Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 December 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.

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed local residents of the following:

·       The 'Call for Sites’ which had been ongoing since December 2024 was reported to be ending Sunday 2 February 2025. The 'Call for Sites’ was part of the work being undertaken to develop a new Local Plan for Stockport, with the council asking residents to identify land or sites they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. A ‘Call for Sites’ exercise was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest land or buildings within Stockport for development, a change to alternative uses or to protect land or buildings for their existing use.

·       The Council was involved in the Government Design Code Pathfinder Programme. The Stockport Design Code website has been set up and early engagement has commenced which will run until Friday 21 February 2025. Everyone who lives, works or visits Stockport is invited to take part.

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 to be raised.

Members expressed their best wishes to the Police Officer, her fmaily and colleagues injured in an incident which occurred the previous weekend at Cheadle Royal.

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 power and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted, relating to the removal of trees on Heaton Mersey Common.

It was commented that removal of the trees and the reasons for this could have been communicated better to residents.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be 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.

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 received from Autisk for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1,000 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of inclusive SEND sessions and activities in the area to help give the children a place to go that is safe, non-judgemental and inclusive.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk for a grant of £1,000 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of inclusive SEND sessions and activities in the area to help give the children a place to go that is safe, non-judgemental and inclusive.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Autisk for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of inclusive SEND sessions and activities in the area to help give the children a place to go that is safe, non-judgemental and inclusive.

To consider an application received from Centre Stage Drama Group for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £500 (£250 from Reddish North and £250 from Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of portable lighting, costumes and head mics for use in productions.

Dorothy Ashworth attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Centre Stage Drama Group for a grant of £500 (£250 from Reddish North and £250 from Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of portable lighting, costumes and head mics for use in productions.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Centre Stage Drama Group for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from Reddish North and £250 from Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of portable lighting, costumes and head mics for use in productions.

To consider an application received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £1000 (£47 from Heatons North, £47 from Heatons South, £47 from Reddish North and £47 from Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47 from Heatons North, £47 from Heatons South, £47 from Reddish North and £47 from Reddish South ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

RESOLVED - That the application be deferred to the next meeting and clarification be sought from the applicant regarding the organisation’s safeguarding/child protection policies relating to this event.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

A representative of the Director for Place Management attended the Committee to present the report and answer questions from Members.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Clarification was sought regarding the methodology that was adopted to identify the car parks. In response, it was stated that there was a criteria applied relating to the number of spaces in a car park, proximity to districts and local centres, rail and commuter sites, risk of displacement onto nearby residential streets and car parks, approximate costs and benefit of timescales for implementation, operational justifications, proximity to parks and green spaces and aligning charges with other nearby chargeable car parks.

·       Members expressed disappointment with the process that had taken place and were of the opinion that the proposals had not been fully scrutinised.

·       It was commented that there were two tranches referred to in the report with the main difference being that a decision needed to be made relating to those car parks that are to be paid for and those not to be paid for with tranche one becoming operational during the last two months of this financial year.

·       Members enquired about the likely cost to install a payment machine in the car parks and the possible forecast on the financial returns on an individual car park. It was noted that the purpose of sharing the report was to generate comments and suggestions and to feed it back to the cabinet members. At this stage there was no breakdown of the costs and returns, but that would be provided to members in due course.

·       It was noted that a more detailed report should be forthcoming to members and for scrutiny to take place of those decisions taken in respect to the car parking charges.

·       Concerns were raised relating to the pressures the changes to car parks may have on parking in the surrounding areas.

·       Members commented they had been in contact with residents to resolve parking issues and that the wider area should be considered.

·       It was noted that difficult decisions were being taken relating to budgets and it was important to listen to the views of members and provide feedback going forward.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge. This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP. This report details proposals in relation to the Derby Range.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

A representative of the Director for Place Management attended the Committee to present the report and answer questions from Members.

The report detailed proposals in relation to Heatons North – Derby Range Car Park.

There were no comments.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge. This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP. This report details proposals in relation to the Didsbury Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

A representative of the Director for Place Management attended the Committee to present the report and answer questions from Members.

The report detailed proposals in relation to Heatons South – Didsbury Road Car Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       In Heaton Mersey there were actually 20 on-road free car parking spaces and the concern was what would happen to those free car parking spaces.

·       Local residents would prefer to use those free car parking spaces than paid car parking spaces.

·       Ward Councillors have used ward budgets to invest over the years to improve the situation in the car parking vicinity and providing the charging proposals were to proceed then this would displace all the good work that has been done and possibly make the problem worse.

·       A review has already been requested in the vicinity of Green Bank Avenue outside the Doctor’s Surgery, as there were people who park in that area who have mobility and physical needs and need to park closely including the scout hut.

·       Bollards have already been installed on Didsbury Road to stop selfish parking and to avoid further displacement to neighbours nearby.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge. This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP. This report details proposals in relation to Ashbrook Lane, Margaret Street and Rupert Street.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

A representative of the Director for Place Management attended the Committee to present the report and answer questions from Members.

The report detailed proposals in relation to Reddish North – Ashbrook Lane, Margaret Street and Rupert Street.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Concern was expressed regarding the Margaret Street car park as it was next to Leamington Court which was a big social housing block and was also near to the conservation area.

·       Anything that would cause an impact on parking around the area and has potential to cause problems to the pavements and cobbled streets was a concern.

·       There were a lot of terraced houses without driveways in the vicinity and visitors to those residents make use of the free car parking.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

No development applications were submitted.

No Development applications were submitted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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.

The report provides information relating to a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and asks the Committee to determine if the asset should be added to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve that Peel Moat Open Space (the Asset) be determined as an Asset of Community Value if it meets those criteria set out in the Localism Act 2011 as summarised in paragraph 3.1 of this report.

Officer contact: Alima Ahmed -Zaman | 07356182688 | alima.ahmed-zaman@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information in relation to a nomination received and to determine whether to include Peel Moat Open Space on the list of Assets of Community Value.

Members thanked the Friends of Peel Moat Open Space for the work that had been carried out at the site.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the addition of Peel Moat Open Space to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides information relating to a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and asks the Committee to determine if the asset should be added to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve that Florence Street Green Space (the Asset) be determined as an Asset of Community Value if it meets those criteria set out in the Localism Act 2011 as summarised in paragraph 3.1 of this report.

Officer contact: Alima Ahmed -Zaman | 07356182688 | alima.ahmed-zaman@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information in relation to a nomination received and to determine whether to include Florence Street Open Space on the list of Assets of Community Value.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the addition of Florence Street Open Space to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in this area. 

The Area Committee is asked to consider the applications and to either approve in full, approve a revised amount or refuse the application.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in this area.

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

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director for Governance.

The report informs the committee members of objections received to the proposed introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) in parts of Heaton Moor near St Thomas CE Primary School.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the order as advertised with the objectors to be informed of the decision.

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a joint report of the Director of Place Management and the Assistant Director for Governance (copies of which had been circulated) informing the committee members of objections received to the proposed introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) in parts of Heaton Moor near St Thomas CE Primary School.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the order to be made as advertised of the proposed introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) in parts of Heaton Moor near St Thomas CE Primary School with the objectors to be informed of the decision.

To consider a repot of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides results of a consultation process on the Vauxhall Industrial Estate project, including proposals for introducing traffic calming measures in South Reddish on Greg Street. The scheme aims to ensure that the development is accessible by sustainable modes of transport and occupiers and visitors to the development are encouraged and enabled to travel to the development using sustainable modes of transport.

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

Office contact: Nick Whelan | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing results of a consultation process on the Vauxhall Industrial Estate project, including proposals for introducing traffic calming measures in South Reddish on Greg Street. The scheme aims to ensure that the development is accessible by sustainable modes of transport and occupiers and visitors to the development are encouraged and enabled to travel to the development using sustainable modes of transport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       That the inclusion of cycle lanes in the scheme would have been welcomed.

·       Members suggested that residents would likely request further traffic calming measures in the surrounding area.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in Appendix B and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval of the ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on parts of Haigh Park and Haigh Avenue in South Reddish.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders at a cost of £1,000 (to be funded from the delegated South Reddish Ward Budget).and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

No Waiting at Any Time:

Haigh Avenue

West side from a point 10 metres North of the Northern Kerb line of Haigh Park in a Southerly direction to a point 10 metres South of the Southern kerb line of Haigh Park.

Haigh Park

North side from the Western kerb line of Haigh Avenue for a distance of 10 metres in a Westerly direction (to tie-in with the aforementioned on Haigh Avenue).

South side from the Western kerb line of Haigh Avenue in a Westerly direction to the start of the Turning Head (a distance of 138 metres and to tie-in with the aforementioned on Haigh Avenue).

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval of the ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on parts of Haigh Park and Haigh Avenue in South Reddish.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders at a cost of £1,000 (to be funded from the delegated South Reddish Ward Budget) and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

No Waiting at Any Time:

Haigh Avenue

West side from a point 10 metres North of the Northern Kerb line of Haigh Park in a Southerly direction to a point 10 metres South of the Southern kerb line of Haigh Park.

Haigh Park

North side from the Western kerb line of Haigh Avenue for a distance of 10 metres in a Westerly direction (to tie-in with the aforementioned on Haigh Avenue).

South side from the Western kerb line of Haigh Avenue in a Westerly direction to the start of the Turning Head (a distance of 138 metres and to tie-in with the aforementioned on Haigh Avenue).

 To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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 area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.