Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 August 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 August 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

The Vice-Chair reported that the ‘Proud of Stockport Awards 2014’ would be held on 4 February 2014 and that the final date for nominations would be 25 October 2013.

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 Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes be requested to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee on 7 November 2013 in connection with the effect on the Central Stockport area of the reduction in the number of police officers in Greater Manchester.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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

Mark Calderbank (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to public realm issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.  A written summary was also provided of the work carried out by the Public Realm Service (copies of which were circulated).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

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

•           Fly tipping on Nursery Lane, Cheadle Heath.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported upon the receipt of an e-petition requesting the erection of barriers to prevent motorbikes entering Davenport Playing Fields from the Bexhill Road and Barnfield Road West, Adswood entrances.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for investigation.

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

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

The report consults the Area Committee on the proposal to seek external funding for the purchase and installation of Stockport’s eight and final wheeled sports facility.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposal that the eighth wheeled sports facility in Stockport should be located in the Central area and agree that Alexandra Park should be the location of this facility should sufficient external funding be found.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of a proposal to seek external funding for the purchase and installation of Stockport’s eighth and final wheeled sports facility.

Sam Peters, the Chair of the Committee supporting the facility, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee supports the proposal that the eighth wheeled sports facility in Stockport should be in the Central Stockport area.

(2).That, should sufficient external funding be found, then the facility be located in Alexandra Park, Edgeley.

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

Councillors Rowles and Sorton outlined the problems experienced on the playing fields at the Highfields Pupil Referral Unit, Brinnington. The school had a football pitch which occupied land between the school grounds and the play area on Brindale Road. Whilst there was secure fencing around the school grounds, the fencing around the football pitch area was insecure. This allowed horses to access the pitch, rendering it unusable for school or community purposes. Although the pitch was included in the school grounds maintenance programme, the grass was rarely cut due to the presence of the horses.

With the consent of the Committee, Janet Mobbs, Assistant Headteacher at the Highfields Pupil Referral Unit, addressed the Committee.

RESOLVED – That a representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration meet with colleagues from the People Directorate and Stockport Homes to see if they would contribute to the cost of fencing around the school’s playing fields, and report back to the Ward Councillors.

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

The report considers the use of commuted sums for play provision in the Central Stockport area and seeks approval for the location of the play areas where these sums are to be spent.

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

Officer Contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or e mail: ian.walmsley@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 for the use of new commuted sums for play provision in the Central Stockport area and locations of the play areas where these sums were to be spent.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the following allocation of commuted sums for the Central Stockport area:-

·         The use of £4,684.68 from development 1098 (DC046262, Acton Court Hotel, Woodsmoor) towards future playground improvements at Great Moor Park.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no.1036 (DC04804, 98 Winifred Road, Davenport) towards future improvements to the Cale Green Park play area and £334.62 from development no. 1059 (DC049850, 126 Bramhall Lane, Davenport) towards future improvements to play equipment at Cale Green Park.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no. 1077 (DC051417, 29 Nursery Lane, Cheadle Heath) towards future play equipment improvements at Cheadle Heath Play Area.

·         The use of £334.62 from development no. 1011 (DC047443, 40a St. Petersgate, Stockport) and £1338.48 from development no. 1054 (DC050317, 79 Wellington Road South, Stockport) towards improvements to the London Square Play Area.

·         The use of £1003.86 from development no 1086 (DC051081, 5 Charles Street, Heaviley) and £3346.20 from development no. 1090 (DC050545, Maitland Street, Stockport) towards new toddler multi-activity equipment at St. Thomas’ Recreation Ground.

·         The reallocation of £2514.13 from the now defunct Wainwright Close Play Area in Heaviley towards the new toddler multi-activity equipment at St. Thomas’ Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no. 1027 (DC046965, 14-16 Violet Street, Cale Green), £669.24 from development no. 1030 (DC04804, 98 Winifred Road, Davenport) and £501.93 from development no. 1076 (Dc049644, The Blue Bell, Shaw Heath) towards surfacing improvements at Shaw Heath Park.

·         The use of £501.93 from development no. 1082 (DC050201, 352a Turncroft Lane, Offerton) towards improvements to Woodbank Play Area.

(2) That the proposed use of commuted sums in the Brinnington Park Play Area be deferred.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

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

(b)  To consider the remaining applications.

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

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

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

Development applications were submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

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 Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit on the grounds of highway safety, car  parking and residential amenity.

Construction of 2 no. semi-detached houses.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 52819 for the construction of 2 no. semi-detached houses on land adjacent to 10 Forbes Close and to the rear of ‘The Victoria’ Public House, Hall Street

a local resident spoke against the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (7 for) That planning permission be refused on the grounds of loss of parking from the ‘The Victoria’ Public House and the impact on highway safety on the road network, and that the necessary open space commuted sum for the Section 106 Agreement remained outstanding.

Retention of single-storey Portakabin for a temporary period of 12 months to be used for purposes ancillary to the existing office building (Renewal of application DC051276)

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 53130 for the retention of single-storey portakabin for a temporary period of 12 months to be used for purposes ancillary to the existing office building (renewal of application DC051276) at National House, 80-82 Wellington Road North, Heaton Norris

a local resident spoke against the application

and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – (5 for) That planning permission be granted for a period of six months.

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, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 on the Feasibility Report which had been commissioned to consider the future options for the Council’s Play Development Team to become a Social Enterprise.  The report had been received in July and employees had had time to consider the report and its implications. They had remained very positive about exploring the options and were now in direct contact with the Cabinet Office. They would also attend a programme of seminars between October and December, after which they could apply for financial support to set up a new organisation.

The Social Value report had been received in August, and had also been distributed to employees for consideration. The purpose of this report was to outline what users and stakeholders thought of the service provided by the Play Development Team, as this would be required to secure funding as a social enterprise, and it would support the work with the Cabinet Office. The report contained case studies of parents who gave positive views of the quality of service and the difference the Play Development Team had made and concluded that the team had a strong case for achieving Social Value which was a key factor in establishing a Social Enterprise

The two reports acknowledged that the Play Development Team, as currently functioning, was only financially stable due to the absorbed overheads which the Council was contributing, and that the fees currently charged were below average for the Stockport area. A project team was being established with membership from the Play Development Team and interested parents, and would prepare a project plan to support the next stages of the application.

RESOLVED – That a further report be submitted to the meeting of the Area Committee to be held on 6 February 2014.

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

The report outlines the findings of a consultation exercise for the amendment of a pay and display parking bay into a business permit holders only parking bay.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to approve the Traffic Regulation Order detailed in the recommendations to the report.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) reporting the findings of a consultation exercise for the amendment of a pay and display parking bay into a business permit holders only parking bay.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order at an approximate cost of £700 to be funded from the Strategic Budget as follows:-

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

The report considers the findings of a consultation exercise for the introduction of a limited waiting bay on Flint Street, Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) approves the Traffic Regulation Order detailed in the recommendations to the report.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) reporting the findings of a consultation exercise for the introduction of a limited waiting bay on Flint Street, Stockport so that people, particularly elderly people, who wished to attend social events at the Social Club were able to park nearby.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order at an estimated cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Strategic Budget:-

Revoke No Waiting Monday – Saturday, 8.00am – 6.30pm

Flint Street - north west side, from a point 4.5 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Shaw Heath for a distance of 40 metres in a north easterly direction.

Introduce limited waiting Monday – Saturday, 8.00am -6.00pm, 3 hours no return within an hour.

Flint Street - north west side, from a point 4.5 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Shaw Heath for a distance of 10 metres in a north easterly direction.

Flint Street - north west side, from a point 22.5 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Shaw Heath for a distance of 22 metres in a north easterly direction.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of a recent consultation exercise with residents and businesses regarding a proposal to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order on Old Road, Heaton Norris following an investigation regarding parked vehicles on the road.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following proposal at an estimated cost of £750 to be funded from the Executive Portfolio Holder’s Budget:-

Introduction of a Loading Only Bay – Monday to Friday 7.00am to 6.00pm

Old Road, Heaton Norris – east side, from a point 21.5 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Short East Street for a distance of 22 metres in a northerly direction.

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

The report seeks approval for a Traffic Regulation Order for a Pay and Display Parking Bay to replace the existing No Waiting At Any Time, No Loading Monday-Friday 7.00am-10.00am, 4.00pm-7.00pm on Exchange Street.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the proposals as set out in paragraph 4 of 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 (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for a Traffic Regulation Order for a Pay and Display Parking Bay to replace the existing No Waiting At Any Time, No Loading Monday-Friday 7.00am-10.00am, 4.00pm – 7.00pm on Exchange Street, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following Traffic Regulation Order for a Pay and Display Parking Bay to replace the existing No Waiting At Any Time, No Loading Monday-Friday 7.00am-10.00am, 4.00pm-7.00pm on Exchange Street, Stockport at an approximate cost of £900 to be funded from the Executive Portfolio Holder’s Budget:-

Proposed Revocation of No Waiting At Any Time, No Loading Monday Friday 7.00am-10.00am, 4.00pm-7.00pm

Exchange Street, Stockport – South East side

From a point 71.5 metres south west of the south westerly kerb line of Wellington Road South for a distance of 31 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Proposed Pay and Display Parking Bay

Exchange Street, Stockport - South East side

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

The report considers an objection to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order, Prohibition of Waiting, Vernon Avenue, Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the Order as advertised.

 Officer Contacts: Zoe Allan/Vivian Butterworth on 0161 474 3138/4848 or e mail: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/vivian.butterworth@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) summarising an objection received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order, Prohibition of Waiting on Vernon Avenue, Stockport.

RESOLVED - That, notwithstanding the objection received, the Order be made as advertised.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on objections which had been received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Wellington Grove, Cale Green.

RESOLVED – That consideration of the report be deferred until the next meeting of the Area Committee.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Area Committee could give prompt consideration to the objection received).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) summarising an objection received to a proposed Prohibition of Waiting Traffic Regulation Order at Christie Street/Hempshaw Lane.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objection received, the Order be made as advertised.

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

The report considers an application from British Telecom to improve communication services for the lessee in respect of Unit 3, Grand Central.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

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 an application to grant a Wayleave Agreement to British Telecom to improve communication services for the lessee in respect of Unit 3, Grand Central, Stockport.

The Area Committee was advised that the works associated with the proposed Wayleave Agreement were minimal and would not cause any disruption to lessees of Grand Central or the general public visiting Grand Central. The Wayleave Agreement would improve essential services required by the lessee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report considers the requested waiver of the user restriction on the former public convenience premises located at the rear of 9 Essex Avenue, Cheadle Heath.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

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 the requested waiving of the user restriction on the former public convenience premises at 9 Essex Avenue, Cheadle Heath.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the only condition in the convenant that the Area Committee would like retaining was that which related to there being no door or window on the side of the building which bordered Gorsey Bank Park.

To consider a report of the Managing Director, NPS Stockport

To consider a proposal to lease the premises at the 1^st Floor Offices, Brown Street, Stockport on flexible terms to allow the Council to regain the premises for redevelopment purposes when required.

Officer Contact: Anna Pacini on 0161 495 609 or e mail: anna.pacinin@nps.co.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 an offer to lease the First Floor Offices on Brown Street, Stockport, as shown on the plan attached to the report, on flexible terms in order to allow the Council to regain the premises for redevelopment purposes when required.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report considers a request from Stockport Harriers to run through Woodbank Park at an event on 8 December 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended is grant planning permission, 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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from Stockport Harriers to run through Woodbank Park during a 10 miles road race on 8 December 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Stockport Harriers to run through Woodbank Park during a 10 miles road race on 8 December 2013 be approved.

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.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred until the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

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

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Education) requesting the Area Committee to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at Cale Green Primary School, Pendlebury Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and Bridge Hall Primary School.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be recommended to approve the following appointment:-

Name                                     School                                   Party Affiliation

Councillor Sue                     Pendlebury PRU                Liberal Democrat

Derbyshire                                                                                         

(2) That the Labour Group vacancies at Cale Green Primary School 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 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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report provides Members of the Area Committee with information regarding the maintenance of Council owned land at the rear of Gradwell Street, Edgeley.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3649 or e mail: murray.carr@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 Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) providing Members of the Area Committee with information regarding the maintenance of Council owned land at the rear of Gradwell Street, Edgeley, as shown single hatched on the plan attached to the report.

An inspection of the site had recently been carried out and as a result a revised maintenance specification had been drawn up which it was felt would better meet the specific requirements of the site. In addition, a Tree Condition Survey had recently been carried out and priority works identified that would be carried out over the next three months.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.