Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2012.  

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 25 October 2012 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 items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available at the meeting and at local libraries and Information Centres).

No public questions were submitted.

(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 100 B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable the Committee to receive information relating to a consultation announced after the  publication of the agenda.  It was not considered prudent to delay the dissemination of this information until the next meeting of the Committee as the consultation was scheduled to close prior to this date).

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) advised the Committee that The Department for Communities and Local Government had launched a consultation on its proposals on how to measure planning authorities' performance.  Under proposals in the Growth and Infrastructure Bill applications could be made directly to the Planning Inspectorate where a planning authority had been designated as poorly performing and where an application choose not to submit an application to the Local Planning Authority.

The consultation paper proposed that the performance of planning authorities would be assessed against the speed and quality of their planning decisions, with the speed being measured against the statutory time limits and the quality against the appeal success rate.  The speed assessment would be based on the extent to which major planning applications were determined within 13 weeks.  A planning authority would be designated 'poorly performing' if 30% or fewer applications met this timeline.

To assess the quality of the decisions, the proposed measure was the proportion of all major decisions made that were overturned at appeal, over a two year period.  If more than 20% of decisions were overturned, the planning authority will be designated 'poorly performing'.

The Committee noted that Stockport currently performed in excess of the thresholds proposed in the consultation.  It was further noted that the consultation was due to close on 17 January 2013.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

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

The report informs the Committee of how development appraisals are considered in the assessment of planning applications and the level of information that accompanies reports that are submitted to meetings of the Committee.

The Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542, e-mail: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had ben circulated) to enable the Committee to give consideration to the level of information presented to Members when considering planning applications which are accompanied by Development Appraisals.

The report outlined three proposals relating to the use of information contained within any Development Appraisals; namely (i) to maintain the current position; or (ii) to consider a summary of the findings of the Development Appraisal either as a confidential appendix or as part of the committee report; or (iii) to be provided with complete copies of the Development Appraisal which may be submitted as a confidential appendix subject to the applicant confirming how they wish the information to be presented.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to make arrangements for a summary of the findings of any Development Appraisals associated with any future planning applications to be submitted to the Committee either as a confidential appendix or as part of the committee report as appropriate.

(3) That the Service Directors (Place Management) and (Legal and Democratic Services) be requested to arrange for such training as necessary for members in relation to  viability and the planning process in advance of the adoption of the revised system of considering Development Appraisals.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).                                   

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

(b)              To consider the remaining development applications.

NOTE: Councillors are requested to note that if they withdraw from the meeting during the consideration of a development application upon their return they should not participate any further in the deliberation or vote on that planning application.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542, e-mail: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

Stationing of static caravan for residential use in connection with Brook Vale Farm.

The Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions contained in the report.

In respect of plan no. 48285 for the stationing of a static caravan for residential use in connection with Brook Vale Farm at Brook Vale Farm, Bean Leach Road, Hazel Grove, it was

RESOLVED – That consideration of this application be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee pending further discussions between the applicant and the planning authority, in consultation with the Fire Officer, in relation to the introduction of any necessary appropriate fire safety measures.

Residential development for up to 168 dwellings with open space, access and associated infrastructure (outline).

The Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 50437 for the residential development for up to 168 dwellings with open space, access and associated infrastructure (outline) at land off Europa Way, Bridgehall, Adswood, it was

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Development) be authorised to determine the application subject to applicant entering into Section 106 agreement so as to secure eight units of affordable housing (5% provision) and a contribution of £145,000 for the provision and maintenance of off-site open space.

Demolition of existing college buildings; Residential development comprising 129 dwellings with associated open space including three local areas for play and site entrance from Buckingham Road.

The Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to the conditions contained in the report and subject to a Section 106 Agreement is respect to affordable housing provision, a commuted sum payment towards off site highway works, the provision of off-site open space and replacement sports/pitch facilities.

In respect of plan no. 50793 for the demolition of existing college buildings and a residential development comprising 129 dwellings with associated open space including three local areas for play and site entrance from Buckingham Road, it was

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Development) be authorised to determine the application subject to applicant entering into Section 106 agreement in respect of affordable housing provision; to secure a commuted sum payment towards off site highway works, and the provision of off-site open space and replacement sports/ pitch facilities.

Two storey rear extension, single storey side extension, first floor side extension incorporating roof extension and pitched roof to front porch.

The Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 50925 for a two storey rear extension, single storey side extension, first floor side extension incorporating roof extension and pitched roof to front porch, it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

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

The report details the amended version of the draft Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in light of the 6 week public consultation.

The Committee is asked to note the contents of the report and the proposed amendments to the Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site (SPD).

Officer contact: Richard Wood on 0161 474 4386, email: richard.wood@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the amended version of the draft Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which has been developed following a six week public consultation which ended on 15 October 2012.

It was noted that the SPD was also scheduled to be considered by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee on 10 December and the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on 18 December 2012 prior to approval for the SPD being sought at the meeting of the Executive on 7 January 2013.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·        The proposals contained within the SPD were largely predicated on the A555 link road being completed.

·        Concern was expressed that the use of 22-24 houses per hectare coupled with the 42 hectares of developable land produced a total development far in excess of the 750-850 quoted in the SPD.  In response it was stated that this calculation had not taken account of non-residential uses for parts of the site and that it was not a straightforward mathematical exercise.

·        It was confirmed that the Council had sought and obtained legal advice on the legal robustness of the SPD.

·        It was stated that the previous draft SPD had contained a sustainability appraisal, but the revised SPD did not.  In response it was stated that with regard to the SPD in its current form which set out a range of options it was not considered appropriate to do so.

·        The proposed employment use of the site would be commensurate with that found in a local centre in Stockport.

·        Any transportation assessment would be completed as part of a development application which would need to cover the fully completed development rather than any phased approach to development which may take place on the site.

·        Concern was expressed that the trigger for the development of the primary school on the site at 300 houses was on the high side.

·        A discussion took place in relation to the reliance of the development on just two points of access onto Chester Road which may become congested at peak hours.

·        It was important that the development integrated closely with the existing village rather than being seen as a ‘bolt-on’.

·        It was suggested that in the light of the number of changes that had been made to the original draft SPD that consideration be given to consulting further on the revised proposals.

·        The size of the proposed school was discussed with some members expressing concern that a single form entry school may be insufficient to cope with demand.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services)

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action by Area Committee area.

The Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217, email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local inquiries and informal hearings according to Area Committees. 

The representative of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) provided the following updates and amendments to the report:-

·        In respect of the enforcement at 2 Axminster Walk Bramhall, the compliance date had been set for 2013 and not 2012 as detailed in the report.

·        In respect of the enforcement at 25 Daylesford Road, Cheadle, compliance had been extended until 7 December 2012, and not ‘appeal dismissed' as detailed in the report.

·        In respect of the enforcement at 26 Bankfield Avenue,Heaton Norris the compliance date had been set for 2013 and not 2012 as detailed in the report.

·        In respect of the enforcement on Land adjacent 98 Countess Street the notice had been complied with.

·        The enforcement at 6 Stockport Road, Romiley had been omitted from the report and the compliance date had been set for 23 December 2012.

RESOLVED – That the report and subsequent updates be noted. 

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

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Harding.

Councillor Harding stated that the Committee had in previous years received regular Revenue Financial Monitoring Reports in respect of the Committee’s controllable budget.  The Committee was requested to give consideration to requesting that the submission of these reports to the Committee be recommenced.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to submit regular Revenue Financial Monitoring Reports as appropriate to future meetings of the Committee.

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

The Chair reported that this item was placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

Councillor Harding expressed his concern that Areas Committees had only recently been consultation on the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour for 2012 and it was noted that the date of the Tour had been proposed in Spring 2013 rather than its usual time in the Autumn.  Councillor Harding requested clarification on the status of the Tour and whether it was planned to continue to hold such Tours in the future.

In response, a representative of the Service Director (Place Management) stated that the date of the Review of Outcomes Tour had slipped for 2012/13 but that it was intended to continue to hold the Tour in future years on an annual basis.

RESOLVED – That the position be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

The report outlines the proposed arrangements for the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour and requested that each Area Committee submit their recommendations for a completed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates and provide nominations for delegates to attend the Tour.

The Committee is recommended to agree the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday 15March 2013 and note any suggested sites by the Area Committees.

Officer contact: Kevin Brooks on 474 4905 or email: kevin.brooks@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 100 B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable the Committee to give consideration to the nominations for the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour sufficiently in advance of the proposed date of the Tour to enable the necessary logistical arrangements to be made).

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining proposals to hold the  Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday, 15 March 2013 and detailing those recommendations made by Area Committees for a completed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates .

RESOLVED – That the proposed date of the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday, 15 March 2013 and the list of sites nominated by the Area Committees to be included on the list to be inspected by the Tour delegates be noted.