Issue - meetings

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.