Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 August 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 August 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 Interests

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, staff changes in the local policing team and the introduction of a new scrutiny panel for local policing action.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         An update was requested on the use of the 101 telephone service for reporting crime. In response it was commented that there had been an average answer time of 6.5 minutes, but members of the public were encouraged to use the Greater Manchester Police website to report crime, wherever possible, in order to improve efficiency.

·         Residents’ concerns were raised with regard to speeding on Bramhall Lane, Davenport. It was commented that police data did not always reflect speeding hotspots as speeding offences were often not reported to them, but that they were looking to arrange enforcement activity within the next few weeks.

·         Members questioned the origin of burglaries in the area, and whether mainly Stockport residents or people from out of the area undertook the criminal activity. It was commented that it was a mix of groups from within the borough and from surrounding areas, but that they tended towards groups of three to four juveniles who would operate within the area.

·         Members queried whether staff changes would lead to a reduction in the social media output of local Police Officers. It was commented that there might be a temporary decrease whilst new officers were trained in the use of social media, but that there should not be an overall decrease in the long term.

·         Officers were thanked for their work on reducing the use of off-road bikes in the area, and requested to look again at hotspot areas such as Davenport Playing Fields.

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.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) reported that two public questions had been submitted, but that one question related to an ongoing complaint which was being dealt with by the Neighbourhoods Team and the other question related to a individual property and would be dealt with by Ward Councillors. Neither question would therefore be considered by the Area Committee.

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

Introduce effective traffic calming measures on Kennerley Road

To report on the receipt of an e petition signed by 62 signatories calling on the Council to enforce/ introduce traffic calming and safety measures on Kennerley Road.

Councillor Dickie Davies reported on the receipt of a petition signed by 62 signatories requesting the Council to enforce/introduce traffic calming and safety measures on Kennerley Road. Councillor Davies also submitted a hard copy petition with 105 signatories and a copy of an incident log.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive be requested to investigate the issues raised in the petition.

A representative of Stockport Credit Union will outline the work of the Credit Union  in general and how it has helped its members through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clare Davis (Stockport Credit Union) attended the meeting to report on the work of the Credit Union in general and how it has helped its members through the Covid-19 pandemic by improving their online communications and by collaborating with local employers.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members were requested to support the Credit Union, particularly in terms of social media outreach and identifying local businesses that could work with the organisation.

·         A Member noted that when she had previously been involved with the Credit Union, the organisation had been looking for shopfront premises and questioned whether this was still the case. In response, it was commented that such premises would be very beneficial to the organisation, such as in providing a location for financial education sessions. A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive agreed to investigate this request.

RESOLVED – That Clare Davis be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider a report and associated presentation of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive.

This report provides all Area Committees with an overview of how Stockport Council are progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit, an online event being held on 9th November 2021, and the CAN Funding, a new funding scheme for microprojects that will directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to

·         comment on the report, including feedback on plans for both the Stockport CAN funding and Climate Summit.

·         submit suggestions for representation and invitation to the climate summit on 9th November.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

Lisa Wright (Stockport Climate Action Now Team) attended the meeting and made a presentation providing an overview of how Stockport Council was progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit (an online event being held on 9 November 2021) and the CAN Funding which was a new funding scheme for microprojects that would directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport..

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•              Members suggested that areas with a high level of social capital may have more applicants for CAN funding, and questioned how unspent funds would be reinvested. It was noted that unspent funds would go towards the ambitions outlined in the CAN plan, and Members were encouraged to make suggestions as to how unspent funds could be used.

•              Concerns were raised that organisations who were not in properly constituted groups may lose out on CAN funding. It was highlighted that CAN Funding differed from Ward Flexibility Funding in that applicants were not required to be part of a constituted group as a prerequisite for applying for funding.

•              The view was expressed that the engagement of people who had not previously been involved with climate change or community groups previously was crucial to the success of the CAN project.

RESOLVED – That Lisa Wright be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

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.

Redevelopment comprising the repurposing of existing buildings and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 253no, residential homes alongside flexible commercial space (Use Class E), drinking establishments (Sui Generis Use), and hot food takeaways (Sui Generis Use); partial demolition, new public realm, vehicular access, car parking and cycle parking, and associated works.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer Contact: Emma Curle, planning.dc@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/079225 for the redevelopment comprising the repurposing of existing buildings and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 253no, residential homes alongside flexible commercial space (Use Class E), drinking establishments (Sui Generis Use), and hot food takeaways (Sui Generis Use); partial demolition, new public realm, vehicular access, car parking and cycle parking, and associated works at Weir Mill, King Street West

a representative of the application spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

(2) That it be noted that the site will be visited by Members of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee Visiting Team.

Redevelopment comprising the repurposing of existing buildings and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 253no, residential homes alongside flexible commercial space (Use Class E), drinking establishments (Sui Generis Use), and hot food takeaways (Sui Generis Use); partial demolition, new public realm, vehicular access, car parking and cycle parking, and associated works.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer contact: Emma Curle, planning.dc@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/079226 for the redevelopment comprising the repurposing of existing buildings and erection of new buildings for a mix of uses comprising 253no, residential homes alongside flexible commercial space (Use Class E), drinking establishments (Sui Generis Use), and hot food takeaways (Sui Generis Use); partial demolition, new public realm, vehicular access, car parking and cycle parking, and associated works at Weir Mill, King Street West

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

(2) That it be noted that the site will be visited by Members of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee Visiting Team.

Reserved matters approval (access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for the erection of a multi storey car park pursuant to hybrid application reference DC/063213.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer Contact: Jeni Regan on 0161 474 3531 or email: jeni.regan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/081772 for reserved matters approval (access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for the erection of a multi storey car park pursuant to hybrid application reference DC/063213 at CP1A, Stockport Exchange Car Park, Railway Road

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Reserved matters approval (access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for the erection of a 6 storey office building (Class E), including retail and commercial uses at ground level 9Class E and Sui Generis Drinking Establishments and Hot Food takeaways), associated landscaping and works, pursuant to hybrid application reference DC/063213.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer Contact: Jeni Regan on 0161 474 3531 or email: jeni.regan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/081773 for reserved matters approval (access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for the erection of a 6 storey office building (Class E), including retail and commercial uses at ground level (Class E and Sui Generis Drinking Establishments and Hot Food takeaways), associated landscaping and works, pursuant to hybrid application reference DC/063213 at land at Stockport Exchange, Railway Road

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

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

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 and Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive)

Following the 6^th May 2021 Local and Combined Authority Mayoral Elections, the Elections Office has undertaken a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards, considering feedback provided following the poll.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on and note the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements detailed in the report, and recommend that the Chief Executive gives approval to them.

Officer Contact: Caroline Bell on 0161 474 3173 or email: caroline.bell@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) detailing a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards that had been undertaken following the local and Combined Authority Mayoral elections held on 6 May 2021.

RESOLVED – That the Chief Executive be recommended to give approval to the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements as detailed in the report.

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

The report sets out the results of a consultation on the Mayoral Challenge fund (MCF) proposals for an improved walking and cycling route between Stockport and Edgeley and links to the new Interchange and seesks a recommendation that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the schemes with the exception of the Thomson Street to Railway road ramp and A6/Railway Road junction, for which approval to submit planning applications is requested.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration approves the:

·         submission of planning applications for the A6/ Railway Road junction and Thomson Street to Railway Road ramp;

·         designs for the crossings and associated pedestrian and cycle links on King Street West, Greek Street/ Royal George Street, Station Road, A6/ Hooper Street, Lord Street and Duke Street;

·         advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders required to implement the above proposals;

·         submission of the business case to seek funding approval for the Stockport to Edgeley and Interchange MCF schemes.

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) setting out the results of a consultation on the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) proposals for an improved cycling route between Stockport and Edgeley and links to the new interchange.

The report recommended that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the:

·         submission of planning applications for the A6/ Railway Road junction and Thomson Street to Railway Road ramp;

·         designs for the crossings and associated pedestrian and cycle links on King Street West, Greek Street/ Royal George Street, Station Road, A6/ Hooper Street, Lord Street and Duke Street;

·         advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders required to implement the above proposals;

·         submission of the business case to seek funding approval for the Stockport to Edgeley and Interchange MCF schemes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Officers were thanked for their work on the report and their responsiveness to suggestions from Members. A site visit was proposed to ensure that Members had a full understanding of the proposed route.

·         Members suggested that a predicted increase in the usage of Stockport train station would lead to a safety risk for cyclists and pedestrians.

·         Members raised concerns about safety in the proposed route between the car parks, and the potential for this area to become dangerous for members of the public and a hotspot for crime.

RESOLVED – (1) That a site visit take place between representatives of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, the Brinnington & Central and Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward Councillors and representatives from Muse Developments.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive to convey the comments and recommendations of the Brinnington & Central and Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward Councillors to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration before he makes a decision.

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

The report provides the results of a recent public consultation regarding the trial proposals for the Cheadle and Cheadle Heath Active Neighbourhood.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on the report and recommend to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration that the currently proposed trial does not go ahead; and that the comments and suggestions from residents will be considered by Officers, with future public engagement at a future date.

Officer Contact: Katy Farrer on 0161 474 4907 or email: katy.farrer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the trial proposals for the Cheadle and Cheadle Heath Active Neighbourhood.

The meeting was advised that the consultation had received 483 responses/ of those who had responded, 121 people (25%) had supported the trial proposals whilst 362 people (75%) objected.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended that the currently proposed trial does not go ahead;

(2) That the comments and suggestions from residents be considered by Officers, with further public engagement at a later date.

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

The report details a proposal to fence the bowling greens in Vernon Park and provides an update on the consultation for this project.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the proposal to fence the bowling greens in Vernon Park.

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

With the agreement of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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

The report provides an update on stalled development sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath area.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Robert Goulsbra on 0161 218 1764 or email: robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on stalled development sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath area.

Members requested an update from Officers with regard to Springmount Mill on what discussions had been held with the site owner and what options had been explored with regard to funding for the site.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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, email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & 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 report also included the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.