Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 13 March 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

No announcements were made.

Councillor Brian Hendley reported on a recent outbreak of crime in the Wellington Grove, Osborne Road and Crosby Road area in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward, and the enforcement of the weight limit for heavy goods vehicles on Garners Lane, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That Greater Manchester Police be requested to respond in writing to the issues raised.

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.

Members of the public were invited to submit 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.

The Chair reported that one question had been submitted by a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. The Chair confirmed that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, a written response would be provided to the questioner.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at previous committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environment quality.

Mark Calderbank (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 public realm issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee. A written summary was also provided of the work carried out by the Public Realm Service.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The situation with regard to the removal of untaxed motor vehicles from the highway.

·         Graffiti in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

To receive petitions from members of the public and community groups:-

(a)  Request from residents for parking permits on Christies Street.

(b)  Request for the residents parking scheme to remain free of charge on Thomson Street.

(c)  Request from residents of Hilton Street, Edgeley for a residential parking scheme.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported upon the receipt of three petitions as follows:-

·         A request from residents of Hempshaw Lane for parking permits on Christies Street.

·         A request from residents of Hilton Street, Edgeley for a residents’ parking scheme.

·         A request for the residents parking scheme to remain free of charge on Thomson Street.

RESOLVED  - That the petitions for residents’ parking schemes on Christies Street and Hilton Street, Edgeley, and for the residents parking scheme on Thomson Street to remain free of charge be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for consideration and investigation.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that 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 for Place Management and Regeneration

The report seeks Members comments on proposals to modify the location of an existing Consent Street on Warren Street, Stockport Town Centre.

Officer Contact: Graeme Vout on 0161 474 4562 or email: graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Area Committee’s comments on proposals to modify the location of an existing Consent Street on Warren Street, Stockport Town Centre as part of the work to modify the alignment of the existing carriageway on Bridge Street and part of Warren Street in association with works on the partial replacement of Lancashire Bridge.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to modify the location of an existing Consent Street on Warren Street, Stockport Town Centre be supported.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration will report on a pilot project aimed at reducing the peak time load on the local electricity distribution network in Heaton Norris.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration attended the meeting to report on a pilot project aimed at reducing electricity wastage, with particular interest in the peak time load, on the local electricity distribution network in Heaton Norris and other parts of the Heatons area.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a further report be submitted to the Area Committee on the outcome of the pilot project.

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

The report informs members of a proposal to introduce a number of waiting and loading restrictions on Churchgate, Stockport and adjacent roads, in order to support the recently introduced footway alterations in the vicinity of St Mary’s Church, as shown on the plan attached to the report as Appendix A. It is also proposed to introduce a 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access), covering the Historic Markets area, in order to reduce the number of larger vehicles passing through the market area and to assist pedestrian movements in this busy location, as shown on the plan attached to the report as Appendix B.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) approves the proposed waiting and loading restrictions and the introduction of the 7.5 tonnes weight restriction (except for access) as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Neville Kay on 0161 474 4836 or email: neville.kay@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) advising Members of a proposal to introduce a number of waiting and loading restrictions on Churchgate, Stockport, and adjacent roads, in order to support the recently introduced footway alterations in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Church, as shown on the plan attached to the report as Appendix A. It was also proposed to introduce a 7.5 Tonnes weight restriction (except for access), covering the Historic Markets area, in order to reduce the number of larger vehicles passing through the market area and to assist pedestrian movements in this busy location, as shown on the plan attached to the report.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the waiting and loading restrictions as detailed in Appendix C to the schedule to the report.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the introduction of a 7.5 Tonnes Weight Restriction (Except for Access) Order on the following streets:-

Apsley Street, Stockport - for its entire length; Harvey Street, Stockport – for its entire length; Churchgate, Stockport – from the northerly kerb line of its junction with Wellington Street to its junction with Millgate (a distance of approximately 330 metres); Millgate, Stockport – from its junction with Churchgate to the westerly kerb line of its junction with Corporation Street (a distance of approximately 47 metres); Shawcross Fold, Stockport – for its entire length; Park Street, Stockport – for its entire length; Turner Street, Stockport – for its entire length; Vernon Street, Stockport – from its junction with Turner Street to its junction with Market Place; Market Place, Stockport – for its entire length; St Petersgate, Stockport – from its junction with Market Place to its junctions with High Bank Side and High Street.

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

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) approves the installation of nine bollards at the junction of Heath Crescent and Bramhall Lane, Cale Green.

Officer Contact: Vivian Butterworth on 0161 474 4848 or email: vivian.butterworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a proposal to erect bollards on both footways at the junction of Heath Crescent and Bramhall Lane, Cale Green, in order to prevent vehicles from parking half on/off the footways adjacent to the local shops, post office and cash machine. This had been causing an obstruction to vehicles using the junction and pedestrians using the footways and had also resulted in a deterioration of the footway.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the installation of nine bollards at the junction of Heath Crescent and Bramhall Lane, Cale Green, at an approximate cost of £2,250, to be funded half from the Strategic Budget and half from the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Davenport and Cale Green Ward allocation).

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

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order on Love Lane, Wilkinson Road, and the Norris Towers Service Area, Heaton Norris with regard to No Waiting At Any Time and Limited Waiting, Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 6.00pm, 2s, No Return within 2 Hours.

Officer contact: Jon Gudgeon on 0161 474 4867 or email: jon.gudgeon@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with the outcome of an investigation into alleged parking problems on Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order at an approximate cost of £1,100 to be funded from the portfolio budget:-

Proposed ‘No Waiting at Any Time’

Love Lane, Heaton Norris - south side, from a point 5 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Wilkinson Road to a point 5 metres east of the easterly kerb line of Wilkinson Road.

Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris - west side, from the southerly kerb line of Love Lane for a distance of 5 metres in a southerly direction.

Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris - west side, from a point 56 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Love Lane for a distance of 7 metres in a southerly direction.

Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris - east side, from the southerly kerb line of Love Lane for a distance of 29 metres in a southerly direction.

Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris - east side, from a point 43 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Love Lane for a distance of 22 metres in a southerly direction.

Norris Towers Service Area - north side, from the easterly kerb line of Wilkinson Road for a distance of 7 metres in an easterly direction.

Norris Towers Service Area - south side, from the easterly kerb line of Wilkinson Road for a distance of 21 metres in an easterly then southerly direction.

Proposed Limited Waiting, Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm, 2 Hours, No Return Within 2 Hours

Wilkinson Road, Heaton Norris - west side, from a point 5 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Love Lane for a distance of 51.5 metres in a southerly direction.

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

The report details proposals for the use of commuted sums for play provision in the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the allocation of commuted sums detailed in paragraph 3 of the report.

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or email: ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the use of commuted sums for play provision in the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following allocations of commuted sums for the Central Stockport area:-

(i)            the use of £2863.40 from development no. 1132 (26-27 Market Place, Stockport)  towards new playground equipment, improved safer surfacing and improved pedestrian access at Covent Garden Play Area.

(ii)          the use of £752.90 from development no. 1101 (DC051684, 12A Churchgate, Stockport) towards new playground equipment, improved safer surfacing and improved pedestrian access at Covent Garden Play Area.

(iii)          the use of £501.93 from development no. 1126 (DC052731, 2 Oakfield Road, Davenport) towards future playground improvement works at Cale Green Park.

(iv)         the use of £334.62  from development no. 1115 (DC052654, 79 Banks Lane, Offerton) towards new toddler multi-play equipment at St. Thomas’ Recreation Ground.

(v)           the use of £1338.48 from development no. 1109 (DC051977, land adjacent to 15 Stream Terrace, Offerton) towards the future provision of new toddler multi-play equipment at Woodbank Park.

(vi)         the use of £167.31 from development no. 979 (DC043863, 6 Adswood Road, Cheadle Heath) towards new rotating equipment at Adswood Park.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The report considers a proposal to grant a licence to allow the Stockport Building Preservation Trust to use two ground floor rooms within Woodbank Hall, Woodbank Park.

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

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3649 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with a proposal to grant a licence to allow the Stockport Building Preservation Trust to use two ground floor rooms within Woodbank Hall, Woodbank Park.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal to grant a Licence to the Stockport Building Preservation Trust for the use of two rooms within Woodbank Hall, Woodbank Park.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The report considers a proposal to dispose of Heath House which is a dwelling formerly occupied by a Council employee associated with the management of Cale Green Park.

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

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3649 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with a proposal to dispose of Heath House which was a dwelling formerly occupied by a Council employee associated with the management of Cale Green Park.

The land had been gifted to the Council as a Charitable Trust and the objects of the Trust were that the land should be laid out and used as a public park or garden. Consent would be needed from the Charity Commission to dispose of the property and, if approved, it would probably ring fence any receipt requiring that it be spent on the remainder of the land within the park.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal to dispose of Heath House, Cale Green, subject to the receipt from the sale of the property being spent on the remainder of the land within the park.

To consider a report of the Head of Legal & 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: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, 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 Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

(a)  To consider the development applications where members of the public have attended the meeting in order to speak or hear the Area Committee’s deliberations.

(b)  To consider the remaining applications.

(c)  To consider consultations (if any) received by the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration on any planning issues relevant to the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

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 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/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.

Change of use from retail (A1) to hot food takeaway (A5) with extraction flue and alteration to ground floor door access to rear elevation.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 53912 for a change of use from retail (A1) to hot food takeaway (A5) with extraction flue and alteration to ground floor door access to rear elevation at 13 Castle Street, Edgeley

a member of the public spoke against the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (Eight for, None against) That planning permission be refused as the proposal fails to comply with the main principle tests set out in Saved Policy PSD2.2.

Retrospective application for the erection of 3 no. PVC banners

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 54704 for a retrospective application for the erection of 3 no. PVC banners at 7/9 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, it was:-

RESOLVED – (Ten for) That planning permission be granted.

There are no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

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: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or e mail: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been provided) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding.

A Member expressed concern regarding Gradwell Street, Edgeley being used as a ‘rat run’ and felt that the problems would be exacerbated when roadworks were undertaken later in the year.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to examine the situation on Gradwell Street, Edgeley, including the possibility of introducing a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to make Gradwell Street one way, with entry only from Wood Street, for the duration of the roadworks.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to provide Members with an update on progress on the scheme to improve and increase vehicle capacity and pedestrian facilities, and reduce congestion at the junction of King Street West, Wood Street and Daw Bank.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The report considers a proposal to grant a licence of 125 years in respect of land at Bird Hall Road, as shown on the plan attached to the report.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report and provide any comments on the proposal.

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3649 or e mail: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with a proposal to grant a licence of 125 years in respect of land at Bird Hall Road.

A Member expressed concern about motorists accessing and egressing the strip of land from Bird Hall Road in order to park their vehicles.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to examine the proposal further and in particular motorists accessing and egressing the strip of land from Bird Hall Road in order to park their vehicles.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 because of the undue delay if consideration was delayed until the next meeting of the Area Committee).

The Chair referred to an election leaflet which had been distributed in the Central Stockport area.

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED

This Area Committee wishes to censure the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group for her party distributing a “Leaflet” which does not make it clear it is from the Liberal Democrats but makes untrue allegations against a Councillor in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward. The headline of the leaflet is “Stockport News”. The leaflet is produced by Mr D Langley, his title is “Political Officer” for Chris Davies (controversial unpopular Lib Dem MEP) and printed at doomed Lib Dem MP John Leech’s Office.

No Labour Councillor has ever voted against, written or spoken against a Library in any part of Davenport and Cale Green Ward.

Unlike the Liberal Democrat former Councillor dumped in 2012 who voted to close all kinds of facilities in Adswood and Bridge Hall. In 1998 she voted to close Adswood Library and also decimated the Youth Service and closed every crossing patrol in Adswood and Bridge Hall.

The leaflet is a low form of political campaigning and should be deplored by any decent Councillor or Leader of a political Group.

For the motion 7, against 3

MOTION CARRIED

A recorded vote was requested in relation to the voting on this motion and the voting was recorded as follows:-

The councillors who voted for the resolution were Councillors Sheila Bailey, Richard Coaton, Philip Harding, Brian Hendley, Maureen Rowles, David White and Wendy Wild.

The councillors who voted against the resolution were Councillors Sue Derbyshire, Daniel Hawthorne and Patrick McAuley.

It was then

RESOLVED –This Area Committee wishes to censure the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group for her party distributing a “Leaflet” which does not make it clear it is from the Liberal Democrats but makes untrue allegations against a Councillor in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward. The headline of the leaflet is “Stockport News”. The leaflet is produced by Mr D Langley, his title is “Political Officer” for Chris Davies (controversial unpopular Lib Dem MEP) and printed at doomed Lib Dem MP John Leech’s Office.

No Labour Councillor has ever voted against, written or spoken against a Library in any part of Davenport and Cale Green Ward.

Unlike the Liberal Democrat former Councillor dumped in 2012 who voted to close all kinds of facilities in Adswood and Bridge Hall. In 1998 she voted to close Adswood Library and also decimated the Youth Service and closed every crossing patrol in Adswood and Bridge Hall.

The leaflet is a low form of political campaigning and should be deplored by any decent Councillor or Leader of a political Group.

NOTE: Minute 18 above appears in these Minutes for the sole purpose of recording the business of the Committee. The Monitoring Officer has, however, ruled that the subject matter does not fall within the functions of the Committee, and so is outside the Committee’s powers. The Minute is therefore of no effect.

The Chair advised the meeting that this would be the last meeting of the Area Committee that he would be attending prior to retiring from the Council at the forthcoming local elections after serving on it for eighteen years.

RESOLVED – That Councillor White be thanked for his services to the Council and offered the Area Committee’s best wishes for the future.