Issue - meetings

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.