Tree Street and the A6.  This was required as the Council was going to implement a bus, taxi and cycle gate on Heaton Lane at Astley Street.  The gate would prevent vehicles exiting Cotton Tree Street from turning left towards the M60 on Heaton Lane, but would require them instead to use the A6 junction and the new link road. With the ASLs in place there would be insufficient space between Cotton Tree Street and the A6 to allow right turning vehicles to queue on Heaton Lane whilst waiting for a green signal.

Whilst the Council regretted the loss of the ASL it was felt that the benefit to cyclists of the removal of all through general traffic on Heaton Lane would more than mitigate that loss.  As part of the scheme, the Council has also implemented Toucan crossings over the A6 so that cyclists could cross between Heaton Lane and Mersey Square and a footway / cycleway along the south side of Heaton Lane from the A6 to the Heaton Lane roundabout.

The second public question enquired what plan the Council had for the physical archives at the Central Library in Stockport whilst the building was closed to members of the public.

The meeting was advised that until social distancing measures were removed and services could resume at Central Library, One Stockport Hub would have a temporary heritage area with the ability to order and view the most popular artefacts, books and records online or by appointment.

Handling and examining artefacts in a Covid safe way was difficult to achieve due to a risk of contamination when books, records and artefacts were handled by multiple users and when many of the artefacts were difficult to disinfect. To manage this risk, the Council was following national advice and guidance in relation to offering a Covid-secure heritage service at this time.

Accordingly, bookable sessions and the ability to view six items would be offered at One Stockport Hub when the Council moved to Step 2 of the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery. According to the current roadmap, and subject to confirmation by the Government, this would be from 12 April 2021.

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place and Deputy Chief Executive)

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

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 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/planning. 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Planning application for:

Part A: Outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the creation of a commercial/industrial development providing up to 53,327 sqm of B2/B8 employment floor space (including ancillary office accommodation) along with the provision of other associated infrastructure (including internal plot access, roads, parking, footpaths, internal landscaping and the provision of a car park to serve Stockport Sports Village).

Part B: Full planning permission for the creation of two commercial/industrial units comprising 39,857 sqm (including ancillary office accommodation), strategic landscaping, the widening and realignment of Bredbury Park Way and the relocation of its junction with Ashton Road, along with the provision of other associated infrastructure (including access, parking and internal landscaping).

The Area Committee is requested  to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to conditions; the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement securing the heads of terms detailed above; and the application having first been referred to the Secretary of State to give him the opportunity to call in the application for his own determination should he wish to do so.

Officer contact: Rebecca Andison at rebecca.andison@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC074399 - Land Bounded By Ashton Road, The River Tame, Turner Lane and Bredbury Industrial Estate:-

Part A: Outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the creation of a commercial/industrial development providing up to 53,327 sqm of B2/B8 employment floor space (including ancillary office accommodation) along with the provision of other associated infrastructure (including internal plot access, roads, parking, footpaths, internal landscaping and the provision of a car park to serve Stockport Sports Village).

Part B: Full planning permission for the creation of two commercial/industrial units comprising 39,857 sqm (including ancillary office accommodation), strategic landscaping, the widening and realignment of Bredbury Park Way and the relocation of its junction with Ashton Road, along with the provision of other associated infrastructure (including access, parking and internal landscaping).

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for determination.

Redevelopment comprising demolition of buildings, repurposing of existing buildings, and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 68 no. residential apartments and dwellings (Use Class C3) and 70 no. bed care home (Use Class C2) with 372 sqm flexible commercial space (Use Class E); ancillary hard and soft landscaping, formation of a new vehicular access onto Hollands Mill Road and Royal George Street, vehicular and cycle parking, and associated works and infrastructure.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of an appropriate legal agreement.

Officer Contact: Mark Jordan on 0161 474 3557 or email: mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/078325 for redevelopment comprising the demolition of buildings, repurposing of existing buildings, and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 68 no. residential apartments and dwellings (Use Class C3) and 70 no. bed care home (Use Class C2) with 372 sqm flexible commercial space (Use Class E); ancillary hard and soft landscaping, formation of a new vehicular access onto Hollands Mill Road and Royal George Street, vehicular and cycle parking, and associated works and infrastructure at the former St. Thomas Hospital, Shaw Heath, Cale Green

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of an appropriate legal agreement.

Listed Building Consent – Redevelopment comprising demolition of buildings, repurposing of existing buildings, and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 68 no. residential apartments and dwellings (Use Class C3) and 70 no. bed care home (Use Class C2) with 372 sqm flexible commercial space (Use Class E); ancillary hard and soft landscaping, formation of a new vehicular access into Hollands Mill Road and Royal George Street, vehicular and cycle parking, and associated works and infrastructure.

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

Officer Contact: Mark Jordan on 0161 474 3557 or email: mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/078326 Listed Building Consent – Redevelopment comprising demolition of buildings, repurposing of existing buildings, and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 68 no. residential apartments and dwellings (Use Class C3) and 70 no. bed care home (Use Class C2) with 372 sqm flexible commercial space (Use Class E); ancillary hard and soft landscaping, formation of a new vehicular access into Hollands Mill Road and Royal George Street, vehicular and cycle parking, and associated works and infrastructure at the former St Thomas Hospital, Shaw Heath, Cale Green

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant listed building consent.

Provision of Replacement Roof Covering (Retrospective)

The Area Committee is recommended to refuse planning permission and authorise that enforcement action be undertaken.

Officer Contact: Daniel Hewitt on 0161 218 1989 or email: daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/078606 for the provision of a Replacement Roof Covering (Retrospective) at Chapel Street Motors, Bakewell Street, Edgeley

the applicant spoke in favour of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (9 for, 3 abstentions) That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance)

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 Central Stockport Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement action within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

This report updates the Committee on the development of a Heatons Active Neighbourhood scheme which, subject to approvals and funding, the Council would seek to deliver as part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF).

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and provide any comments.

Officer Contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated the Committee on the development of a Heatons Active Neighbourhood scheme which, subject to approvals and funding, the Council would seek to deliver as part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Vernon Park Primary School and seeks approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders and associated signage; and the implementation of dropped kerbs with associated tactile paving and pencil bollards.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and comment on the proposals and recommend that that the Area Committee approves the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order as set out in appendix A to the report and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Orders be made.

Officer Contact: Caroline Aymler-Shanks on 0161 474 4840 or email: caroline.aymler-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Vernon Park Primary School and sought approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders and associated signage; and the implementation of dropped kerbs with associated tactile paving and pencil bollards.

RESOLVED – (i) That approval be given to the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Vernon Park Primary School, to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation, and the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders set out in Appendix A to the report and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Orders be made.

(ii) That approval be given to the associated signage and the implementation of dropped kerbs with associated tactile paving and pencil bollards.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey

To report on two derelict sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward:-

1) Lesley Wright House, Stockport Road

2) Corner of Kent Rd/Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey

Councillor Bailey reported on various derelict sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward, in particular at Lesley Wright House, Stockport Road, the corner of Kent Road/Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath and at Springmount Mill, and requested that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee with regard to what the Council could do to help facilitate development on the sites, including the possible use of compulsory purchase powers.

RESOLVED – That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer)

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) 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 Ward Flexibility Funding.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members requested that the area from King Street West to Grenville Street in Edgeley be considered as a possibility for a parking zone and that a report be submitted to the Area Committee in due course.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.