Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 August 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 August 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.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

No announcements were made.

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 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.

One public question was submitted requesting the Police to take action, to enforce the speed limit and curb dangerous speeding by traffic in two places in the Reddish South Ward.  Firstly on Grafton Street, where the situation was made more dangerous by drivers routinely contravening the one-way system on the surrounding roads; and secondly along Reddish Road and adjoining Abingdon Road near the School.  

RESOLVED – That the public question be referred to Greater Manchester Police for investigation.

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

Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick presented a petition containing 60 signatures requesting the Council to either carry out maintenance of the shrub beds at the Didsbury Road end of Queens Drive more regularly than currently takes place, or to remove the shrubs and make the area hard standing, which would require much less maintenance.

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.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise neighbourhood policing issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The following issues will be discussed at the meeting: -

·         Vehicle speeding in Heatons and Reddish

·         Police actions including mobile speed cameras to detect offenders

·         Update on use of Council mobile speed signs SIDS.

·         Use of road calming measure such as road humps and 20mph speed limits to curb excess vehicle speeds.

Inspector Val North attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues within the Heatons and Reddish area.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

·         The speeding of vehicles in the Heatons and Reddish area was highlighted. This had increased significantly during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly when the roads were quiet during the daytime, and was being monitored by the Roads Policing Unit. Longford Road West, Heaton Moor Road, Mauldeth Road, Parsonage Road, Carnforth Road and Broadstone Hall Road were highlighted in particular.

·         Reference was made to the public question which had been submitted earlier at this meeting requesting the Police to take action, to enforce the speed limit and curb dangerous speeding by traffic on Grafton Street, Reddish and along Reddish Road and adjoining Abingdon Road near the School.  The Roads Policing Unit would be examining the evidence at these two locations.

·         Speeding on Manchester Road, from School Lane to Manchester Road Park, was raised.

·          A single point of contact for Councillors to raise speeding issues would be helpful and there was a need for awareness raising and a joint campaign between the Police and the Council.

·         Part of the problem of speeding vehicles was caused by the use of high performance vehicles in suburban areas. There was a need to educate young people about the obvious dangers.

·         20 mph zones were useful in deterring the speed of motorists, but were not enforced by the Police.

·         The problem of off-road bikes in the vicinity of St. Elisabeth School, Reddish was raised.

·         Crime in general had reduced dramatically during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic, although there had been a significant increase in reports of domestic abuse.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Val North be thanked for her attendance and requested to attend a future meeting of the Area Committee in early 2021.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Love Heaton Chapel Community Group for a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of  installing an 18-foot Christmas tree with lights in flower bed on School Lane in the centre of Heaton Chapel. This tree and lights will then be removed following the festive season. The lights will be stored and used in subsequent years.

The Area Committee considered an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Love Heaton Chapel Community Group for a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of installing an 18-foot Christmas tree with lights in the flower bed on School Lane in the centre of Heaton Chapel.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Ward Flexibility Funding of £1,000 to the Love Heaton Chapel Community Group towards the cost of installing an 18-foot Christmas tree with lights in the flower bed on School Lane in the centre of Heaton Chapel, to be funded as follows:-

Heatons North Ward - £500

Reddish South Ward - £500

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

On the last week of July and first week of August 2019, extreme rainfall events hit parts of north-west England and the south Pennines, with flooding observed across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The main event day was 31st July 2019.

This report presents the various aspects of the flood events in July and specifically incorporates the draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

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

fficer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the various aspects of the flood events in July 2019 and specifically incorporating the draft Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         As a Section 19 flooding investigation report, the report had a narrow remit which didn’t cover all the flooding activity it needed to cover. For example, there were roads off the A6 between the railway line and south of Heaton Moor Road which became flooded as water ran off the A6. The Crossley Road underpass was another area which became flooded. Discussions regarding more intensive maintenance regimes would be helpful.

·         In most cases the drains became blocked as a result of the flooding. However, the gulley cleansing regime had been refined as a result of the flooding in 2019.

·         Black Brook was identified as one of the water courses which had caused problems in the Heatons and Reddish area.

·         The A555 was always going to be susceptible to flooding.

·         The Council did have monies for replacement measures, but a lot of the recommendations were aimed at United Utilities and the Environment Agency.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

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

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         General support was given to the principles in the report, the proposed move to residents’ parking zones rather looking at residents’ parking on a particular street in isolation and the recognition that parking problems presented different challenges in different parts in the borough.

·          It was clarified that the proposal for Councillors to receive a free permit covering all residents parking zones to enable them to carry out their responsibilities would be withdrawn.

·         Support was given to the proposal to reconsider the cost of a permit.

·         The proposal was to use advisory disability marking points in the future and move away from formal traffic regulation orders for disabled parking bays because they remained after the disabled person had left the property.

·         Other options needed to be considered as part of the process when a residents’ parking scheme was requested.

·         Support was given to the recognition that residents’ parking had to be seen in the wider context of a move to electric vehicles in the future, car sharing, cycle bays etc which were all important considerations when addressing parking problems in an area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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

Development applications were 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.

Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide 34 dwellings, associated landscaping, amended access, car parking and public open space area.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 75939 for the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide 34 dwellings, associated landscaping, amended access, car parking and public open space area at the Focus School, 237 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED –That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and:-

·         A list of projects on the Formal Sports Priority List within the Heatons and Reddish area being provided to Members of the Area Committee; and

·         An additional condition being recommended to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee to enforce the proper maintenance of these areas in the future and that the wording be circulated to Members of the Area Committee for their consideration prior to the report being submitted to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee.

Demolition of the existing Golf Centre buildings; Residential Development comprising 106 dwellings with associated Open Space including 1 No. LAP (Local Area for Play) and 1 No. LEAP (Local Equipped Area for Play) with access from Harwood Road.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 76883 for the demolition of the existing Golf Centre buildings; residential development comprising 106 dwellings with associated Open Space including 1 No. Local Area for Play (LAP) and 1 NO. Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) with access from Harwood Road

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement with regard to the provision of formal recreation facilities within the area and improvements to the footpath network to the north and east of the site.

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 Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report sets out two initial pieces of work focussed on the infrastructure challenges in achieving this goal over the next 20 years and the potential high level solutions to this. The opportunity to use the MDC and Stockport Town Centre West as a catalyst for infrastructure planning across the whole Town Centre.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report and the recommendations to Cabinet to:

·         Endorse the contents of the Central Stockport Infrastructure Delivery Plan Prospectus and the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus.

·         Agree that officers should continue to work with TfGM and Network Rail as a priority to explore and identify a new layout and design solution for the Greek Street bridge and the Thompson Street footbridge.

·         Note and comment on the proposed stakeholder engagement plan outlined within the report.

Officer contact: Paul Richards, 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) setting out two initial pieces of works focussed on the infrastructure challenges in achieving the goal of making Stockport Town Centre a Smart Town over the next twenty years and the potential high level solutions to this. The opportunity to use the Mayoral Development Corporation and the development of Stockport Town Centre West as a catalyst for infrastructure planning across the whole of Stockport Town Centre was also addressed in the report.

In response to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that work was ongoing with Transport for Greater Manchester following the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s announcement that Metrolink would be extended to Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report details the proposed removal of the remaining car park VMS displays in Stockport town centre, their replacement with static car park directional signs and the installation of more versatile “free text” VMS displays on key radial routes into the town centre.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the removal of all remaining outdated VMS displays, replacement with fixed signage, replacement of car park counters and approves the installation of new VMS displays described above and at locations shown on the attached plan with exact locations and final numbers of signs subject to available budget and final assessment for the feasibility of installation.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed removal of the remaining car park VMS displays in Stockport town centre, their replacement with static car park directional signs and the installation of more versatile “free text” VMS displays on key radial routes into the town centre.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to approve:-

·         the removal of all remaining outdated VMS displays, their replacement with fixed signage and replacement of car park counters: and

·          the installation of the new VMS displays described in the report and at locations shown on the plan attached to the report, with exact locations and final numbers of signs subject to available budget and final assessment for the feasibility of installation.

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

This report details the proposed sites of Highway Digital Advertising on the Main Road Network throughout the Town Centre, which follows on from the previous report ‘Developing a Strategic Approach to Managing Advertising on and adjacent to the Highway and in Car Parks’ which was submitted to the Executive Meeting on 1st October 2013.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the Council entering into a tender process for the twelve potential locations for new Highway Digital Advertising displays on the Main Road Network throughout the Town Centre.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed sites of Highway Digital Advertising on the Main Road Network throughout the Town Centre.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members were opposed to siting the Highway Digital Advertising displays in strategic locations and at iconic buildings or landmarks of Stockport such as the Viaduct and the Pyramid, and sites which offered iconic views of the town.

·         Before planning applications were submitted there should be consultation with Ward Councillors with regard to the proposed site for the digital advertising display.

·         The Council’s Conservation Officer should be involved at an early stage of the process.

·         The size of the proposed displays was constrained by road safety considerations and the possibility that motorists would be distracted by the displays.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to approve the Council entering into a tender process for new Highway Displays on the Main Road Network throughout the Town Centre, but that iconic buildings, landmarks or sites be excluded, such as the Viaduct and the Pyramid.

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

The report provides the proposals to improve local and district centres within the Borough, providing enhanced public realm. Specifically these improvements relate to five areas of North Reddish local centre, located along the Gorton Road corridor which have been identified as requiring an accessibility improvement scheme.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the proposal to improve the areas that have been identified. 

Officer contact: Eraina Smith, 0161 474 4911, eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out proposals to enhance the public realm within the areas of North Reddish as indicated in the report. Specifically these improvements related to five areas of North Reddish local centre, located along the Gorton Road corridor which had been identified as requiring an accessibility improvement scheme.

RESOLVED – (1) That authority as to which of the options A to D to support be delegated be delegated to Ward Highways Spokesperson (Reddish North Ward) in consultation with the other Ward Councillors.

(2) Subsequent to (1) above, that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to approve the works to enhance the public realm within the areas of North Reddish indicated in the report, to be funded from the Local Transport Plan budget.

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

The report provides details relating to an experimental order for No Waiting and No Loading restrictions on part of Greg Street in Reddish.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order:      

No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time (Experimental):

Greg Street

East side from a point 2 metres South of the projected North Easterly property line of No. 43 Three Acres Drive for a distance of 41 metres in a Southerly direction (and to tie in with existing).

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, 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) providing details relating to an experimental order for No Waiting and No Loading restrictions on part of Greg Street in Reddish.

RESOLVED – (1) The Area Committee was minded to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order on part of Greg Street, Reddish, at an approximate cost of £700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Reddish South Ward allocation):-

No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time (Experimental):

 Greg Street

East side from a point 2 metres south of the projected North Easterly property line of No. 43 Three Acres Drive for a distance of 41 metres in a Southerly direction (and to tie in with existing).

(2) The Area Committee further approved the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order be made.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer

(Legal & Democratic Governance)

The report requests the Area Committee to appoint Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Day Services at Heaton Mersey War Memorial, Reddish War Memorial and at St Paul's Church, Heaton Moor on Sunday 8 November 2020.

The Area Committee is requested to make appointments at the Remembrance Services indicated.

Officer Contact: Charles Yankiah on Tel: 0161 474 3206 or email: 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) requesting the Area Committee to appoint Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council mat the Remembrance Day Services at Heaton Mersey War Memorial, Reddish War Memorial and St. Paul’s Church, Heaton Moor on Sunday 8 November 2020.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Heaton Mersey War Memorial, Reddish War Memorial and St. Paul’s Church, Heaton Moor on Sunday 8 November 2020 as follows:-

Heaton Mersey War Memorial – Councillor Colin Foster

St. Paul’s Church, Heaton Moor – Councillor David Sedgwick

Reddish War Memorial – Councillor Yvonne Guariento

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Dena Ryness.

With the agreement of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.