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 11 July 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Personal Interest

The Chair reported that a planning appeal against the decision made by the Area Committee on 17 January 2013 to refuse a development application for the extension of the garden by means of purchasing a section of the car park at the side and rear of the property at 47 Cambridge Street, Cale Green had been dismissed by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police would only attend meetings of the Area Committee in future if requested to do so for specific issues.

RESOLVED – That Members of the Area Committee be requested to advise the Democratic Services Manager if they wish Greater Manchester Police to attend the Area Committee for specific issues.

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.

(a) Fourteen public questions were submitted on 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 relating to:-

•           Ensuring that there would still be larger species of birds in Reddish Vale Country Park.

•           Whether residents of Blackberry Lane had been individually informed of the proposals.

•           Whether there would be any surveys to examine the impact of the development on the wildlife in the area.

•           Why Stockport no longer had any Green Flag Awards for its parks and open spaces.

•           What expert independent environmental advice would be provided to the Council.

•           A resident’s opposition to the proposed housing development, and closure of the Lapwing Centre and Castle Hill School.

•           Querying an assertion that the site at Blackberry Lane gave no added value to the park.

•           Why the proposals had not been officially publicised and public approval sought.

•           What wildlife surveys had been carried out and the expected effect on the wildlife habitat of the proposals.

•           Why recognised groups working in Reddish Vale had not been consulted or notified of the plan.

•           The views of the Brinnington and Central Ward Councillors on the proposals.

•           How the proposals had been publicised.

•           The premise that additional families would move to the area as a result of the proposed housing development.

•           The involvement of local Councillors in the proposal.

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

An additional two public questions on different topics were submitted in advance of the meeting from questioners who were not present at the meeting and in accordance with the procedure for asking public questions it was stated that written responses would be provided.

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.

Wayne Bardsley (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:-

•           Graffiti remained on the M60 retaining wall below St Mary’s Church and

there had been a number of instances of graffiti reported in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward.

•           Vehicles parking and advertising their services on the bridge on Lingard Lane, between Brinnington and Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That Wayne Bardsley be thanked for his attendance.

A petition containing 91 signatures was submitted in connection with development application DC052702 expressing support for the application for a change of use of  211 Garners Lane, Adswood to a hot food takeaway (Class A5) (see agenda 5(ii) for this meeting).

RESOLVED – That the petition be considered in connection with the Area Committee’s consideration of the development application later in the meeting (Minute 5 (ii) refers).

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.

There were no items to consider.

(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.

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 Services to 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.

New development 10 no. two storey affordable dwellings, consisting of 1 terrace of four 2 bed 4 person houses and 3 pairs of semi detached 2 bed 4 person houses. Each dwelling to have its own parking space, front and rear gardens. Boundary treatment to berlin Road to consist of Secured By Design standard fencing and front boundary railings. The existing St Mark’s Church and Sunday School buildings will be demolished. The site will therefore have a change of use from class D1 Non-residential institution to class C3(a) residential use by a single person or a family.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

In respect of plan no. 52674 for a new development of 10 no. two storey affordable dwellings, consisting of 1 terrace of four 2 bed 4 person houses and 3 pairs of semi detached 2 bed 4 person houses; each dwelling to have its own parking space, front and rear gardens; the boundary treatment to Berlin Road to consist of Secured by Design standard fencing and front boundary railings; the existing St Mark’s Church and Sunday School buildings to  be demolished and the site therefore to be a change of use from class D1 Non-residential institution to class C3(a) residential use by a single person or a family at the St. Mark’s Church site, Berlin Road, Edgeley

a local resident spoke against the application

and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred for additional information and further discussions with local residents.

Change of use from funeral directors to hot food take away (Class A5) and erection of a ramp to front entrance. Installation of external extraction flue to rear. Erection of a single storey rear extension to form new entrance to existing first floor flat. Erection of detached building to rear for storage.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 52702 for a change of use from funeral directors to hot food takeaway (Class A5) and erection of a ramp to front entrance, installation of external extraction flue to rear, erection of a single storey rear extension to form new entrance to existing first floor flat and erection of detached building to rear for storage at 211 Garners Lane, Adswood

a local resident spoke against the application

and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED (9 for, 1 against) – That planning permission be granted, subject to the opening times being amended to 4.00pm – 11.00pm Monday-Saturday and 4.00pm-9.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Installation of 15 no. external air conditioning units

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 52892 for the installation of 15 no. external air conditioning units at Unit 4, Peel Centre, Great Portwood Street, Stockport

It was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Extension of primary school and nursery buildings with extended playground, landscaping, car parking and off-site highway works.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 52938 for the extension of the primary school and nursery buildings with extended playground, landscaping, car parking and off-site highway works at St Paul’s Primary School, Brinnington Road, Brinnington

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to consideration being given to the introduction of a 20mph zone, and the provision of a new digital speed camera or the retention of the existing speed camera in the area.

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.

Councillor Maureen Rowles in the Chair

To consider a report of the Central Neighbourhood Management Board

The report outlines the progress made by the Central Neighbourhood Management Board and also highlights challenges and areas for improvement.

The Area Committee is requested to note the progress made by the Central Neighbourhood Management Board in the last twelve months (April 2012- March 2013) and to support the recommendations contained in the report.

Officer contact: Susan Hall on 0161 218 1483 or e mail:susan.hall@stockport.gov.uk

The Head of Community Safety and Neighbourhood Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the progress made by the Central Neighbourhood Management Board in the last twelve months and highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           A Member expressed concern that approximately 755 children in the Central area were attending schools with an overall effectiveness evaluation of ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requiring Improvement’.

•           Whether there was a planning application for the development of the former Nicholson’s Arms public house on Lancashire Hill.

•           There was a lack of community space in the Lancashire Hill area. The lack of a library meant that some children did not have an environment and facilities where they could do their homework.

•           A local provider would be providing nursery education at the new centre on Stonemill Terrace and at All Saints Nursery School. Families in the area on a low income would be able to have a free nursery place for their two year old at either site for up to 15 hours a week from September 2013. Up to twenty four children would benefit.

•           A Member expressed concern that there were significantly higher levels of unemployment in the Central area than the rest of Stockport and it was unlikely that this gap would narrow in the short term during the current economic climate.

•           The work carried out in the Central area around debt and financial exclusion, such as the ‘tower power’ initiative and promotion of the Credit Union.

•           There had been an increase in anti-social behaviour around the bus station and in the vicinity of McDonald’s in the Town Centre, and an increase in the number of neighbourhood disputes.

•           The food fairs being run by Stockport Homes in association with private providers.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That members of the Central Youth Forum be invited to a future meeting of the Area Committee to outline their work on projects to improve the local community.

Councillor David White in the Chair

A representative of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection) will report at the meeting.

A representative of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection) updated the Area Committee about the current savings proposal relating to the Play Development Team and the potential implications for the Edgeley Play Centre. She advised that members of the staff group were in direct contact with the Cabinet Office regarding the establishment of a Mutual Support Agency. If the submission was accepted by the Cabinet Office, then it would take approximately nine months for the Mutual Support Agency to be established.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The length of time before the feasibility study was made available to Ward Councillors;

•           Whether any other options such as a social enterprise business model were still being considered.

•           A Member felt that that taking the service out of direct local authority control would mean that some families would not be able to access the service and there would be increased levels of deprivation.

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

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

The report advises the Area Committee of a change to the original proposals to modify the layout and resurface the carriageway on Bridge Street and part of Warren Street.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposed works to the Bridge Street/Warren Street area and recommend the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to agree to the programmed works to go ahead as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Graham Price on 0161 474 4893 or e mail: graham.price@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) advising the Area committee of a change to the original proposals to modify the layout and resurface the carriageway on Bridge Street and part of Warren Street.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to agree to the programmed works going ahead as scheduled, subject to Members of the Area Committee being provided with details of the inspection since the previous report was submitted to the Area Committee, the cost of the changes to the original proposals and the Service Director (Place Management) being requested to consider altering the timing of the traffic lights at the junction of Knightsbridge, Corporation Street, Great Portwood Street and Warren Street.

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

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Transportation) to approve the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ and ‘Limited Waiting’ to replace the existing No Waiting Monday-Saturday 7.30am-6.30pm on Hall Street, Offerton.

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 of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with a proposal to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ and ‘Limited Waiting’ on Hall Street, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ and ‘Limited Waiting’ Traffic Regulation Order on Hall Street, Offerton at an approximate cost of £950 to be funded from the Strategic Budget:-

(a)       Revocation of No Waiting Monday-Saturday 7.30am-6.30pm

Hall Street

South West side from a point 10 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of George Street West for a distance of 46.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

(b)       No Waiting At Any Time

Hall Street

South West side from a point 6.5 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of George Street West for a distance of 3.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

(c)        No Waiting Monday – Friday, 7.30-9.30am & 4pm-6pm & Limited Waiting Monday-Saturday 9.30am-4pm, 2 hours maximum stay, no return within 1 hour.

Hall Street

South west side from a point 10 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of George Street West for a distance of 46.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

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

The report outlines the results of an investigation of the need for a warning sign to advise motorists of pedestrians under the bridge that links Normanton Road in Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward, and Norbreck Avenue in Cheadle Hulme North Ward.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the erection of two illuminated warning signs on wide base poles, with electric connections.

Officer contact: Vivian Butterworth on 01            61 474 4848 or e mail: vivian.butterworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the results of an investigation of the need for a warning sign to advise motorists of pedestrians under the bridge that links Normanton Road in the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward and Norbreck Avenue in the Cheadle Hulme North Ward.

Whilst the Ward spokespersons for both Wards had approved the proposal in principle, the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward allocation had been spent for 2013/14. The Ward spokesperson for the Cheadle Hulme North Ward had agreed to fund the scheme with the proviso that the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward repay their half in the next financial year.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the erection of two illuminated warning signs on wide base poles, with electric connections, at a cost of £1,700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation), with the proviso that £850 is repaid from the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward allocation to the Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation in 2014/15.

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

The report considers the need for a ‘No Waiting at any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Wythburn Road at its junction with Windemere Road as a result of ‘overspill’ parking from residents and visitors in the surrounding area.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order as detailed 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) in connection with a proposed ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Wythburn Road at its junction with Windemere Road as a result of ‘overspill’ parking from residents and visitors in the surrounding area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Wythburn Road, Stockport at an approximate cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation):-

No Waiting At Any Time

Wythburn Road

Both Sides from a point 10 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Windermere Road for a distance of 10 metres in an easterly direction.

Windermere Road

West Side from a point 10 metres south of the southerly kerbline of Wythburn Road to a point 10 metres North of the Northerly kerbline of Wythburn Road.

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

The report considers the requirement for a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Hindley Street at its junction with the service road to the businesses at the rear of Swallow Street as a result of ‘overspill’ parking from businesses/offices in the surrounding area.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time Traffic Regulation Order’ as detailed 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) in connection with a proposed ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Hindley Street at its junction with the service road to the businesses at the rear of Swallow Street as a result of ‘overspill’ parking from businesses/offices in the surrounding area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Hindley Street, Stockport at an approximate cost of £600 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation):-

No Waiting At Any Time

Hindley Street

West side - from a point 7.5 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of Swallow Street for a distance of 33.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

East side - from a point 6 metres south east of the projected south easterly kerb line of Swallow Street for a distance of 35.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

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.

Councillor Harding raised concerns about the condition of the land at the rear of Gradwell Street and it was:-

RESOLVED – That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on the management of the site and the maintenance of the trees, and that the relevant Executive Councillor and Officers from NPS Stockport and Solutions SK be requested to attend the meeting.

To consider the following reports of the Service Director (Place Management):-

The report sets out an application from MIND to hold a Family Fun Day on September 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject to the production of appropriate documentation.

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes on 0161 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 MIND, the mental health charity, to hold a Family Fun Day in Woodbank Park on 8 September 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from MIND to hold a Family Fun Day in Woodbank Park on 8 September 2013 be approved, subject to the production of appropriate documentation and the display of motorbikes being static.

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

The report considers a request from the RSPCA to hold a sponsored dog walk in Woodbank and Vernon Parks on a Saturday in October 2013 (date to be confirmed).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the agreement of suitable routes for the walks and the production of appropriate documentation.

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 RSPCA to hold a sponsored dog walk in Woodbank and Vernon Parks on 13 October 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from the RSPCA to hold a sponsored dog walk in Woodbank and Vernon Parks on 13 October 2013 be approved, subject to the agreement of a suitable route(s) for the walk and the production of appropriate documentation.

The report considers an application from Stockport Harriers to hold cross country races in Woodbank Park on 10 November 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve 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 Stockport Harriers to hold cross country races in Woodbank Park on 10 November 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Stockport Harriers to hold cross country races in Woodbank Park on 10 November 2013 be approved, subject to the production of appropriate event plans and the route being agreed with Council Officers and the Friends of Woodbank Park.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to provide a nomination for the political group vacancies at Cale Green Primary School, Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit and Bridge Hall 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 and Bridge Hall Primary School.

RESOLVED –That the vacancies at Cale Green Primary School, Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit and Bridge Hall Primary School 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 report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

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 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.

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.

Councillor Harding reported that the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward Councillors wished to bring the kiosk in Alexandra Park back into use and it was:-

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to invite tenders for the use of the kiosk in Alexandra Park, Edgeley.