Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 December 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

The Chair referred to Government budget cuts in Further Education and how they had impacted on Stockport College and it was:-

RESOLVED– That a representative from Stockport College be invited to attend a future meeting of the Area Committee.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no request had been received for a representative of Greater Manchester Police to attend the meeting for a specific issue.

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) Six public questions were submitted on the Brinnington Regeneration Plan and the proposed development of the green belt site relating to:-

·         The Landscape Character Assessment for Blackberry Slopes.

·         The demonstration that the loss of the site would not be detrimental to the wellbeing of the local community or the amenities of the area.

·         The loss of public open space.

·         The report on the Brinnington Regeneration Plan submitted to the Executive Meeting in 2009.

·         Reports to the Executive Meeting in March 2011 on the Brinnington Regeneration Plan Final Report and this Area Committee in October 2011 on the Allocations Development Plan.

·         Consideration by Council Committees of the loss of part of Reddish Vale Country Park.

(b)  An additional four questions were submitted in relation to item 19 on the agenda for this meeting regarding Land at Berlin Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That the representative of the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond in writing to those questions which were not responded to at the meeting.

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

A petition has been received from residents of Stephen Street requesting that the Council investigate the need for permit parking.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of a petition from residents of Stephen Street, Stockport requesting that the Council investigate the need for residents’ permit parking on the street.

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 organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

Representatives of Stockport Garrick Theatre will attend the Area Committee to update Members about their work.

Peter Aspinall and John Burke from Stockport Garrick Theatre attended the meeting to advise Members of the Area Committee about the work carried out by the Theatre and its plans for the future.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The lack of disabled access at the Theatre was highlighted. The Theatre had tried to obtain lottery funding for this in the past, but had been unsuccessful. The cost of refurbishing the Theatre had also proved prohibitive in the past. A bid had been submitted to the Community First Panel to request financial assistance with improving the exterior of the building and the Theatre had been advised of various other possible funding streams, including from the National Lottery.

·         Members praised the enthusiasm of the representatives from the Theatre and the work carried out with young people.

·         The profile of the Garrick Theatre needed to be raised and it was important to maintain the Theatre’s historic links with Stockport.

RESOLVED – (1) That a report be submitted to the Area Committee in six months’ time with regard to progress on the Garrick Theatre’s bid for funding from the National Lottery.

(2)  That representatives of the Garrick Theatre be invited to a future meeting of the Area Committee in twelve months’ time to update Members with progress on its requests for financial assistance.

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

The report considers the acquisition of a privately owned site for residential development.

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

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 proposed acquisition of a privately owned site for residential development on land at Berlin Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supports the principle of acquiring the site for residential development, but requests that the possibility of reducing the number of units to be built be investigated.

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member requested that figures for dog fouling in the Wards be included in the list of comparative data sent to Members.

·         A Member requested that a graph of the trends for the comparative data be provided.

·         Members praised the work carried out by Officers from the Public Realm team in the Central Stockport area.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

(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 application 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).

Proposed installation of a new external central boiler plant room to West side elevation including new flue pipes and alterations to site entrance and car park at Hollow End Towers, Northumberland Road and new underground pipe runs to Romney, Lenham, Dunton and The Sisters tower blocks.

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

In respect of plan no. 53985 for the proposed installation of a new external boiler plant room to the west side elevation including new flue pipes and alterations to the site entrance and car park at Hollow End Towers, Northumberland Road and new underground pipe runs to Romney, Lenham, Dunton and The Sisters tower blocks,

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 the conditions contained in the report.

Change of use from distribution centre to car repairs and MOT centre.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contacts: Mark Jordan/Jim Seymour on 0161 474 3557/3656 or e mail: mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk/jim.seymour@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 54109 for a change of use from a distribution centre to car repairs and a MOT centre at Unit 18, Springmount Mill, Brinksway, Edgeley,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration will update the Area Committee on progress at the meeting.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration reported that Officers had met with representatives of the developers of the Mac Court development, St Thomas Place at which the discharge of the planning and building control conditions, the quality of the workmanship and the untidy condition of the site were discussed. It was reported that the difficulties experienced with the development had not been resolved, but progress had been made.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor

The report sets out recent planning appeal decisions and enforcement actions in the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Area Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer Contact: Joy Morton on 02161 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 joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report details proposed amendments to the delegation arrangements for the consideration of Street Trading Consents.

That Area Committees and the Constitution Working Party be consulted on amending the Scheme of Delegation to reflect the current practice detailed in Section 3 of the report. Such that the determination of Street Trading Consents be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, save in those instances where there have been two or more applicants for a single pitch; where there have been objections or an appeal against the decision of the Corporate Director.

Officer contact: Ian O’Donnell / Damian Eaton on 474 4175 / 3207 or email: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk / damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

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) detailing proposed amendments to the Constitution to change the delegation arrangements for the consideration of Street Trading Consents.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members expressed concern that the delegation arrangements for the consideration of Street Trading Consents had not been correctly followed by Officers.

·         A Member felt that there should be an appeals process against the decision of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee be requested to consider whether there should be an appeals process against the decisions of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration or the Area Committees.

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

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes

To consider a report in connection with the performance of the bio-mass boilers at Heaton & Norris Towers, Heaton Norris.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Jon Blackwell on 0161 218 1313 or e mail: jon.blackwell@stockporthomes.org

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

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with the performance of the bio-mass boilers at Heaton and Norris Towers, Heaton Norris.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Representatives 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 latest situation with regard to the plans for the Play Development Team, in particular to support continuity of childcare, and facilitate the transition from a Council run service to an established social enterprise.

RESOLVED – That a written report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on 13 March 2014.

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

The report outlines the involvement that the Council had had with the building at 1-3 Lower Hillgate which collapsed on 21 November 2013. The report outlines actions taken in the aftermath of the collapse in order to make the area safe, along with future options for the site.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contacts: Ian O’Donnell on 0161 e mail: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the involvement that the Council had had with the building at 1-3 Lower Hillgate which collapsed on 21 November 2013. The report outlined actions taken in the aftermath of the collapse in order to make the area safe, along with future options for the site.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and a further update report be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

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

To consider the results of a service review within Solutions SK with regard to the locking and unlocking of the gates with regard to the Gating Order for Kingsland Road, Cheadle Heath.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Andy Dunn on 0161 474 4216 or e mail: andy.dunn@stockport.gov.uk

With the agreement of the Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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

The report considers a proposal to accept a surrender and the granting of a new long ground lease in respect of land at the junction of Chestergate and Chester Street, Stockport, as shown on the plan attached to the report.

The Area Committee is recommended 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 accept a surrender and the granting of a new long ground lease in respect of the land at the junction of Chestergate and Chester Street, Stockport, as indicated on the plan attached to the report.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that this Area Committee supports the negotiation of the surrender and renewal of the lease in respect of the land at Chestergate/Chester Street, Stockport, as shown single hatched on the plan attached to the report.

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

The results consider the results of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the junction of Elmfield Road and Garners Lane, Davenport.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Elmfield Road, Davenport.

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of the results of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the junction of Elmfield Road and Garners Lane, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the introduction of the following Traffic Regulation Order for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Elmfield Road, Davenport at an approximate cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Davenport and Cale Green Ward allocation):-

No Waiting At Any Time

Elmfield Road - both sides from a point 20 metres south east of the Southerly kerbline of Garners Lane for a distance of 5 metres in a north westerly direction

No Waiting At Any Time

Garners Lane - south side from a point 10 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Elmfield Road to a point 10 metres east of the easterly kerbline of Elmfield Road.

Elmfield Road - both sides from a point 15 metres south east of the southerly kerbline of Garners Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a north westerly direction.

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

The report considers the results of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the entrance to Clifford Court on Corbar Road.  

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Corbar Road, Great Moor.

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with the results of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the entrance to Clifford Court on Corbar Road, Great Moor.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the introduction of the following Traffic Regulation Order for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Corbar Road, Great Moor at an approximate cost of £450 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation):-

No Waiting At Any Time

Corbar Road, Great Moor

South east side – from a point 15 metres south west of the south westerly kerb line of the entrance to Clifford Court to a point 10 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of the entrance to Clifford Court.

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

The report considers the findings of a consultation exercise for the re-location of a pair of speed cushions on Essex Road, Brinnington as a result of the new housing development.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the relocation of the speed cushions as 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) in connection with the findings of a consultation exercise for the re-location of a pair of speed cushions on Essex Road, Brinnington as a result of the new housing development.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following Traffic Regulation Order on Essex Road, Brinnington at an approximate cost of £3,275 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation):-

Revoke one pair of speed cushions on Essex Road, Brinnington - approximately 14 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Huntingdon Crescent.

Provide one pair of speed cushions of Essex Road, Brinnington – 75mm high x 1.9m wide x 2.55m long, approximately 32 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Huntingdon Crescent.

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

The report seeks approval for the revocation of a Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons’ parking bay fronting property number 12 Bombay Road, Edgeley.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the revocation of the Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons’ parking bay fronting 12 Bombay Road, Edgeley, 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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the revocation of a Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons’ parking bay fronting property number 12 Bombay Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the revocation of the following Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons’ parking bay fronting number 12 Bombay Road, Edgeley at an approximate cost of £700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward allocation):-

Disabled Persons’ Parking Bay (Blue Badge Holders Only)

Bombay Road, Edgeley – north side from a point 52 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Edgeley Fold for a distance of 6.6 metres in a westerly direction.

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

To consider the proposal disposal of an area of Council owned land on land adjacent to Rostrevor Road, Davenport.

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

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 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 proposed disposal of an area of Council owned land adjacent to Rostrevor Road, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to give consideration as to whether it would be more appropriate to lease an area of land of this size.

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

The report sets out an application from the RSPCA to hold a sponsored dog walk in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park.

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) to hold a sponsored dog walk in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park on 8 June 2014.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the application from the RSPCA to hold a charity dog walking event in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park on 8 June 2014.

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

The report sets out an application to hold a children’s funfair between 23-25 August 2014 in Woodbank 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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application to hold a children’s funfair in Woodbank Park between 23-25 August 2014.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from Michael Mulhearn to hold a children’s funfair in Woodbank Park between 23-25 August 2014.

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

To consider an application from Greater Manchester Athletics Association to hold the North West Counties Road Rely Championships in Vernon Park and Woodbank Park between 11.00am and 4.00pm on 13 September 2014.

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

Officer Contact: Josephine Holmes on 0161 218 1177 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 Greater Manchester Athletics Association to hold the North West Counties Road Relay Championships in Vernon Park and Woodbank Park between 11.00am and 4.00pm on 13 September 2014. The North West Counties Relay Championships were open to members of clubs only.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from Greater Manchester Athletics Association to hold a relay race on 13 September 2014 in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park, from 11.00am – 4.00pm.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to provide a nomination for the Labour Group vacancy at Highfields Inclusion Partnership (Pupil Referral Unit).

Officer Contact: Pam Dunham on 07800 617940 or e mail: pam.dunham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider the Authority vacancy at Highfields Inclusion Partnership (Pupil Referral Unit).

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to approve the nomination of Councillor David White to the Labour Group vacancy at Highfields Inclusion Partnership (Pupil Referral Unit).

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) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding.

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 hold the Stockport Sport Relief  Mile in Woodbank Park on 23 March 2014.

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

(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 because of the proximity of the event).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from Stockport Harriers to hold Stockport’s Sport Relief mile run in Woodbank Park on 23 March 2014.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from Stockport Harriers to hold Stockport’s Sport Relief mile run in Woodbank Park on 23 March 2014, subject to the public address system not being used before 9.00am and appropriate signage being erected in the park prior to the event.