Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for a period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Dena Ryness be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 April 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.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

The Chair thanked the Committee for their support and on behalf of the Committee thanked Councillor McCormack for her service to the Committee and local residents while she was the Chair during 2023/24.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance informed the Committee that the Neighbourhood Inspector had been sent all the dates and times for the meeting of the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee for 2024/25.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       The weekly crime activities newsletter had not been published recently and members requested that it be published and shared.

·       Members requested that the Police Teams notify the Councillors and local residents about the monthly surgeries regarding when and where they will be held

·       The Greater Manchester Police to publicise and make available to local residents who the Neighbourhood Inspectors and Police Teams are according to area to improve communication.

RESOLVED – That the issues raised be forwarded to the Neighbourhood Inspector for a response.

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.

Fourteen public questions were submitted as follows, relating to: -

·       Peel Moat Open Space

·       Motorcycle riding in Reddish and Heaton Chapel

·       Heaton Moor Park

·       Junction at Manchester Road and School Lane

·       Protection of Reddish Vale

·       Peel Moat Park

·       Proposed Yellow Lines on York Road

·       Fenced Greens for bowlers

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

Two further questions were submitted relating to Reddish, Heaton Moor and Cheadle Libraries.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members who were on the Community and Transport Scrutiny Committee had not received any updates relating to the change in library hours.

·       Central Library was able to take card payments for fines or printing, however, these services would not be available to anyone in Reddish.

·       The toilets would be closed when the staff are not in the library.

·       The Council has been investing in initiatives like family hubs and encouraging those place-based systems where people develop relationships with council staff who they can trust.

·       Reddish library was very well used by young people after school, but now the library would be closed at 4.00pm and there would be two days where there will be no library staff.

·       There were concerns in terms of the impact of reducing Reddish’s staffed hours from 36 hours to 22 hours.

·       There was an amendment submitted and agreed to the Council’s Budget in February that suggested that any such decisions relating to libraries will be brought before Councillors to look at before being implemented.

·       It was requested that a response from the Cabinet Member be sought regarding how this decision was taken came about, what scrutiny processes were followed and what Councillors can do to help mitigate the impact.

·       Local Councillors have been meeting with the community behind the scenes to discuss the building and improvements.

·       Concern was also expressed regarding the Heatons Library and the reduction to 22 hours.

·       Members requested that at the next Area Committee a report be submitted explaining what has happened in relation to the library hours across the Heatons and Reddish wards.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, be requested to: -

1)    Respond to the questioners in writing.

2)     Submit a report to the next meeting of the Area Committee outlining the proposed arrangements for the future operation of libraries including detailing the decision-making process for the reduction in library hours in the area represented by the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

One petition was submitted by Ms Ann Petts on behalf of the Heatons Moor Park Ladies Bowling Club with over 1,200 signatures relating to the installation of a fence around the bowling green at Heaton Moor Park.

RESOLVED – that the petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

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 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 Tigers Basketball Club for a grant of £200 (£50 from Heatons North, £50 from Heatons South, £50 from Reddish North, £50 from Reddish South ward allocation) 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 the Tigers Basketball Club for a grant of £200 (£50 from Heatons North, £50 from Heatons South, £50 from Reddish North, £50 from Reddish South ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing basketball kits, training equipment and court hire.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Tigers Basketball Club for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£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.

To consider an application received from Friends of Shahnameh for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £90 (£45 from Heatons North, £45 from Heatons South ward allocation) towards the cost of organising visits to cultural venues and running regular Persian poetry workshops, for the benefit of Persian and English speaking members of the community.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Shahnameh for a grant of £90 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£45 from Heatons North, £45 from Heatons South ward allocation) towards the cost of organising visits to cultural venues and running regular Persian poetry workshops, for the benefit of Persian and English speaking members of the community.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Friends of Shahnameh for Ward Flexibility Funding on this occasion be declined on the basis that the Committee was not satisfied that the appropriate safeguarding polices/child protection for children were in place or had been produced by the organisation as requested at the previous meeting.

To consider an application received from Heatons Heritage Society for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1,000 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of commissioning and installing a blue plaque for the Grade II Listed building - Crown Inn.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Heatons Heritage Society for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of commissioning and installing a blue plaque for the Grade II Listed building - Crown Inn.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this item be deferred to a future meeting of the Area Committee once the planning application has been submitted and approved relating to the installation of the blue plaque for the Grade II Listed building – Crown Inn.

To consider an application received from INSPIRE for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £500 from the Reddish South ward allocation only towards the cost of funding two outings for the groups members in July and December 2024.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of INSPIRE for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from Reddish South and £250 from Reddish North was allocation) towards the cost of funding two outings for the groups members in July and December 2024.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from INSPIRE for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from Reddish South and £250 from Reddish North) towards the cost of funding two outings for the groups members in July and December 2024.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from DOSportUK for a grant of £400 from the Heatons South ward allocation only towards the cost of Stockport Jets Basketball sessions aimed at people with a learning disability and/or autism, but also open to all ages and abilities.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of DOSportUK for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget from the Heatons South ward allocation only towards the cost of Stockport Jets Basketball sessions aimed at people with a learning disability and/or autism, but also open to all ages and abilities.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this item be deferred to a future meeting of the Area Committee when a representative of the organisation can attend to answer any questions of the Committee.

To consider an application received from St Thomas’ CE Primary School for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £386.57 from Heatons North ward allocation only towards the cost of replacing ‘road closed’ signs with seven bespoke “School Street” signs, which include the closure times and make it clear to those who are walking/wheeling/scooting that they are welcome to pass through.

(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 in order that as to delay consideration of the application would place the applicant at a significant disadvantage in the progression of their activity.)

Kathy England attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of St Thomas’ CE Primary School for a grant of £386.57 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget from Heatons North ward allocation only towards the cost of replacing ‘road closed’ signs with seven bespoke “School Street” signs, which include the closure times and make it clear to those who are walking/wheeling/ scooting that they are welcome to pass through.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from St Thomas’ CE Primary School for a grant of £386.57 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget from Heatons North ward allocation only towards the cost of replacing ‘road closed’ signs with seven bespoke “School Street” signs, which include the closure times and make it clear to those who are walking/wheeling/ scooting that they are welcome to pass through.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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

A 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 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 and Democratic Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Remodelling and extension of existing church building with associated parking and external works.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC/091386 for the remodelling and extension of existing church building with associated parking and external works,

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 planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

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.

It was reported that since the publication of the agenda, there had been a number of updates to the report as follows:-

·       That the appeal relating to Queens Drive, Heaton Moor had been withdrawn.

·       Regarding 5 Hibbert Street, Reddish that the appeal had been allowed and the enforcement quashed.

·       Regarding Elsa Waste Paper Ltd, that the conditions had been complied with including the planning and enforcement notices.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on CAN Seed funding applications to date, and provides details of applications for which decisions must be made by ward Members.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the applications made to their Ward which are itemised subsequently. Decisions must be made in agreement with other Members of that ward. Decisions can include:

·       Application funded in full

·       Application funded with revised amount

·       Application not funded

Officer contact: Nick Leslie by email at nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on CAN Seed funding applications to date and providing details of applications for which decisions must be made by ward Members.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the report and the familiar community groups applying for the funding which reflected on the community relationships.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the information being shared with communities relating to the criteria and funding amounts being allocated.

·         The Committee was informed that the funding had to be spent before the 28 February 2025.

·         It was stated that there was no clear geographical link to the “Marbury Road Edible Garden” in Heatons South and as there was no consultation with ward councillors the funding would not be approved.

·         There was a discussion relating to sharing the outstanding funding of £225 from the Heatons South ward for ‘Marbury Road Edible Garden’ among the remaining three wards and increasing their allocation to £300 each.

·         Members requested updates on the progress of funding applications and the projects.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the following funding applications for the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Funds:-

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details for the proposed highway maintenance scheme on Gorton Road, Reddish relating to footway surfacing from Longford Road to Somers Road at a cost of £7,000.

The Area Committee is asked to support the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work. 

Officer contact: Simon Sherry, 0161 474 2420 or by email at simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) relating to a proposed highway maintenance scheme to be funded by this Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget at a cost of £7,000.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the proposed Highway Maintenance scheme on Gorton Road, Reddish North – footway surfacing from Longford Road to Somers Road at a cost of £7,000 from the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget and authorises the Director of Place Management to order the work.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons.

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3207 or email: charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

The Area Committee eas invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Development & Regeneration (Place) can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Heatons North – Councillor David Sedgwick

Heatons South – Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick

Reddish North – Councillor Rachel Wise

Reddish South – Councillor Liz Crix

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on Outside Bodies.

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206, charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED – that the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2024/2025:-

Prescotts Charity

Councillor James Frizzell

Councillor Gary Lawson

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.