Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 June 2021 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 interest(s) w(as)(ere) declared:-

Personal Interests

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

There were no Chair’s Announcements.

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 at the meeting.  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 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.

Seven public questions were submitted as follows: -

Question One relating to the Stockport Power League, Craig Road

In response, a statement was read at the meeting detailing a draft response to the question which would be formally shared with the questioner and the Committee.

Questions Two – Six all relates to the Heatons Cycle Link

In response, a statement was read at the meeting detailing draft responses to questions two - six which would be formally shared with the questioners and the Committee.

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

Two petitions were submitted as follows: -

a)    Industrial Fans Installation – submitted by Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick on behalf of Didsbury Road Residents Groups containing 33 signatures requesting that Stockport Council stops the fans from operating immediately on the grounds of operating illegally and in contravention of written instruction to cease operations issued by Stockport Council Planning Officer.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place

Management and Regeneration for investigation.

b)    Love Heaton Chapel – submitted by a representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) containing 52 signatures requesting that Stockport Council look into the plans that Love Heaton Chapel were trying to implement on the fields at the top of Halesden Road.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place

Management and Regeneration for investigation.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

Emma Curle (Chief Planning Officer) attended the meeting to provide a brief presentation to the area committee on the proposed approach to engaging with communities and stakeholders as the Local Plan was developed and seeking input on further opportunities to engage with local communities.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that previous consultations done with the South Manchester had worked quite well in the local wards with the engagement with local communities and using plain English language. Clarification was sought regarding whether the engagement would be similar. In response, it was stated that the engagement would be similar and would speak to residents through working groups, neighbourhood forums and tailoring the approach specific to areas.

·         It was commented that regarding planning decisions are based upon the current planning policies, would questions be asked of local residents regarding future planning policies relating to the environment, housing etc. In response, it was stated that an open discussion would be held with local residents with an opportunity to provide the right consultation to protect the environment and manage housing developments and engage and involve people as the plan progresses.

·         There were a number of organisations and groups across the borough that need to be engaged, for example, religious groups, sports groups, friends groups in parks, young people in schools, how would these themed groups be reached. In response, it was stated that organisation and groups are already being targeted according to various themes, for example, elderly, young people, religious, sports, parks etc, but the list is not exhaustive and members were encouraged to contact the team and provide any information for groups to be engaged in the consultation process.

·         It was noted that the services of ‘Planning Aid’ has been retained to support and assist with engaging with other more difficult groups in the process.

·         Members welcomed the informal approach and the considerations being given to plain English being used in the communications rather than the ‘planning jargon’ that may have been used previously.

·         It was requested that consideration be given to ‘environmental groups’, for example, ‘Sustainable Living in the Heatons Groups’ to be included in the consultation and engagement process in order that environmental issues could be raised.

RESOLVED – (1) That Emma Curle be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(2) That the Committee be asked to submit any suggestions relating to ‘groups’ that may be overlooked in the consultation process to the Chair or directly to the Planning Team as soon as possible.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant of £200 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of establishing a website for Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association which will help in their objective of building a safer, stronger and more connected community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association towards the cost of establishing a website for Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association which will help in their objective of building a safer, stronger and more connected community.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred to the next meeting and the applicant be invited to attend to provide further information relating to the website development, the borough-wide request for funding and the use of and control of data.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Thornfield Bowling Club/Friends of Thornfield Crown Green Bowling for a grant of £291 (£145.50 from Heatons North, £145.50 from Heatons South, £150 ward allocations) towards the cost of a set of regulation jacks as the present jacks would be obsolete at the end of this year.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Thornfield Bowling Club/Friends of Thornfield Crown Green Bowling for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of a set of regulation jacks as the present jacks would be obsolete at the end of this year.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Thornfield Bowling Club/Friends of Thornfield Crown Green Bowling for a grant of £291 (£145.50 from Heatons North, £145.50 from Heatons South, £150 ward allocations) towards the cost of a set of regulation jacks as the present jacks would be obsolete at the end of this year.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Friends of South Reddish Stockport for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of installing additional benches in South Reddish Park to accommodate all ages as there is currently a lack of seating at the park. These will be all new and consist of seated full-back benches around the park and picnic benches near the children’s play area. Some of these will be wheelchair friendly. All benches will be metal. There are 4 full-back benches and 2 picnic benches planned for.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Friends of South Reddish for a grant of £890 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget from the Reddish South ward allocation towards the cost of installing additional benches in South Reddish Park to accommodate all ages as there is currently a lack of seating at the park. These will be all new and consist of seated full-back benches around the park and picnic benches near

the children’s play area. Some of these will be wheelchair friendly. All benches will be metal. There are 4 full-back benches and 2 picnic benches planned for.

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 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/planning. 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of single storey structure to the rear garden in order to provide a home office space.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Jeni Regan, 0161 474 3531, jeni.regan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/080873 for the erection of single storey structure to the rear garden in order to provide a home office space.

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance)

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 Heatons and Reddish Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates, 0161 474 3219 or vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report provides an update the Committee on the development of a Heatons Active Neighbourhood scheme which, subject to approvals and funding, the Council would seek to deliver as part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for (Economy and Regeneration) approve the commencement of a trail of an Active Neighbourhood in the Heaton Chapel area as described in this report.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, 0161 474 4907, nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the development of a Heatons Active Neighbourhood scheme which, subject to approvals and funding, the Council would seek to deliver as part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF).

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Concern was expressed regarding pedestrian and pupil safety along Manchester Road, School Lane, Halesden Road, Brookfield Road and Broadstone Road during the trial period. In response, it was stated that during the trial period the junctions and roads affected would be monitored throughout the period and there has been ongoing work and discussions with the schools.

·         It was commented that there were significant concerns raised by local residents relating to rat-runs, speeding and dangerous driving. Clarification was sought regarding the mitigations that would be considered for these concerns in the areas. In response, it was stated that there was a proposal to hold another workshop session during the trial period to gain feedback and then look at the scheme going forward.

·         It was stated that there was strong feelings from local residents relating to pollution and the impact on health as well as the proposed modal filter on Briarfield Road and the concerns around rat-runs on Broadstone Hall Road South . In response, it was stated that the responses received from local residents suggested that the planter on Briarfield Road be moved to the bottom of Briarfield Road. Consideration was also given to the railway bridge and the footway and possibly full closure and its limits and implications but was not considered in the trial.

·         The Committee welcomed the proposals and the adverse effect on the motorists together with the recent Government announcements to move away from the car to walking and cycling.

·         It was commented that consideration should be given to a ‘park and stride’ scheme.

·         It was requested that an overview of the drawings of all the proposals that were made, that were not viable with reasons by shared with the Committee.

·         Clarification was sought on the decision taken regarding the proposed scheme and why other schemes were not proposed for Councillors to consider. In response, it was stated that the decision was based upon the responses provided from the consultation and the location for the scheme to be delivered successfully.

RESOLVED – That the Committee recommends to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration to approve the commencement of a trial an Active Neighbourhood in the Heaton Chapel area as described in the report.

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

This report gives results of a consultation on the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) proposals for an amended foot and cycle route to the approved scheme on and in the vicinity of Heaton Mersey Common in Heaton Mersey and seeks a recommendation that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) approves the scheme or alternative Highway routes described in the report.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) approves the implementation of the scheme with the mitigation measures described.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, 0161 474 4907, nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the results of a consultation on the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) proposals for an amended foot and cycle route to the approved scheme on and in the vicinity of Heaton Mersey Common in Heaton Mersey. 

At the discretion of the Chair, Catherine Henney (a member of the public) was allowed to speak on this item.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Comments were made relating to ‘shared space’ and the proposed amendments and possible mitigations.

·         Clarification was sought regarding any evidence that had been gathered from other areas relating to shared paths and accidents. In response, it was stated that there was one concern on the A55 cycle track which resulted in the installation of chicane barriers.

·         It was commented that the report refers to the lighting areas by the countryside officer and lack of data on the bat population. Could the time be taken during this process be used to develop the data set about the bat population. In response, it was stated that surveys were ongoing right up to the building of the scheme.

·         Clarification was sought on the extension of the scheme and the life expectancy of the trees to be felled and what was being proposed. In response, it was stated that there was a monitoring and evaluating process that accompanies the scheme for up to 12 months which could be held for up to 2-3 years, but it could not be held indefinitely. It was noted that the details relating to the felled trees were not available but would be provided to the Committee.

·         It was noted that regarding the speed of cyclists in relation to the shared paths it was advised that good communication and clear signage needs to be issued including dogs being on short leads while on the paths.

·         It was commented that there was concerns regarding the east-west link in the vicinity of Burnage Lane and how does it link with Manchester. In response, it was stated that the area of Burnage Lane has been looked at including the history of accidents which resulted in three minors accidents on the Manchester side, but not the Stockport side area.

·         Comments were made relating to the trees in terms of the entire scheme and it was requested that further details be circulated to the Committee following the design stage.

RESOLVED – That the Committee recommends that the Cabinet Member for  Economy & Regeneration approves the implementation of the scheme with the mitigation measures described.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor David Sedgwick.

A representative of the Deputy chief Executive reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor David Sedgwick.

Councillor Sedgwick requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting regarding the park maintenance at Marbury Park Road with a plan for future investment detailing the assets, resources and investment opportunity.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to undertake an investigation in respect of the park maintenance at Marbury Park Road with the plans for possible future investment detailing the assets, resources and investment opportunities.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance)

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: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206, charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) 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 detailing the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.