Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 January 2020 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

Councillor John Taylor provided the Committee with an update relating to the activities of the “Dementia Disco” organisation that previously received Ward Flexibility Funding from the Committee. He informed the Committee that the “Dementia Disco” project was going well and encouraged those present to participate.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members welcomed the research and the review into the borough’s District Centres and looked forward to the next steps.

·         Clarification was sought on whether consideration would be given to the ‘older demographic’ who would be using the district centres and in particular seating and toilets in the District Centres. In response, it was commented that the next phase of the scheme would involve research into what local people and businesses needed in their local district centres.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

In January 2019 Area Committee was informed of the creation of the Neighbourhoods Team (appendix A). This report provides an update and outlines the duties of the officers within the team.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or email: ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk

Peter Cooke (Neighbourhoods Manager, Stockport Council) and Jane Bardsley (Senior Neighbourhood Officer, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the restructure of the Neighbourhoods Team and outlining the duties of the officers within the new team.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to emergency reporting and how it would be dealt with in the future.  In response, it was stated that any environmental emergencies or any health and safety issues should be reported by either telephone or email so it could be dealt with immediately and any online reporting would be picked up by a member of the team which would assist the audit trail of any reports made by Councillors.

·         It was commented that the Area Committee had been well served by the former Public Realm Inspectors that had been assigned to the area and members expressed their gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

·         Clarification was sought on whether there were opportunities to align the work being done in neighbourhoods with Public Health and other partners. In response, it was commented that the Neighbourhood Officers were already working with partners including the Area Police Inspectors, Public Protection and Public Health.

·         It was noted that the use of the online reporting was important but would prove difficult if reporting a number of complaints from local residents to keep track of the complaints and the progress. In response, it was stated that Stockport IT Development Team were looking at an online complaints system that tracks the complaints and progress through the system and would be easier to use, but couldn’t confirm when the system would be going ‘live’.

·         While acknowledging the move towards driving the reporting of issues online, members expressed the view that it was important for councillors to maintain a personal relationship with officers through emails and direct telephone calls.

RESOLVED – That Peter Cooke and Jane Bardsley be thanked for their attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘Stockport Volunteer Police Cadets’ for a grant of £500.00 (£100.00 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of offering targeted crime prevention advice. 

The Committee considered an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of Stockport Volunteer Police Cadets towards the cost of offering targeted crime prevention advice

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from Stockport Volunteer Police Cadets for a grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£25 from each of the Ward allocations) towards the cost of offering targeted crime prevention advice.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘African & Caribbean Community Association’ for a grant of £969.36 (£184.56 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of computer and projection equipment.

Tolu Fiberesima attended the meeting and submitted an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of the African & Caribbean Community Association towards the cost of a computer and projection equipment.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from African & Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £184.56 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£46.14 from each of the Ward allocations) towards the cost of a computer and projection equipment.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from ‘Help the Hatters’ for a grant of £1,000 (£190.44 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of a number of initiatives at Stockport County Football Club.

John Fitzpatrick attended the meeting and submitted an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of Help the Hatters towards the cost of a number of initiatives at Stockport County Football Club.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from Help the Hatters for a grant of £190.44 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£47.61 from each of the Ward allocations) towards the cost of a number of initiatives at Stockport County Football Club.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘St Mary’s Church’ for a grant of £1,000.00 (£500.00 from the Reddish North ward and £500.00 from the Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of a “Place of Welcome and Film club” to form community links between the church and the community and to reach out to lonely / vulnerable adults to tackle social isolation across all age groups.

Reverend Elizabeth Rowles attended the meeting and submitted an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of St Mary’s Church towards the cost of a “Place of Welcome and Film club” to form community links between the church and the community and to reach out to lonely / vulnerable adults to tackle social isolation across all age groups.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from St Mary’s Church for a grant of £820 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£500 from the Reddish South ward and £320 from the Reddish North ward allocations) towards the cost of a “Place of Welcome and Film club” to form community links between the church and the community and to reach out to lonely / vulnerable adults to tackle social isolation across all age groups.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club’ for a grant of £1,000.00 (£400.00 from the Heatons North ward and £600.00 from the Heatons South ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing a range of new equipment/protective kit to play at International level in Toronto, Canada including helmets, pads and sticks.

Richard Smith attended the meeting and submitted an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club towards the cost of purchasing a range of new equipment/protective kit to play at this higher level, including helmets, pads and sticks.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club for a grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£400 from the Heatons North ward and £600 from the Heatons South ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing a range of new equipment/protective kit to play at this higher level, including helmets, pads and sticks.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘Moorfield Grove Residents Group’ for a grant of £1,000.00 from the Heatons North ward allocation towards the cost of path widening for disabled access to Moorfield Grove.

Damyon Garrity attended the meeting and submitted an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of Moorfield Grove Residents Group towards the cost of path widening for disabled access to Moorfield Grove.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from Moorfield Grove Residents Group for a grant of £800 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Heatons North ward allocations) towards the cost of path widening for disabled access to Moorfield Grove.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the ‘Social Events and Activities’ for a grant of £416.00 from the Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of providing tea and coffee at a reduced cost to the participants.

The Committee considered an application for Ward Flexibility funding on behalf of Social Events and Activities towards the cost of providing tea and coffee at a reduced cost to the participants.

RESOLVED – That, approval be given to an application from Social Events and Activities for a grant of £416 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Reddish South ward allocation) towards the cost of providing tea and coffee at a reduced cost to the participants.

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

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

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).

The Chair outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Conversion of existing building at Number 21 Peel Moat Road from 4 no. flats to 1 no. single dwelling house, to include relocation of front door to originally designed location and introduction of bi-fold doors to sun room. Single storey side extension to existing building at Number 21A Peel Moat Road for use as additional/ancillary living accommodation.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659, mark.burgess@atockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC074926 for the conversion of existing building at Number 21 Peel Moat Road from 4 no. flats to 1 no. single dwelling house, to include relocation of front door to originally designed location and introduction of bi-fold doors to sunroom. Single storey side extension to existing building at Number 21A Peel Moat Road for use as additional/ancillary living accommodation.

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the planning permission be granted

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report summarises appeal decision; 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 on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement activity 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 and Regeneration

The report sets out a proposal to introduce pedestrian barriers on part of St Elisabeth's Way in Reddish following reports of motor scooters/bikes using the passage at the southerly (cul-de-sac) end of St. Elizabeth’s Way.

The Area Committee’s views are requested, following the item being deferred from the meeting held in December 2019.

Officer Contact: Max Townsend on 0161 474 4861 or email: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal to introduce pedestrian barriers on part of St Elisabeth's Way in Reddish following reports of motor scooters/bikes using the passage at the southerly (cul-de-sac) end of St. Elizabeth’s Way.

Members commented that they wished to withdraw the proposed scheme due to the introduction of the pedestrian barriers on part of St Elisabeth’s Way which would prevent local residents with mobility scooters from using the passage.

RESOLVED – That the proposed scheme be withdrawn.

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

The report provides an estimate for a proposed Local Initiative scheme in response to a specific request from members of this Area Committee.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the proposed Local Initiative Scheme to repair and clean the Entrance Wall at Heaton Mersey Common at a cost of £3,148.00 (£2,484.00 for the wall repairs and imitation stone coping replacement and £664.00 for the cleaning of the wall)  to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Wayne Bardsley on 0161 474 2588 or email wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an estimate for a proposed Local Initiative scheme in response to a specific request from members of this Area Committee. 

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee has given approval to the proposed Local Initiative Scheme to repair and clean the Entrance Wall at Heaton Mersey Common at a cost of £3,148.00 (£2,484.00 for the wall repairs and imitation stone coping replacement and £664.00 for the cleaning of the wall)  to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

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

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

The report details an application received from the Four Heaton’s Traders Association (4HTA) to hold their Annual Summer Festival at Heaton Moor Park on Sunday 12th July 2020, between the hours of 11.00am and 5.00pm, accessing the site between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm to set up and close down the event.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application.

Officer contact: Wayne Bardsley on 0161 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Four Heaton’s Traders Association (4HTA) to hold their Annual Summer Festival at Heaton Moor Park on Sunday 12th July 2020, between the hours of 11.00am and 5.00pm, accessing the site between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm to set up and close down the event.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

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

The report details an application received from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold their annual half-marathon on Sunday 6th September 2020 with a circular route being run from and back to Stockport County Football Club along the Trans Pennine Trail between the Woolpack Bridge through Mersey Vale along the Trans Pennine Trail NCN62 and on into Manchester (see route map attached). The event will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm, setting up from 8.30am.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application.

Officer contact: Wayne Bardsley on 0161 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Stockport County Supporters Cooperative to hold their annual half-marathon on Sunday 6th September 2020 with a circular route being run from and back to Stockport County Football Club along the Trans Pennine Trail between the Woolpack Bridge through Mersey Vale along the Trans Pennine Trail NCN62 and on into Manchester. The event will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm, setting up from 8.30am.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Colin Foster.

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

Councillor Foster reported that Vale Close has some of the oldest buildings in the Heatons. He stated that there were cottages built in the late Georgian period and the area was a conservation area since 1978, with the core area being Vale Close which included cobbled roads that were un-adopted. He also stated that there had been some damage to the cobbled road surface that required some maintenance.

Councillor Fitzpatrick also informed the Committee that in relation to Vale Close there was a continuation of the pavement on Didsbury Road on an area of land adjacent to the Crown Pub linking house numbers two and four on Vale Close that required urgent repairs.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be recommended to investigate the possible options for external funding for the Vale Close, historic area of the Heatons to be sought to provide the repairs and maintenance to the cobbled un-adopted roads in the area.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be recommended to investigate the possible options for the urgent repairs to the pavement on Didsbury Road on an area of land adjacent to the Crown Pub linking house numbers two and four on Vale Close.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on the progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

It was requested that the following updates be noted: -

·         Minute 13, 4 March 2019 – Two Columns on George’s Road – an update be provided to the next meeting.

·         Minute 21, 10 June 2019 - Speed Surveys on Gladstone Grove and Broadstone Hall Road North – can be removed from the progress report due to being completed.

·         Minute 8, 12 August 2019 - Fallowfield Loop Flytipping – can be removed from the progress report due to being completed.

·         Minute 9, 9 December 2019 - Closure of Public Footpath – Longford Road West (Between Nos. 87 and 89) to Shelley Road (Nos 11/13), Reddish – an update be provided to the next meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report and updates be noted.