Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 26 September 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests was declared:-

Personal Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

The Chair will present certificates to local people who have been nominated by members of the public for their hard work and contributions to the community.

The Chair announced that the Council had recently launched a rolling programme of ‘Community Hero’ civic awards to celebrate the achievements of those residents who ‘went the extra mile’ but often went unrecognised.

It was reported that there were ten recipients of a ‘Community Hero’ award within the first tranche of awards from the Stepping Hill Area Committee area who would be recognised at the meeting:-

·         Sharon Fraser had been nominated by Tracey Johnson as a community hero in the ‘Young people making a difference in their community’ category.

·         Stockport Sharks Swimming Club had been nominated Doreen Flanagan as community heroes in the ‘Borough Hero’ category.

·         Norman Begley had been nominated by Eileen Archer as a community hero in the ‘Borough Hero’ category.

·         Offerton Community Kitchen had been nominated by Daniel Oliver as a community hero in the ‘Volunteering to promote independence in a community’ category.

·         Ann Ryan had been nominated by Daniel Oliver as a community hero in the ‘Resilient Communities’ category.

·         The Furniture Station had been nominated by Lilly Malik as a community hero in the ‘Volunteering to promote independence in a community’ category.

·         Roseanna Emerson had been nominated by Ann Emerson as a community hero in the ‘Sport and exercise contributing to health and wellbeing in a community’.

·         Bosden Farm Community Group had been nominated by Councillor Wendy Meikle in the categories of ‘Community Creatives’ and ‘Volunteering to Promote Independence in the Community’

·         George Powell had been nominated Julie Powell in the ‘Young people making a difference in their community’

·         The late Ken Blakeman, who had died while volunteering with Kinder Mountain Rescue, had been nominated by Ian Henderson in the categories of ‘Borough Heroes’ and the ‘Sport and exercise contributing to health and wellbeing in a community’. Sandra Blakeman, Ken’s wife, received his posthumous award.

The Chair presented an award in the form of a framed certificate signed by the Mayor to each winner along with along with a pass to attend Stockport’s museums and cultural attractions and an invitation to attend the opening of Redrock in Stockport as a token of appreciation.

To receive any announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair reminded the meeting of Armistace Day and Rememberance Services taking place in Stockport and Hazel Grove on Saturday, 11 November and Sunday 12 November 2017.

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.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Area Committee on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted.

The questioner asked whether the proposal to spend £4000 to upgrade Havergate Walk that connected roads where two of the members of the Area Committee lived, was a worthwhile investment given that and that the improvement in travel time for the average walker would be less than two minutes, and that resources should be spent on more pressing matters such as traffic and speeding problems on The Fairway, Shearwater Road and Knypersley Avenue and others.

In response, Councillor Booth stated that she was unhappy with the insinuation in the question that the proposal for Havergate Walk was for the benefit of councillors, particular since she had limited mobility and would derive no benefit from it. Councillor Booth stressed that the demand for the Havergate Walk scheme had come from residents themselves and local councillors had acted upon this.

Specifically in relation to Knypersley Avenue, this had been investigated at the insistence of local councillor but the issues experienced had not met the Council’s criteria for physical measures.

Councillor Meikle reiterated that the residents in the vicinity of Havergate Walk had requested the proposed improvements and this would encourage walking to local shops and amenities, which was to be welcomed.

She further stated that traffic calming measures had been agreed for Shearwater Road and the adjoining roads, but emphasised that there were existing measures that motorist chose to ignore.

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

Carolyn Turner, Public Realm Inspector, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The Area Committee was updated on the changes to the Public Realm Services and to roles of officers within it.

The following additional update was provided:-

·         The Hazel Grove Memorial Gardens, and the railings at the entrance were grade 2 listed so restrictions were in place as to works that could be undertaken. The Council had made a pre-application to the War Memorial Trust to obtain a grant to conserve or restore the gates.

·         Trial digs had taken place on Buxton Rd outside the Co-op and a defective United Utilities connection had been repaired; a dig after carriageway collapse on Mile End Lane had uncovered no faults; a trial dig was due on Lake Street following notice for a road closure.

·         Community Payback teams had cleared of litter and vegetation on Crown Mews; vegetation was cleared from open space on Mallard Close; Gower Avenue steps had been swept; work was due at the end of November on Kinross Avenue steps and on Cromley Road.

·         A lamp column was awaiting connection on Woodsmoor Lane, and United Utilities had been informed of a water leak and asked to prioritise repair before the weather worsened.

·         Overgrowing vegetation had been addressed on most of Bean Leach Road; work was ongoing to contact landowners on Buxton Road from Simpson bends up to High Lane.

·         There was no routine gulley cleansing in the area at the moment, although crews were responding to ad-hoc requests.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was requested in respect of the rats on Trawden Green.

·         The removal of graffiti in Offerton was welcomed, although some remained on the bridge on Bean Leach Road.

·         In advance of Remembrance Services, it was requested that the broken glass be removed from the Argyle Street bus stop behind the Hazel Grove Memorial Gardens, and the bins in the gardens be cleared before the service on Sunday.

·         There was overgrown vegetation that needed addressing on the passageway from Taunton Close to Torkington Road.

·         More frequent street cleansing and waste bin emptying was needed in Hazel Grove centre over the weekend due to the popular night time economy at the weekends.

·         A smashed Television had been fly-tipped on Northcross Road.

·         A depression had formed in the carriageway on Marple Road, in the vicinity of Holiday Lane, Offerton.

·         A request was made for the Community Payback Team to address the condition of the Havergate Walk bridleway, although some of this may be in private ownership.

·         Cracks had appeared near the work to repair a depression on Lake Street

·         There was an abandoned vehicle on Lake Street opposite the junction with

Coombs Street.

·         Residents had expressed concerns that there may be a noxious substance in the vicinity of the industrial estate off Lake Street that was causing plants and flowers in nearby gardens to die.

·         A lighting cowl had fallen off a lighting column on Glenwood Grove.

·         There was fly tipping in the small layby on Melford Road, on Chatsworth Avenue and Tiree Close.

·         There was overgrown vegetation on the footways at the back of the ASDA supermarket in Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That Carolyn Turner be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

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

No petitions were received.

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

The report details the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and invites the comments of the Scrutiny Committee on the draft plan. The Committee is particularly recommended to give their views on the seven conclusions reached in the plan, and the actions suggested.

For the purposes of the plan a Right of Way is all off road routes that the public are able to utilise legally. Examples include routes in parks, concessionary paths, public rights of way and access space.

The Area Committee is recommended to provide comments upon the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

Sue Stevenson, Head of Highways and Transportation at Stockport Council, attended the meeting to present the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the comments of the Area Committee on the draft plan.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The emphasis on accessibility improvements in the Strategy was to be welcomed. The Council was purposefully encouraging the development of bridleways allows the Council to encourage their use as cycle ways and makes them usable for mobility scooters.

·         There was discussion about the powers of the Council to enforce rights of way over privately owned land, and the protracted processes this often involved.

·         It was important to ensure there were clear connections of the multi-modal routes and that this were appropriately mapped to allow the public to make best use of them, including through technologies.

·         An update was requested in relation to the progress with improvements to access on Mirrlees Fields.

·         The impact of exercise on health was significant, so investment in rights of way should have a consequent saving on health spending and so should be encouraged.

·         There were often problems with the maintenance of the rights of way network, and although it was positive that work was being carried out, more needed to be done.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that there were no funding applications submitted.

It was reported that the Project INC application referred to the Borough-wide Funding Group by the Area Committee at its last meeting had received a grant from the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The Chair urged councillors to encourage local groups in their area to apply for funding.

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

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

A development application was considered.

Single storey side and rear extension, patio area to rear/side and refurbishment of existing veranda.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to appropriate conditions.

RESOLVED – That, at the request of the applicant, consideration of this planning application be deferred.

There are no outstanding matters to consider.

There were no outstanding planning appeals or enforcement matters to consider.

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

The Area Committee is asked to consider the following proposed Local Initiative Scheme for the construction of an edged path along Havergate Walk from Fulmar Drive to Shearwater Road at a cost of £3700.

Following the request of the Area Committee this item was deferred to allow for a consultation with local residents. The results of this indicate a majority in favour of the proposal.

In light of the consultation results, the Area Committee is recommended to support the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorises the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to order the work. 

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161-474-3332, jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to carry out improvements to a footway on Havergate Walk, Offerton. The proposal had been considered by the Area Committee in August 2017 at which time the Area Committee had asked for a consultation to be undertaken with neighbouring properties. Of the 16 consultation letters distributed, eleven had been returned with ten responses in support of the proposals and one against.

RESOLVED – That in light of the response to the consultation on the proposed improvement scheme on Havergate Walk detailed in the report, approval be given to the scheme, at a cost of £3,700 to be funded from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward allocation).

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

The report sets out a proposal to increase and renew the lighting on Haven Close.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the street lighting upgrade outlined in the report at a cost of £5,400 to be funded from the Area Committee delegated budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation) and authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to order the work.

Officer contact: Andy Jopling 0161 474 2414, andy.jopling@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to improve street lighting on Haven Close.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of new lighting columns and the upgrading of lanterns on existing columns on Haven Close, at a cost of 5,400 to be funded from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).

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

The report seeks approval for the upgrading the existing free permit parking scheme at 25 – 60 Ripley Avenue to a charged scheme area. The consultation had been extended at the request of the Area Committee and now received 65% support.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

Revoke Resident Permit Parking:

Ripley Avenue

North East side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 137 metres in a South Easterly direction.

South West side from a point 41 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 25 metres in a South Easterly direction; from a point 79 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 68 metres in a South Easterly direction.

Introduce Permit Parking (25 – 60 Ripley Avenue Inc. 47 & 49 Norwood Road):

Ripley Avenue

Both sides from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 137 metres in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to agree to upgrade the existing free permit scheme at 25 – 60 Ripley Avenue to a charged permit scheme area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within

 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

Revoke Resident Permit Parking:

Ripley Avenue

North East side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 137 metres in a South Easterly direction.

South West side from a point 41 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 25 metres in a South Easterly direction; from a point 79 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 68 metres in a South Easterly direction.

Introduce Permit Parking (25 – 60 Ripley Avenue Inc. 47 & 49 Norwood Road):

Ripley Avenue

Both sides from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Norwood Road for a distance of 137 metres in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit.

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

The report seeks to clarify and formalise the decision made with regard a report submitted to a previous meeting of this Area Committee concerning Short Street and Lyme Street in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the following,

Remove the following elements from the TRO as advertised:

No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading at Any Time:

Short Street

South Westerly side from a point from a 1.5 metres North West of the projected North Westerly kerb line of Lyme Street in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 8 metres).Lyme Street from a point 1 metre South West of the of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a North Easterly direction to Short Street (a distance of approx. 5 metres).

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time / No Loading Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Short Street 

Both sides from a point 1.5 metres North West of the projected North Westerly kerb line of Lyme Street in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 8 metres).Lyme Street from a point 1 metre South West of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a North Easterly direction to Short Street (a distance of approx. 5 metres).

Keep the following elements from the TRO as advertised:

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Short Street

North Easterly side from a point 4 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Commercial Road in a South Easterly direction to the Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 21 metres).

Introduce Prohibition of Driving:

Lyme Street 

From a point 1 metre South West of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a South Westerly direction to its cul-de-sac end (a distance of approx. 11 metres).

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to agree to consolidate previous decisions on Traffic Regulation Orders for Short Street and Lyme Street in Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within

 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

(i)  Remove the following elements from the TRO as advertised:

No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading at Any Time:

Short Street

South Westerly side from a point from a 1.5 metres North West of the projected North Westerly kerb line of Lyme Street in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 8 metres).Lyme Street from a point 1 metre South West of the of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a North Easterly direction to Short Street (a distance of approx. 5 metres).

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time / No Loading Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Short Street 

Both sides from a point 1.5 metres North West of the projected North Westerly kerb line of Lyme Street in a South Easterly direction to its Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 8 metres).Lyme Street from a point 1 metre South West of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a North Easterly direction to Short Street (a distance of approx. 5 metres).

(ii) Keep the following elements from the TRO as advertised:

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Short Street

North Easterly side from a point 4 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Commercial Road in a South Easterly direction to the Adopted limit (a distance of approx. 21 metres).

Introduce Prohibition of Driving:

Lyme Street 

From a point 1 metre South West of the projected North Easterly building line of the premises at No’s 2 – 6 in a South Westerly direction to its cul-de-sac end (a distance of approx. 11 metres).

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

The report sets out an objection received to proposals to introduce waiting restrictions on Pepper Road. The report also details the response of Council officers to the issues raised in the objection.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the Order as advertised, notwithstanding the objection received.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an objection received to the proposed introduction of waiting restrictions on Pepper Road, Hazel Grove and the response of the representative of the Corporate Director to the objections raised.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertising.

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

To approve the cost for a design study into providing engineered carriageway markings on part of Woodsmoor Lane in Woodsmoor.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to approve funding for a design and feasibility study into engineered carriageway markings on the Woodsmoor Lane/ Moorland Road corridor from Bramhall Lane to Carrfield Avenue.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to funding a design and feasibility study into providing engineered carriageway markings along that part of the Woodsmoor Lane / Moorland Road Corridor from Bramhall Lane to Carrfield Avenue, at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be informed that having already funded feasibility work into traffic calming measures in this area it would not be minded to fund any further investigatory work.

(3) That as part of the feasibility work the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to included speed cushions on Moorland Road and reducing the width of the carriageway through markings within the project specification.

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

The Greenspace Team have received an application from Circus Starr to hold a Circus at Torkington Park on 9th May 2018.

The Area Committee is recommended that the application be approved subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from Circus Starr seeking permission for the use of Torkington Park.

RESOLVED – That the application from Circus Starr for the use of Torkington Park between 9 and 10 May 2018 for a circus, subject to the receipt of appropriate paperwork and licenses being submitted to the Council at least one week in advance of the event taking place.

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: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@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 with implementing decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.