Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 November 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

Representatives from the Ebony and Ivory Community Organisation (E.A.I.C.O) in Stockport will attend the meeting to make a presentation about their work.

Aba Graham and Nadine Travers from the Ebony and Ivory Community Organisation (E.a.I.C.O) attended the meeting to make a presentation about their work. E.a.i.C.O. was a Stockport based organisation (based at the Disability Stockport offices on High Street) which had been established in 2009 and whose primary aim was to support, develop and promote the well being and self esteem of all young people (5-18 years) and their families who were primarily from African and Caribbean descent and refugees. E.a.I.C.O helped support African and Caribbean people and refugees to integrate within the community. All the people who worked for E.a.I.C.O were volunteers.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members expressed appreciation for the work being undertaken by E.a.I.C.O across the borough.

·         Although E.a.I.C.O had attended schools in various parts of the borough, there was a need to spread awareness to all schools. Councillors could help to do this in their capacity as School Governors.

RESOLVED – (1) That Aba Graham and Nadine Travers be thanked for their attendance.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to advise E.a.I.C.O of the process for applying for Ward Flexibility Funding.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillors Chris Murphy and Andy Sorton.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillors Chris Murphy and Andy Sorton.

Mary Dutton and Julie O’Neill from the Brinnington Pop Up Café advised the Area Committee that the pop up cafe had been established at Brinnington Park Pavilion on a temporary basis, but had proved very successful. Twenty people had been trained to work at the café, including young mothers who took their children to the park, and two people had subsequently acquired full-time jobs.

The Area Committee was advised that planning permission would need to be sought to make the café permanent.

Members expressed appreciation for the work carried out by the volunteers who ran the Brinnington Pop Up Café, the way they had involved other people in the running of the café and the way it had developed as an important community asset.

RESOLVED – That Mary Dutton and Julie O’Neill be thanked for their attendance.

No announcements were made.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm Officer 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.

Rachel Bingham (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 and Public Protection Enforcement Officers in the Central Stockport area (copies of which had been circulated).

 The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There was still evidence of fly tipping in Reddish Vale Country Park.

·         The weed spraying in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward had not yet been completed in the area around Peel Street and Hallam Gardens.

RESOLVED – (1) That Rachel Bingham be thanked for her attendance, and the Public Realm Inspectors and Public Protection Officers be thanked for the work that they carry out in the Central Stockport area.

(2) That Members of the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward be provided with information about the specific locations of where the incidences of fly tipping and waste presented incorrectly had occurred in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward.

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

Proposed skatepark.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 59556 for a proposed skatepark at Alexandra Park, Edgeley Road, Edgeley

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions contained in the report.

Change of use from Dwelling House (C3) to Mixed use Community Facility (D1) with ancillary Office (B1a) use.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 59682 for a change of use from dwelling house (C3) to mixed use community facility (D1) with ancillary office (B1a) use at 31 Edgeley Road, Edgeley

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred, subject to clarification of the vehicular access to the proposed development from Northgate Road via the rear parking area associated with The Grange flats at no. 36 Edgeley Road which is a gated access.

Retention of 4 no. external plant units & the installation of a 2.5m high timber screen (amended description).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Pippa Brown on 0161 474 3531or email: pippa.brown@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 60013 for the retention of 4 no. external plant units and the installation of a 2.5 metres high timber screen (amended description) at Go Outdoors, 207 Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions contained in the report and an additional condition relating to the removal of existing trees, hedges or shrubs.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report summarises recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals and enforcement activity within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

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 Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement activity within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report seeks the Area Committee’s views on polling arrangements within the area for the May 2016 local elections.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed amendment to the Council’s polling arrangements and any comments will be considered and a recommendation submitted to the Council Meeting on 28 January 2016.

Officer Contact: Steve Callender on 0161 474 3184 or email: steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the revision of some of the polling arrangements within the Brinnington and Central ward for the May 2016 local elections.

 The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A Member expressed his opposition to the proposed change of polling place from the Millbrook Centre for Polling District RF in the Brinnington and Central ward to St. Thomas’ Church, Holt Street, and expressed the view that using the community space at Ratcliffe Towers, Ratcliffe Street should be investigated if the Millbrook Centre was unavailable.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to give consideration to the comments of the Area Committee in submitting proposals for the revision of polling arrangements within the area represented by the Area Committee for approval by the Council Meeting.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report sets out a proposal to resurface the unlade footway that joins Barnsley Street to Hall Street, Offerton.

The Area Committee is requested to support the scheme as outlined in the report and authorise the Chief Executive to order the work.

Officer Contact: Chris Pollitt on 0161 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a proposal to resurface the unmade footway that joined Barnsley Street to Hall Street, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed scheme to resurface the unmade footway in bitmac that runs from the end of Barnsley Street through to Hall Street, Offerton, at an approximate cost of £3,100, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report sets out the planning briefs for the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration and Investment Programme area and 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Stockport Town Centre.

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

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner/Graeme Vout on 0161 218 1635/0161 474 4562 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk/graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the planning briefs for the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration and Investment Programme area and 1-3 Lower Hillgate, Stockport Town Centre.

The planning briefs served the following purposes:-

•           An ‘umbrella’ planning brief setting out the overall planning policy coverage and requirements in relation to development proposals which came forward at all sites within the Market Place and Underbanks Regeneration Investment Strategy Programme Boundary Area (the Part 1 brief).

•           Separate site-specific planning briefs where these were required to provide greater detail beyond that in the Part 1 brief or where there was a departure from the normal approach set out in the Part 1 brief. The only Part 2 brief currently included was for 1-3 Lower Hillgate, a property which was a priority due to the state of the site and an opportunity for the delivery of development. Further Part 2 Planning Briefs would be prepared for Dumvilles Brow, 6 Lower Hillgate and the White Lion Hotel.

The planning briefs were intended to not only help in the delivery of the Regeneration and Investment Strategy Programme by stating the planning framework (which was already established by the Core Strategy and other parts of the Local Plan/Local Development Framework) but may also be necessary to enable the initiation of Compulsory Purchase Orders which may be required to being forward sites for redevelopment.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member welcomed the possible use of Compulsory Purchase Orders in order to progress development in the area.

·         Members expressed concern that provisions in the Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16 would alter the Council’s ability to require affordable housing.

·         The problem of providing car parking for the occupiers of the increased amount of accommodation in the town centre was increasing.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Members of the Area Committee be provided with information on the Council’s affordable housing policy with regard to the Government’s proposals on affordable housing which are included in the Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report sets out a proposal for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Stockport Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) schemes in the vicinity of Great Egerton Street, Heaton Lane and Heaton Lane roundabout in the town centre.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposals.

Officer Contact: Sally Laws on 0161 474 4923 or email: sally.laws@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Stockport Town Centre Plan (TCAP) schemes in the vicinity of Great Egerton Street, Heaton Lane and Heaton Lane roundabout in the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the Chief Executive be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.

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

The report sets out a proposal to grant a tenancy to Pure FM to formalise the continued provision of a radio transmitter on the rooftop of Ratcliffe Tower, Stockport.

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

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 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) regarding a proposal to grant a tenancy to Pure FM to formalise the continued provision of a radio transmitter on the rooftop of Ratcliffe Towers, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal.

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

The report sets out a proposal to grant a lease for a term of up to ten years of part of the rooftop of Stopford House to enable the installation of a telecommunications tower.

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

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

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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) regarding a proposal to grant a lease for a term of up to ten years for part of the rooftop of Stopford House to enable the installation of a telecommunications tower.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to provide Members with the financial information regarding the proposal and clarify whether a planning application will need to be submitted.

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

The report sets out a proposal to dispose of an unused area of land adjacent to 4 Bodmin Crescent, Brinnington.

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

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 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) regarding a proposal to dispose of an used area of land adjacent to 4 Bodmin Crescent, Brinnington.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to provide Members with the financial information regarding the proposal.

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 ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the ward delegated budgets.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: David Clee, 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@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 Ward Flexibility funding.  The report also included the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Chief Executive be requested to submit the traffic censuses to the Area Committee which are monitoring heavy goods vehicle usage and where they are travelling to in the following areas:-

·         Range Road and Gilmore Street, Stockport

·         Hempshaw Lane, Banks Lane, Hall Street and Offerton Lane, Offerton.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

Councillor Harding reported that the Council planned to exercise its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014 and impose a Public Space Protection Order on part of Stockport Town Centre which had been affected by certain forms of anti-social behaviour. The consultation process was currently underway and would expire on 8 January 2016.

RESOLVED – That the Community Safety Unit be requested to take no further action after the consultation period expires on 8 January 2016 until after the next meeting of the Area Committee on 11 February 2016 and that Officers and a representative from the Police be requested to attend that meeting to discuss the proposals.