Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 October 2022 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 was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed the Heatons and Reddish residents regarding: -

·       Remembrance Day Services – The Chair, on behalf of the Committee thanked all the Heatons and Reddish residents who attended the Remembrance Day services across the area. Appreciation was also expressed for those involved in the refreshments including Friends of Stockport Cemeteries and also to the staff at Traffic and Highway services for their involvement on the day.

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

Sergeant Daniel Jones (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

Policing Priorities

·       Burglaries, theft from vehicles and theft from shops and stores are a priority and these continue to be committed across the area. Officers are working alongside the Neighbourhood Crime Team to identify the suspects.

·       Stop and search powers are also being used more frequently in the area to support these efforts and to reduce inquisitive crime. Targets are being identified before the offences are committed and persons can be identified and arrested before committing any other offences.

·       Violent crime is also a priority in the area and stop and search and intelligence are both being used to identify any persons.

·       Neighbourhood Policing Review is currently underway with structural changes and changes to the boundary to align better with statutory partners.

·       Members enquired who were being consulted regarding the review. In response it was noted that it was a strategic approach by senior officers.

·       Stop and search can be done to any young person, but it is intelligence led and officers are very careful about how it is done and recorded.

Police Update

·       In response to an update relating to a robbery near Houldsworth Square, it was reported that the CCTV has been repaired and the coverage would be monitored .

·       Members were informed that communications would be sent to local ward councillors regarding road safety and speed watch programmes across Stockport.

·       Regarding speed awareness concerns, officers have now been trained with speed mobile equipment and there are operations scheduled across Stockport.

·       Speed cameras and installation relating to the fixed cameras criteria, would be difficult to comment without the details and location, however, once the following information is shared e.g. the location, no of accidents and records of excessive speeding then it could be considered.

·       Two incidences of burglary occurred in the vicinity of Manchester Road, since the incidences five persons have been arrested.

·       There has also been an increase in fires that are started by youths in the area, but officers are working with the Fire Service to identify the youths.

·       AVRO was held on 17 November 2022, 28 arrests were made, including 17 warrants executed, identified and prosecuted 39 traffic offences and seized 8 vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and it was a multiple force resource that were used across the operation.

·       Off road bikes continues to be an issue across the borough, but the approach continues to be intelligence led and local residents are asked to get in touch with the police using the direct communications.

·       Members enquired about an additional police presence for Houldsworth Square in response to the escalation of anti-social behaviour in the area

·       Members expressed their thanks to the Greater Manchester Police for their approach to the AVRO event and the off road bikes concerns and the police resource that has been identified for these particular issues despite the challenges within the police force.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Daniel Jones be thanked for his attendance and responses relating to Member’s enquiries.

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.

Two public questions were submitted as follows: -

·       Relating to anti-vax protesters at the end of Didsbury Road and junction 1 of the M60.

In response, it was commented that Stockport Council were aware of groups of anti-vaccine and other protestors that attend at several locations across the borough on a week to week basis. Officers from the Neighbourhoods Service monitor the activities to identify any possible road safety, public safety, noise nuisance or other issues. Greater Manchester Police, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and Stockport Council were also aware of the protesters and have engaged with them in order to encourage them to consider their safety and the safety of the traveling public during their demonstrations.  Anti-vaxxers were not welcomed in Stockport, because their message detracts from the important work underway with communities to attempt to protect everyone from COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases. At the same time, however, Stockport Council respects that people have the right to protest, and for their views to be heard. The Council does not have the powers to move anti-vaxxers off land that is designated as part of the public highway unless the law was being broken. Regrettably, this means that there was little that could be done about this regular protest.

With regard to the protestors at the roundabout near Didsbury Road, officers have attended at this location. The protestors are in attendance several days a week and appear to be peaceful and well behaved. There was no evidence of any safety issues being caused, although the presence of the protestors does give rise to a number of motorists occasionally using their car horns. Whilst it was accepted that people have a right to protest, Stockport Council would continue to monitor the protestors at this location and would take appropriate action as required.

·       Relating to highway proposals for School Lane/Manchester Road

A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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.

A representative of Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Bee Sober CIC for a grant of £244.40 (£47.00 from Heatons North, £56.40 from Heatons South, £70.50 from Reddish North and £70.50 from Reddish South wards allocation) towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Bee Sober CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

RESOLVED – That the application from Bee Sober CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding on this occasion be deferred to the next meeting and that the applicant be invited to attend to provide further information to the Committee about the funding requested.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Arts Central Youth Theatre Group for a grant of £1000 (£200 from Heatons North, £100 from Heatons South, £600 from Reddish North and £100 from Reddish South wards allocation) towards the cost of carrying out a two-night pantomime production in March 2023, which will benefit the children involved and the local community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Arts Central Youth Theatre Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of carrying out a two-night pantomime production in March 2023, which will benefit the children involved and the local community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Arts Central Youth Theatre Group for a grant of £1,000 (£200 from Heatons North, £100 from Heatons South, £600 from Reddish North and £100 from Reddish North wards allocation) towards the cost of carrying out a two-night pantomime production in March 2023, which will benefit the children involved and the local community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Centre Stage Theatre Group for a grant of £400 (£200 from Reddish North and £200 from Reddish South wards allocation) towards the cost of purchasing portable lighting, stands and cables to aid the running of productions.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Centre Stage Theatre Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of purchasing portable lighting, stands and cables to aid the running of productions.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Centre Stage Theatre Group for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£200 from Reddish North and £200 from Reddish South wards allocation) towards the cost of purchasing portable lighting, stands and cables to aid the running of productions.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheshire Regiment Association (CRA – Stockport Branch) for a grant of £600 (£126.32 from the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee, £31.58 from each ward) towards the cost of travel of four members of the Stockport Branch to Ballykelly to commemorate the 40ht Anniversary of the bombing in Northern Ireland.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Cheshire Regiment Association (CRA – Stockport Branch) for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of travel of four members of the Stockport Branch to Ballykelly to commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of the bombing in Northern Ireland.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Cheshire Regiment Association (CRA – Stockport Branch) for a grant of £600 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£126.32 from the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee, £31.58 from each ward) towards the cost of travel of four members of the Stockport Branch to Ballykelly to commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of the bombing in Northern Ireland.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

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).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Installation of 6 no. 4 metre high CCTV and Lighting columns around the boundary of the site.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

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

Installation of 6 no. 4 metre high CCTV and Lighting columns around the boundary of the site.

It was then

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 on 0161 474 3219, vicki.bates@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) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

The following updates were provided regarding: -

·       96 Longford Road West, North Reddish – the appeal has been dismissed.

·       2 Houldsworth Square, North Reddish – enforcement have now completed a site visit.

RESOLVED – That the report and the updates be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Reddish District Centre.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

a)    Note and comment on the final report from the Institute of Place Management on Reddish District Centre.

b)    Authorise the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to develop an Action Plan for Reddish District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

c)    Request that the District Centre Manager reports progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

Officer contact: Helen Walters on 07800 618140 or by email on helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Reddish District Centre.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and commented on the success of the workshop session.

·       It was commented that the space in the district centre needed to be optimised for ease of use with performances, events and markets.

·       It was suggested that lifting the clock tower be explored in Houldsworth Square to flatten the area.

·       The Committee were informed that over the last year information was being gathered through networking across the area and phase two would involve meeting with traders business groups and discussing branding etc.

·       It was noted that supporting the District Manager was important has radical ideas were explored and proposed.

·       Members suggested that as part of phase two that more community and sustainability groups be engaged across the area.

·       Concern was expressed regarding messaging and keeping local residents informed about meetings and who to speak to and how things will be progressed. In response, it was noted that members views on how this could be progressed were welcomed and any suggestions could be sent directly to the team.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, be authorised to develop an Action Plan for Reddish District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3) That the District Centre Manager be requested to report progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

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

The report provides results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals to improve the area around Heaton Chapel, in particular by reducing traffic speeds, improving cycle facilities and providing better crossing points of the main roads and at side roads and seeks a recommendation that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) approves the scheme.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) approves the implementation of the schemes and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in the report and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made.

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

A representatives of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals to improve the area around Heaton Chapel, in particular by reducing traffic speeds, improving cycle facilities and providing better crossing points of the main roads and at side roads.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and commented on the responses received and the long term plan in place including sustainable transport provisions.

·       Concern was expressed regarding Manchester Road and looking at slowing the traffic down.

·       Clarification was sought on whether the view of Brooke Avenue and Grange Avenue residents had been sought. In response, it was noted that the consultation report included the postcode areas that were consulted.

·       It was suggested that there was not enough funding to do everything, so schemes would need to be prioritised, as such the A6 and junctions of School Lane and Manchester Road should be a priority.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the associated Traffic Regulations as detailed at Appendix B to the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the following scheme elements:-

(i)              Scheme 1 – Improvements at the A6 / Manchester Road Junction including incorporation of Toucan crossings;

(ii)             Scheme 2 – New Toucan crossing on the A6 at Heathfield Road / Cambridge Road including retaining two way working on the side roads;

(iii)           Scheme 3a - Improvements at the A6 / School Lane / Heaton Moor Road Junction as detailed in the report;

(iv)           Scheme 4a – Improvement at the Manchester Road / School Lane Junction as detailed in the report;

(v)             Scheme 4c – Cycleways at Manchester Road and School Lane / Broadstone Road but with the Manchester Road cycleways in the form of footway/cycleways;

(vi)           Scheme 5 – Cycleways on School Lane and Toucan crossing on Broadstone Road between Nelstrop Road and Downham Road modified to reduce impact on parking;

(vii)          Scheme 6 – 20mph speed limit on residential streets as listed in the report;

(viii)        Scheme 7 – Side road entry treatments as listed in the report; and

(ix)           Scheme 8 – Bus stop improvements as listed in the report but not moving the Southbound stop on School Lane.

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

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 on 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) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on the Area Flexibility Funding and the Delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.