Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Chris Murphy be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

Councillor Chris Murphy in the Chair

To appoint a Vice Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor David White be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2011.

                   The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 March 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to the addition of the following final paragraph under Minute 4 (iii) Public Question Time:-

                   The Councillors who abstained were:-

                   Councillors Sue Derbyshire, Daniel Hawthorne, Jenny Humphreys and Chris Walker.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for this meeting.

Personal Interest

To report any urgent action under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

(i)           Chair’s Announcements

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

(ii)          Neighbourhood Policing

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

 (iii)        Public Question Time

            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 at the meeting and at local libraries and Information Centres.)

(iv)         Highways and Environmental Services

Representatives of Highway and Environmental Services will attend the meeting to provide an update on their activities in the area. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

(v)          Petitions

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

Traffic Issues – Elizabeth Avenue and Canley Close, Higher Hillgate

(vi)                  Open Forum

In accoprdance with the Code of Practice, no organisation has indicated that they wish to address the Area committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

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          (vii)                                               Area Flexibility Funding

The Democratic Services Manager to report on the receipt of any applications for Area Flexibility Funding.

(i)         Chair’s Announcements

No announcements were made.

(ii)        Neighbourhood Policing

(a)  Inspector Brian Nicholls (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 Central Stockport Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

•           The problems caused by heavy goods vehicles on Kennerley Road, Davenport and the enforcement of the weight restrictions.

•           The shift patterns of the Police Community Support Officers

•           The theft of drain covers on the Brinnington estate.

•           Petty crime on St. Petersburg Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Brian Nicholls be thanked for his attendance.

(iii)       Public Question Time

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to 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 question was submitted in relation to an increase in anti-social behaviour issues since the closure of Adswood Youth Club.

RESOLVED - That a written response be sent to the questioner.

 (iv)      Highways and Environmental Services

(a)  Mark Calderbank (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Environmental Services issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.  A written summary of the Area Conditions Officers’ activity was also provided (copies of which were circulated).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

•           The re-definition of fly tipping

•           Some blue refuse bags were still being incorrectly presented some months after the new wheelie bins system was introduced.

•           The condition of the site of the former Adswood Working Men’s Club which had become an eyesore, and the site of the Adswood public house.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

(b)  Simon Sherry (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Highway Services issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That Simon Sherry be thanked for his attendance.

(v)  Grosvenor Road, Larkhill Estate – Disrepair of the Road Surface

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

Councillor Hendley reported on the ongoing problems with regard to the road surface on Grosvenor Road, particularly outside the shops.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Environment) be requested to investigate the matter.

(vi)       Petitions

Three petitions were received from residents of Elizabeth Avenue and Canley Close requesting a reduction in the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, additional waiting restrictions and signs erected saying that children were playing in the street; and requesting that the Council investigates the need for a permit parking scheme on the two streets. Another petition was received from the residents of Banks Lane requesting speed reduction measures (20mph speed limit or speed humps).

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Service Director (Environment) for investigation and reports submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

(vii)      Area Flexibility Funding

There were no items to consider.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Brian Hendley.

(v)  Grosvenor Road, Larkhill Estate – Disrepair of the Road Surface

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

Councillor Hendley reported on the ongoing problems with regard to the road surface on Grosvenor Road, particularly outside the shops.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Environment) be requested to investigate the matter.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

RESOLVED – That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on the number of sites in the Central Stockport area where planning approval has been given and no work has started on site.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Property).                                             (Enclosed)

The report summarises recent appeal decisions, lists current planning appeals and dates for local inquiries and informal hearings for planning appeals, and details of enforcement action within the Central Stockport area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3219, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Regeneration) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Property) (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 Service Director (Environment)                                               (Enclosed)

To advise the Area Committee of the Council’s compliance with the advice given in the letter from the Department of Communities and Local Government and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with regard to the legal powers relating to charging householders for waste collection services.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Megan Black on 0161 218 1410, e mail: megan.black@stockport.gov.uk

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

A representative of the Service Director (Environment) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Committee of the Council’s compliance with the advice given by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Department for Communities and Local Government with regard to the legal powers relating to charging householders for waste collection services.

The Committee debated the Council’s policy to charge residents for replacement waste bins.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The bins were the property of the Council and could not be added to household insurance.

•           The bins could be stolen through no fault of the householder.

•           A delivery charge was included even if more than one replacement bin was required.

•           There was a significant administrative cost in replacing each bin.

•           The charge applied to people moving into a new property.

•           Environmental Services had been working with Stockport Homes to ensure that the bins were secure at void properties.

•           There was a discounted rate for householders on a low income and who qualified for Leisure Band A.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council’s comments be noted on the advice given by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Department for Communities and Local Government with regard to the legal powers relating to charging householders for waste collection services, as set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the report.

(2) That Members of the Committee be provided with a costing of replacement bin charges.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Regeneration)                                             (Enclosed)

The report provides a description of the water fountain in St Peters Square and an outline of the measures that have been taken to overcome a recent fault.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report and support the action that has been taken to resolve the fault.

Officer contact: Graeme Vout on 0161 474 4562, e mail: graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

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

A representative of the Service Director (Regeneration) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a description of the operation of the water fountain in St Peters Square and an outline of the measures that had been taken to overcome a recent fault.

The Committee debated the current operational policy to switch the fountain off at the end of November and turn it back on mid March.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the current operational policy and the action being taken to address the current fault be supported.

(3) That the full report from the maintenance contractor be considered by the Area Committee when it is available.

(4) That Members be advised of how much the Council saved by switching the fountain off at the end of November and turning it back on in the middle of March, and the cost of the heaters which were being put into the pump house to combat electrical problems caused by the exceptionally cold conditions last winter.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Environment)                                 (Enclosed)

This report seeks comments regarding the propsed traffic regulation orders on Princes Street, Hatton Street and Woodman Street in the town centre.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the traffic regulation orders identified in the report.

Officer contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077, e mail: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Environment) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Area Committee’s comments regarding proposed traffic regulation orders on Princes Street, Hatton Street and Woodman Street in the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be requested to approve the traffic regulation orders identified in Appendix B and on drawings NM8/4438/2/a, NM8/4438/2/b and NM8/4438/2/c in Appendix A.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor and the Service Director (Environment)                                                                                                                                                               (Enclosed)

The Area Committee to consider the objections to the proposed Order and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the Order to be advertised, subject to the amendments detailed in the report.

Officer contacts: Zoe Allan/Mark James on 0161 474 3138/2077, email: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Environment) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider objections to the above proposed Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED – That, subject to access issues for shop owners being resolved with Stockport Homes, the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to implement the above Traffic Regulation Order as advertised, subject to the following amendments:-

Reduction in the length of Pay and Display

Marriott Street – south side. Remove this from the proposed order and maintain the ‘Limited Waiting 1 hour, Mon-Sat 8.00am – 6.30pm, No Return 1 hour’.

Armoury Street – north east side. Remove this from the proposed order and maintain ‘No Waiting At Any Time’.

St. Thomas’s Place – south side – from a point 22 metres east of the easterly kerb line of Wellington Road South for a distance of 42 metres in an easterly direction.

Reduction in Disabled Persons Parking Places

Thompson Street – north west side. Remove this from the proposed order.

Reduction in Limited Waiting

Bosden Fold – south side – from a point 17 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Higher Hillgate for a distance of 46 metres in a westerly direction.

Mottram Fold – east side – from a point 40 metres south of its northern kerb line for a distance of 21 metres in a southerly direction.

Introduction of Loading/Unloading Only Bays

Bosden Fold – south side – from a point 5 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Higher Hillgate for a distance of 12 metres in a westerly direction.

Mottram Fold – east side – from a point 61 metres south of its northern kerb line for a distance of 4 metres in a southerly direction.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Environment)                                      (Enclosed)

This report considers providing additional permit parking on Gilmore Street in Shaw Heath.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposal contained in the report.

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 0161 495 4861, e mail: max.townsend@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Environment) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with additional permit parking on Gilmore Street, Shaw Heath.

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

Parking for Permit Holders Only Monday to Saturday 8am – 10pm:

Gilmore Street

South East side, from a point 11 metres North East of the extended North Easterly kerb line of Florist Street for a distance of 12 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Councillor David White (Vice Chair) in the Chair

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

Councillor Philip Harding reported on the removal of the planters on Castle Street, Edgeley.

This has resulted from the closure of Woodbank Nursery and the Committee debated the Council’s decision in this regard.

RESOLVED – That the position be noted.

Councillor Chris Murphy in the Chair

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

Councillor Philip Harding reported on the closure of park gates in the borough, particularly with regard to Alexandra Park.

A discussion ensued with regard to whether the policy not to close park gates complied with by-laws and the legality of the Council’s practice of encouraging Friends of Parks Groups to lock and unlock park gates.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee be updated on the issues raised.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Business Services                          (Enclosed)

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposed disposal of 39 Greek Street, Stockport.

Officer contact: Ian Keyte on 0161 495 6093, e mail: ian.keyte@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director, Business Services (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to comment on the proposed disposal of 39 Greek Street, Stockport, which had been declared surplus to requirements.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred, pending further information on where all the current users of 39 Greek Street are re-locating to.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Business Services

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the approach by Equity Housing Association to increase the length of its existing lease from the Council at Cooper Street, Higher Hillgate.

Officer contact: Chris Harney on 0161 495 6091, e mail: chris.harney@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an approach by Equity Housing Association to increase the length of its existing lease from the Council of land at Cooper Street, Higher Hillgate.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred, pending further information on the proposed length of term of the lease and other leases in operation in the area

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Ann Smith.

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

Councillor Ann Smith reported on an area at the junction of Beeston Grove and Roslyn Road, Adswood where young people gathered and played football.

RESOLVED – That a ‘No Ball Games’ sign be erected on the lamp post at the junction of Beeston Grove and Roslyn Road, Adswood.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor David White.

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

Councillor David White reported on complaints from local residents about the condition of trees to the rear of properties in the vicinity of Rostrevor Road ponds.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Communities) be requested to investigate the matter.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Communities, Regeneration & Environment

                                                                                                                               (Enclosed)

This report summarises an application received from the Stockport Carnival Committee requesting permission to hold the Stockport Carnival at Woodbank Park on 23 July 2011.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer contact: Tim Devine on 0161 474 4419,  e mail: tim.devine@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Communities) (copies of which had been circulated) summarising an application received from the Stockport Carnival Committee requesting permission to hold the Stockport Carnival at Woodbank Park on 23 July 2011.

RESOLVED - That the application from the Stockport Carnival Committee  requesting permission to hold the Stockport Carnival at Woodbank Park on 23 July 2011 be approved.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager                              (Enclosed)

This report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on outside Bodies.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED – That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2011/2012:-

 Brinnington Community Association

Councillor Maureen Rowles

Councillor Mike Wilson

Kimberley Street Management Committee

Councillor Brian Hendley

Councillor Chris Murphy

Lapwing Centre Consultative Group

Councillor Chris Murphy

Councillor Maureen Rowles

Councillor Chris Walker

Pavilion Community Association (Cheadle Heath)

Councillor Sheila Bailey

Councillor Richard Coaton

Councillor Philip Harding

Woodbank Community Association

Councillor Sue Derbyshire

Councillor Daniel Hawthorne

Councillor Patrick McAuley

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager                              (Enclosed)

The Area Committee is requested to consider the current arrangements in relation to the appointment and role of Highway Ward Spokespersons and the monitoring of the Highway Maintenance and Local Initiatives Delegated Budget.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and approve the proposals contained in the report.

Officer contact:  Craig Ainsworth on 0161 474 3204, e mail: craig.ainsworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed protocol for the Highway and Traffic Ward Spokesperson.

RESOLVED – (1) That the proposed Highway and Traffic Ward Spokesperson be approved, including the delegation to the relevant Corporate Director authority to spend up to £300 of the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget, in consultation with the relevant Ward Spokesperson.

(2) That the Corporate Director be authorised to review annual the level of delegated budget and amend if required in consultation with the Chair and ward spokespersons.

(3) That the Area Committee agree not to commit expenditure from the following financial year’s Highway Maintenance and Local Initiatives delegated budget for any schemes before January 1 in any given year unless approval has been obtained from the Executive Councillor (Transportation).

(4) That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Brinnington & Central Ward             -            Councillor Chris Murphy

Davenport & Cale Green Ward       -            Councillor David White

Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward     -            Councillor Richard Coaton

Manor Ward                                       -              Councillor Daniel Hawthorne                   

There are currently no vacancies to consider

There were no vacancies to consider.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                                 (Enclosed)                                      

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 and the traffic and highways delegated budgets.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

A representative of the Head of Area 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, the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That an update report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on the Japanese Knotweed policy.

(3) That a Joint Ward Committee be established for the Davenport and Cale Green, and Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Wards.