Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 January 2024 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.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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 local residents regarding the launch of the Spotlight on Reddish event which would involve local communities, members and artists and the return of the Worker Bee market event to Reddish.

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

The Chair reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting, but welcomed any neighbourhood policing questions or issues to be raised.

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 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 the availability of funding measures to repair the roof of Reddish Library.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be recommended to consider funding measures for the repair of the roof at Reddish Library.

·         Relating to the prevention of the sale of Peel Moat open Space for residential development.

RESOLVED – As the questioner was not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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 Stockport United for Migrants, Asylum Seekers & Refugees (SUMAR) attended the meeting to introduce the organisation and outline the work that they undertake.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members thanked the representative for attending the meeting, welcomed the work that SUMAR undertakes and were pleased to see collaborative working with other organisations.

·         Members commented on the importance of integration and education, noting there were a number of misconceptions relating to asylum seekers including in respect of social housing.

·         Members expressed sympathy for the attitudes towards asylum seekers relating to their situations and circumstances perpetuated as a result of the current systems.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £200 (£50 from Heatons North, £50 from Heatons South, £50 from Reddish North, £50 from Reddish South) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

Members requested that a representative of Housebound Too Scooting be invited to submit an update on their progress to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Tigers Basketball Club for a grant of £200 (£50 from Heatons North, £50 from Heatons South, £50 from Reddish North, £50 from Reddish South) towards the cost of purchasing basketball kits, training equipment and court hire.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Tigers Basketball Club for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing basketball kits, training equipment and court hire.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this item be deferred to a future meeting of the Area Committee pending the receipt of additional information relating to the organisations safeguarding policies for children.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant of £190.48 (£47.62 from Heatons North, £47.62 from Heatons South, £47.62 from Reddish North, £47.62 from Reddish South) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

A representative of Samaritans of Stockport & District attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £190.48 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47.62 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant of £190.48 (£47.62 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) for a grant of £400 (£100 from Heatons North, £100 from Heatons South, £100 from Reddish North, £100 from Reddish South) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

A representative of Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre, subject to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources giving approval to a virement from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Reddish South ward).

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Whitehill Allotment Society for a grant of £220 (£55 from Heatons North, £55 from Heatons South, £55 from Reddish North, £55 from Reddish South) towards the cost of renovating a wildlife area, for the enjoyment of residents and the provision of a habitat for wildlife.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) in order that the Area Committee could consider the application in advance of the proposed project taking place).

A representative of Whitehill Allotment Society attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £220 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£55 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of educational material and equipment to encourage wildlife to return to the area.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Whitehill Allotment Society for a grant of £220 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£55 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of educational material and equipment to encourage wildlife to return to the area.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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. Deputy Chief Executive 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition and redevelopment of the existing industrial/warehouse and associated service yard, and the erection of a 25,900sqm data centre alongside associated parking, servicing, access and other associated works.

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. DC/090411 for the demolition and redevelopment of the existing industrial/warehouse and associated service yard, and the erection of a 25,900sqm data centre alongside associated parking, servicing, access and other associated works at Kenwood Point, Kenwood Road, North Reddish,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

The erection of a single storey rear extension and rear dormer loft conversion.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to appropriate planning conditions.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/090640 for the erection of a single storey rear extension and rear dormer loft conversion at 31 Kings Drive, Heaton Moor, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 | vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director (Corporate & Support Services).

The report sets out the proposed re-adoption of the council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) for the validation of planning applications. As a Local Planning Authority, the council must publish a local list of information requirements for submitted planning applications, pursuant to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Area Committee is requested to note:

a)    that the Planning Application Validation Checklist (Appendix A) is to be consulted upon; and

b)    that following consultation, the Deputy Chief Executive and Director (Corporate & Support Services) would make any refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions to the list as they consider reasonably necessary in response to any comments received from the consultation, and provided that no significant changes are required and that no significant objections are received, to issue a final Planning Application Validation Checklist based upon the draft attached at Appendix A.

Officer contact: Mark Jordan | 0161 474 3557 | mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director (Corporate & Support Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed re-adoption of the council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) for the validation of planning applications.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was queried how the planning process was applied with regard to the validation process.

·         In response, it was commented that applications must meet the criteria detailed in the national and local validation checklist prior to it being registered as an application. At which point the application would be subject to the assessment process where it would be compared against local and national policies.

·         In relation to timescales, it was queried whether applications submitted whilst in the consultation phase would be retrospectively required to comply with the proposed checklist.

·         In response, it was stated that any applications that were received prior to the proposed validation checklist being adopted by the council would be subject to the current, 2019 validation checklist.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director Place Making and Planning.

The report provides an update on the activities relating to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain through the Planning and Development Management process.

The Area Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Melanie Craven | melanie.craven@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director Place Making and Planning submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the activities relating to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain through the Planning and Management process.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was questioned how off-site provision of Biodiversity Net Gain would be monitored.

·         In response, it was stated that there were mandatory conditions applied to major applications and as a local planning authority, the council was unable to mandate where that off-site provision of Biodiversity Net Gain was produced, providing that the submission detailed where it would be located. It was commented that on site Biodiversity Net Gain would be the first preference, however off-site provision of Biodiversity Net Gain would be monitored at intervals over several years in line with the conditions applied.

·         It was suggested that Biodiversity Net Gain could increase costs for developers and questioned if this would be considered within the application process.

·         In response, it was stated that Biodiversity Net Gain would be a developer cost which would be factored into the viability considerations of any development.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The planning system in England has undergone a period of significant change over recent years. During this time multiple new types of applications have been introduced and most recently an increased focus is being placed on the importance of making timely decisions.

In light of the changes to the planning system and the increased emphasis placed on the speed and quality of planning decisions it is considered necessary to consider the need to make a number of changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications. In parallel it is also considered appropriate to review the Planning Protocol to ensure that it reflects accurately long-standing custom and practice in how we exercise our planning powers.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed amendments in the attached documents.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the proposed changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications, alongside a review of the Planning Protocol to ensure that it accurately reflected the long-standing custom and practice in the exercising of planning powers.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the proposed changes had increased the threshold for Area Committee determination from four to six representations contrary to the officer recommendation and the reason for this was to reduce costs to the Authority and improve performance around the delivery of planning decisions.

·         Members queried where the delays currently were in the system and why some applications were taking longer to determine than the Government targets.

·         It was commented that, under the proposed changes, the Area Committee would continue to have oversight of significant applications and applications that were of local importance to residents. 

·         It was queried whether multiple objections received from the same household would be considered as one objection or multiple.

·         In response, it was confirmed that objections from the same household would be treated a single objection, however if letters of objection and support were received for the same household they would be treated as separate responses.

·         Members requested that clarification around objections from the same household be considered.

·         It was noted that all householder planning applications would be fully delegated to officers for determination under the proposed changes.

·         It was commented that whilst the call-in threshold had been increased to a minimum of two Members, it was felt that this would not have a significant impact on this Area Committee. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a report Assistant Director, Place Making and Planning.

The report provides details relating to the Stockport Town Centre as it continues to change. At the heart of this transformation are ambitious plans to increase and enhance the town centre residential offer. However, to ensure high- quality and sustainable residential growth takes place, we must clearly outline our expectations. As such, the Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide sets out the council’s design expectations for this area of the borough.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the consultation Design Guide.

Officer contact: Hannah Mitchell | 07815 014590 | Hannah.mitchell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director Place Making and Planning submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details relating to the Stockport Town Centre as it continued to change. At the heart of this transformation were ambitious plans to increase and enhance the town centre residential offer. However, to ensure high- quality and sustainable residential growth takes place, the council must clearly outline its expectations. As such, the Stockport Town Centre Residential Design Guide sets out the council’s design expectations for this area of the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the funding of further ward boundary signage relating to the Heatons.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the supply and installation of the signage as detailed within the report.

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan | nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for funding of further ward boundary signage relating to the Heatons.

Members noted that there was an error within the report that referenced the incorrect wards and requested that this be amended prior to consideration by the Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the supply and installation of the signage as detailed within the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to an extension to an existing 20mph speed limit to include Park Bridge Close and The Parklands in Heaton Chapel.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

Extend 20mph Speed Limit:

Park Bridge Close

From the junction with Selby Street for its full extent to its cul-de-sac end.

The Parklands

From the junction with Horace Grove for its full extent to the cul-de-sac end.

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 07527 387146 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the extension to an existing 20mph speed limit to include Park Bridge Close and The Parklands in Heaton Chapel.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order to be funded from monies remaining in the Section 106 Agreement for the Ash Hotel redevelopment:-

Extend 20mph Speed Limit:

Park Bridge Close

From the junction with Selby Street for its full extent to its cul-de-sac end.

The Parklands

From the junction with Horace Grove for its full extent to the cul-de-sac end.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 and ward discretionary budget funding (approved only). 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 Assistant Director for Legal and 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 highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.