Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 June 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to:-

(5 for, 3 against) the deletion of the name of Councillor Patrick McAuley from Minute 31 ‘Highway and Traffic Ward Spokespersons’ – Manor Ward.

Councillors and Officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the agenda items for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

Personal Interest

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Service Director (Place Management), in consultation with the Chair and Ward Councillors, had agreed an application from Hatton Hilltop Sanctuary to use Heaton Norris Park for an open day on 13 July 2013.

The Chair referred to the success of the Cale Green Park Residents’ Association annual summer event held on 30 June 2013 in Cale Green Park.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           A Member requested clarification of the correct e mail address for members of the public to report issues.

•           Anti-social behaviour issues in Woodbank Park.

RESOLVED – That representatives from Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police who cover the Central Stockport area be invited to attend the Area Committee on a rota basis.

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 put questions to the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

(a) The first question related to the Brinnington Regeneration Plan and the proposed development of the green belt site on the north side of Blackberry Lane adjacent to Reddish Vale Country Park and the river valley.

Members of the Area Committee responded to the questioner and requested the representative of the Democratic Services Manager to formally respond to the questioner in writing.

(b) The second question related to the closure of the Police Station on Lee Street in Stockport Town Centre.

The Chair advised the questioner that some of the Police Officers who formerly worked at Lees Street were now based at Fred Perry House.

(c ) The third question related to noise pollution in the Central Stockport area.

The Chair responded to the question.

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.

(a)       Jacky Budd (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 (copies of which were circulated).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           A Member expressed appreciation for the reduction in the amount of waste presented incorrectly in the Central Stockport area during the reporting period.

•           Officers were congratulated on the success of the Partnership Clean-Up operation of the River Mersey held on 19 June 2013.

•           A Member expressed appreciation for the graffiti removal work on the M60 retaining wall below St Mary’s Church.

•           The response time of Solutions SK to highway safety inspections.

         RESOLVED – (1) That Jacky Budd be thanked for her attendance.

(2) That Members be provided with information on the response time of Solutions SK to highway safety inspections.

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

-       E Petition: Dog fouling In Edgeley and Cheadle Heath

Two petitions were submitted:-

(a)  The first petition submitted was an e petition containing 48 signatures requesting the Council to take action to address dog fouling in Edgeley and Cheadle Heath.

(b)  The second petition submitted was by Cale Green Park Residents Association and The Friends of Cale Green Park containing 645 signatures and expressing their opposition to the proposed budget savings in the parks budget.

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for investigation.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisations had indicated they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

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

(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:-

Installation of 2 No. illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. post mounted illuminated pharmaceutical green cross

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. 52052 for the installation of 2 no. illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. post mounted illuminated pharmaceutical green cross at 144 Dialstone Lane, Offerton,

a local resident spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds of the effect on residential amenity and highway safety.

New build warehouse within car park of existing offices

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 49739 for a new build warehouse within the car park of existing offices at 2 Wellington Grove, Stockport

It was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor

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 on 0161 474 3217 or e mail: 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 consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report details proposals to make changes to the Council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) for the validation of planning applications, and a new supporting document ‘Explanatory Notes for the National and Local Information Requirements for the Validation of Planning Applications’.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the proposals.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton on 0161 474 3657 or e mail: chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make changes to the Council’s Application Validation Checklist for the validation of planning applications, and a new supporting document ‘Explanatory Notes for the National and Local Information Requirements for the Validation of Planning Applications’.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Action Plans for Adswood and Bridgehall;  Brinnington; Cale Green, Davenport and Heaviley; Cheadle Heath, Edgeley and Shaw Heath; Lancashire Hill; Offerton North, The Heatons (Heaton and Norris Towers); and Town Centre, highlighting particular successes and challenges. The report also sets out the proposed Plans for 2013/14.

The Area Committee is requested to note the outcomes of the earlier Neighbourhood Action Plans and comment on the draft plans for 2013-2014.

Officer contacts: Maria Lindars on 0161 474 2965 or e mail: maria.lindars@stockporthomes.org and Rebecca Cullen on 0161 474 2944 or e mail: rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

Representatives of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Action Plans for Adswood and Bridgehall; Brinnington; Cale Green, Davenport and Heaviley; Cheadle Heath, Edgeley and Shaw Heath; Lancashire Hill; Offerton North, The Heatons (Heaton and Norris Towers); and Town Centre, highlighting particular successes and challenges. The report also sought feedback on the proposed Plans for 2013/14.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The number of occasions skips were made available and the assistance offered by Stockport Homes’ caretaking team to tenants wishing to remove bulky items.

·         Work with the Furniture Station in Hazel Grove with regard to unwanted furniture.

·         The need for scrap dealers to be licensed.

·         The lack of take up of home insurance by tenants was concerning.

·         Whether there would be a charge for repairing parts of property that had been vandalised and reported to the Police or where the Police had broken locks because they had a warrant for an arrest.

·         Initial problems with the installation of the bio-mass boilers at some of the flats, in particular at York Street, Edgeley and Hollywood Towers.

·         The amount of money that Stockport Homes was receiving for the installation of solar panels and bio mass boilers and the heating charges to tenants.

·         Concern about the landscaping in the vicinity of the York Street flats in Edgeley.

·         Problems with the rubbish collection at the Northgate Road flats in Cheadle Heath.

·         The length of time a window has been boarded up on Robinson Street, Edgeley.

·         Stockport Homes’ work to assist the development of residents’ groups.

·         Work was still in progress regarding the installation of a concierge service and new CCTV cameras at the blocks of flats at Victoria Park, Barnsley Street, Beaver House and Voewood House in the Manor Ward.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection)

The report provides a further update to the Area Committee about the current savings proposal relating to the Play Development Team and the potential implications for Edgeley Play Centre.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Mike Hughes on 0161 474 or e mail: mike.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee about the current savings proposal relating to the Play Development Team and the potential implications for the Edgeley Play Centre.

The meeting was advised that the consultation responses were overwhelmingly in disagreement with the proposal to disestablish the Play Development Team, and included a petition. In response, a feasibility study had been commissioned to assess whether a social enterprise business model or alternative providers could provide a viable alternative. Accordingly, the Executive would be recommended at its meeting on 16 July 2013 that further work was required in relation to the proposal, including consultation, before a final decision could be taken regarding its implementation.

A representative of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection) advised the meeting that the consultant’s report had just been received and arrangements were being made to share it with members of staff.

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

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

Includes consideration of a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration on the Stockport Portas Pilot and the Teenage Market.

The report updates the Area Committee on the Stockport Portas Pilot and the Teenage Market.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or e mail: nicola.turner@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.

Councillor Harding made a presentation to the Area Committee outlining various sites within the Central Stockport area where action and enforcement was required to improve the environment and the public realm, for example the removal of fly tipping or graffiti, illegal advertising and the condition of flags and pavements.

In addition, a representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on the Stockport Portas Pilot and the Teenage Market. He clarified that there was no fixed period within which the funding was required to be spent, but that there was an expectation from the Department for Communities and Local Government that it would be within two years of the dissolution of the old Town Team in May 2013. The Council was the accountable body, but it was the Town Team who advised it how the funding should be spent.

RESOLVED – (1) That a further report be submitted to the meeting of the Area Committee in six months’ time on progress on improving the issues raised in the presentation by Councillor Philip Harding.

(2) That the report on the Stockport Portas Pilot and Teenage Market Update be noted.

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

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

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

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 Democratic Services Manager reported that a site visit for Members of the Area Committee to view the United Utilities work in Mersey Square had taken place on 4 July 2013.

A photograph showing the work was circulated at the meeting.

RESOLVED –That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report seeks approval for a Traffic Regulation Order for a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the recommendations as set out in the report.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to address problems of vehicles parking in the turning head and on the existing ‘KEEP CLEAR’ road marking on Vernon Avenue, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Vernon Avenue, Stockport at an approximate cost of £450 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central ward allocation):-

Proposed No Waiting At Any Time

Vernon Avenue, Stockport – North West Side (cul de sac end) - from a point 4.5 metres north west of the south easterly kerbline of Vernon Avenue for a distance of 11.5 metres in a north westerly direction, then for a distance of 5.5 metres in a north easterly direction and then for a distance of 6 metres in a south easterly direction.

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

The report considers a proposal to grant a five year lease to Capita in respect of Unit 3, Grand Central.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of 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 five year lease to Capita in respect of Unit 3, Grand Central.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report sets out an application from the Bridgeway Church to manage the Bonfire celebrations and firework display in Heaton Norris Park.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the production of appropriate event plans.

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes on 0161 474 3278 or e mail: josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application from the Bridgeway Church to manage the Bonfire celebrations and firework display in Heaton Norris Park on 5 November 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Bridgeway Church to manage the Bonfire celebrations and firework display in Heaton Norris Park on 5 November 2013 be approved, subject to the production of appropriate event plans.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Maureen Rowles

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

Councillor Rowles reported on problems caused by inadequate fencing around the football pitch at the Highfields Pupil Referral Unit in Brinnington which had led to problems of  vandalism and horses being on the pitch.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate how much the works would cost to provide adequate fencing around the football pitch.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Wild

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

Councillor Wild reported that a number of complaints had been received about persistent ball games being played by young people in Athlone Avenue, Larkhill.

RESOLVED – That a ‘No Ball Games’ sign be installed in Athlone Avenue, Larkhill, in view of the problems experienced by local residents and that the Service Director (Place Management) be authorised to meet the cost of the signage from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Davenport and Cale Green Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at Cale Green Primary School, Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit and Highfields Pupil Referral Unit, in addition to recommending the reappointment of governors to the Governing Bodies at Alexandra Park Primary School, Banks Lane Infant School and Vernon Park Primary School.

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 0161 474  3847 or e mail: libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to make nominations to the vacancies at Cale Green Primary School, Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and Highfields Pupil Referral Unit and to approve a number of re-appointments.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Children and Young People) be recommended to approve the following nomination and reappointments:-

Nomination

Name                                     School                                   Party Affiliation

Cllr Andrew Verdeille          Highfields PRU                    Labour

Reappointments

Name                                                 School                                               Party Affiliation

Councillor Philip Harding              Alexandra Park Primary                  Labour

Mrs A Trafford                                  Alexandra Park Primary                  Labour

Councillor Daniel Hawthorne       Banks Lane Infant                           Liberal Democrat

Councillor Walter Brett                    Vernon Park Primary                       Labour

(2) That the remaining vacancies at Cale Green Primary School and Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit be noted.

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, 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 circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on Area Flexibility funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter or urgency in accordance with Section 100 B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable the Area Committee to give urgent consideration to funding a highway maintenance scheme on Nursery Lane, Cheadle Heath, a stretch of highway which is not adopted by the Council and is a private street).

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to arrange funding of £500.71 to Solutions SK from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward) to repair the potholes in the bitmac on the carriageway and also fill in potholes in the unmade surface of the carriageway with planings.