Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 29 July 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

There were no Chair’s announcements.

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.

It was commented that although a representative of Greater Manchester Police was not in attendance at the meeting, members were in regular contact with the Police raising issues.

Members congratulated Chief Superintendent John Webster on his recent promotion and wished him all the best in his next placement.

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.

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

·       Peel Moat Open Space.

·       Heaton Moor Bowling Green fencing.

·       The removal of the grass verge on Knutsford Avenue.

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

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

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

Two petitions were submitted as follows:-

·       A petition was submitted by Peter Appleby with 523 signatures relating to a request to have Peel Moat Open Space playground and trim trial designated as a Local Green Space and the current developable designation is removed.

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

·       A petition was submitted by Wendy Shepherd with 295 signatures relating to a request for an Article 4(C4) Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for the conversion of small family homes to small HMOs in Reddish.

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 received from Friends of Shahnameh for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £90 (£45 from Heatons North, £45 from Heatons South) 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 the Friends of Shahnameh for a grant of £90 from the Ward flexibility Funding Budget (£45 from Heatons North, £45 from Heatons South) 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 approval be given to an application received from the Friends of Shahnameh for a grant of £90 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£45 from Heatons North, £45 from Heatons South) 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.

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.

(NOTE: This item was deferred from the 29 July 2024 meeting of the Area Committee).

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

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for a grant of £111.76 (£27.94 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

Paul Lomas attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for a grant of £111.76 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£27.94 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for an increased grant of £190 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£30 from Heatons North, £30 from Heatons South, £100 from Reddish North and £30 from Reddish South) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from The Friends of Darley Street for a grant of £260 (Heatons South ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a lawn mower and grass strimmer, for maintenance of the community garden and to encourage a range of insects and wildlife.

Peter Preston attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of The Friends of Darley Street for a grant of £260 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Heatons South ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a lawn mower and grass strimmer, for maintenance of the community garden and to encourage a range of insects and wildlife.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from The Friends of Darley Street for a grant of £260 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Heatons South ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a lawn mower and grass strimmer, for maintenance of the community garden and to encourage a range of insects and wildlife.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Reddish Angling Club for a grant of £882 (Reddish North ward allocation only) towards the cost of acquiring a waste skip, for the disposal of a range of materials whilst maintenance and improvement work is undertaken on the pond and surrounding areas.

Sion Howells attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Reddish Angling Club for a grant of £882 (Reddish North ward allocation only) towards the cost of acquiring a waste skip, for the disposal of a range of materials whilst maintenance and improvement work is undertaken on the pond and surrounding areas.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Reddish Angling Club for a grant of £882 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Reddish North ward allocation only) towards the cost of acquiring a waste skip, for the disposal of a range of materials whilst maintenance and improvement work is undertaken on the pond and surrounding areas.

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. 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 of Existing Buildings and Structures and Erection of 9 Dwellings (use class C3) with associated car parking and landscaping.

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/091778 for the demolition of Existing Buildings and Structures and Erection of 9 Dwellings (use class C3) with associated car parking and landscaping.

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.

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 Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods.

The report provides an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme. It shares information on progress across the programme since the last update in January 2024 with steps for key elements to become operational and integration of practise to take place.

The Area Committee is recommend to:-

(a)  Note the report and engage in upcoming Neighbourhood Network meetings.

(b)  Comment on the programme as it continues to develop.

(c)  Request further updates on the programme at a frequency to be agreed.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson | 07800 617 588 | carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       The report was welcomed and the area breakdowns were very useful and highlighted the polarisation in the borough and within the Neighbourhood Areas themselves.

·       Members commented that the information would allow them to work more effectively to serve their communities and local area and could allow public services to be targeted more effectively.

·       It was questioned how the seven areas had been drawn up, in response it was commented that the Neighbourhood areas were in alignment with Area Committee Boundaries.

·       Members expressed interest in attending the scheduled sessions available to better understand how to use the prescribed tools.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance.

As part of its work programme, the Constitution Working Party has been examining the current range of delegations to area committees and other associated matters. This follows a request made by the Working Party that further consideration be given to:-

(a)      the remit of area committees including models of area governance implemented in other localities;

(b)      the current workload of area committees including agenda and meeting length;

(c)      arrangements for the chairing of area committees; and

(d)      venues for area committees.

The Working Party considered this report and requested that it be submitted to area committees to consult members on their views on the current operation of area committees. 

The comments of area committees will be collated and submitted to the Working Party to assist it in making any recommendations for change.

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

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) examining the current range of delegations to area committees and other associated matters.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and suggested elements of other Area Committee procedures could be adopted to better engage with residents.

·       There may be an inequality in the south of the borough with two and three wards, but often those area committees have more public engagement.

·       Holding the Area Committee meetings in the local area it represents would make them more accessible to residents and allow more local residents to attend, however, it was acknowledged that logistical problems were evident and suitable venues would need to be found.

·       Residents who wished to speak at Area Committee meetings may find the Town Hall inconvenient to travel to and the building and its environment could be intimidating to those wishing to speak.

·       When the feedback is being provided to the Constitution Working Party it would be useful of the associated costs per ward per area committee could be provided in terms of actual physical costs and officer time in comparison to the smaller and larger area committees.

·       Appointment of Area Committee Chair’s should be more equitable.

·       The Heatons and Reddish Area Committee served a larger area with four wards and finding a venue that would be convenient for all residents would present a challenge.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report provides feedback to the Area committee on the comments from Communities and Transport Scrutiny on the CRSTS A6 Corridor improving journeys proposals.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and comment upon the feedback from the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, nick.whelan@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) which provided feedback to the area committee on the comments from Communities and Transport Scrutiny on the CRSTS A6 Corridor improving journeys proposals.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the ongoing consultation with bus drivers and unions.

·       The additional information provided in the report and the inclusion of the view of bus drivers was welcomed.

·       Members expressed thanks to officers for the work that had been completed on the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the cost of a feasibility study on reducing the extent of the green space on Coleridge Road, Reddish to facilitate on-street parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the feasibility study by the Highway Design Team at a cost of £1,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Reddish North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@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) which sought approval for the cost of a feasibility study on reducing the extent of the green space on Coleridge Road, Reddish to facilitate on-street parking.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the officers for their efforts.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the feasibility study by the Highway Design Team at a cost of £1,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Reddish North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for No Waiting At Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) on Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris.

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 Area Committee’s delegated budget (Reddish South ward allocation) and to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to those parts of the Traffic Regulation Order that are within 15 meters of a Strategic Route:

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris (Southern Part)

North West side from a point 11 metres South West of the South Western kerb-line of Wellington Road North for a distance of 12 metres in a South Westerly direction then North Westerly direction for a distance of 87 metres.

Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris (Northern Part)

East side from a point 21 metres South of the South Western kerb-line of Wellington Road North is a Southerly direction for a distance of 104 metres and to tie-in with the aforementioned.

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@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) which sought approval for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) on Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris.

It was commented that the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders would improve access for bin lorries and make it easier for them to collect waste following concerns raised regarding missed collections.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to those parts of the Traffic Regulation Order that are within 15 meters of a Strategic Route.

(2) That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) set out in Appendix A at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Reddish South Delegated Ward Budget and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the legal order can be made as follows: -

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris (Southern Part)

North West side from a point 11 metres South West of the South Western kerb-line of Wellington Road North for a distance of 12 metres in a South Westerly direction then North Westerly direction for a distance of 87 metres.

Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris (Northern Part)

East side from a point 21 metres South of the South Western kerb-line of Wellington Road North is a Southerly direction for a distance of 104 metres and to tie-in with the aforementioned.

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

The report advises members of an objection received to the proposed introduction of parking restrictions on part of Clifton Road and Alan Road, Heaton Moor (Heatons North ward).

The Area Committee is recommended to either:

(a)  Approve the scheme as advertised and commence a new file / investigation into providing restrictions on the opposite side, or

(b)  Approve an upgrade to the scheme upgraded to include extended No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) to protect visibility adjacent to the occupant’s driveway.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a joint report of the Director of Place Management and the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance (copies of which had been circulated) which advised members of an objection received to the proposed introduction of parking restrictions on part of Clifton Road and Alan Road, Heaton Moor (Heatons North ward).

Members welcomed the report and expressed a preference for Option 2 as detailed in the report.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an upgrade to the scheme to include extended ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) to protect visibility adjacent to the occupant’s driveway.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Windmill Lane, Reddish.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the maintenance scheme and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work at a cost of £16,750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Reddish North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Simon Sherry | 0161 474 2420| 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) providing details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Windmill Lane, Reddish.

RESOLVED – That support be given to the maintenance scheme and the Director of Place Management be authorised to order the work at a cost of £16,750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Reddish North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests approval of a 20 mph Zone in Reddish District Centre (Houldsworth Square).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix A to the report and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made to be funded from the generic District Centre budget.

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@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) requesting the approval of a 20 mph Zone in Reddish District Centre (Houldsworth Square).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the removal of the speed cushions and the enforcement of the speed limit with signage.

·       It was noted that given there were schools in the area the 20mph zone was welcomed.

·       Clarification was sought regarding whether there were options to monitor speed on the road. In response, it was commented that here were several options including speed strips.

·       It was commented that the local neighbourhood police officers were proposing to get a ‘speedwatch’ sight in the vicinity to assist with the speeding in the area.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix A to the report and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made to be funded from the generic District Centre budget.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests approval for a Traffic Regulation Order No Waiting At Any Time restrictions on part of Gorton Road, North Reddish.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following order can be made at a cost of £950 to be funded from the Area Committee delegated budget (North Reddish ward allocation):

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Gorton Road, North Reddish

West side from the northern kerb line of Wentworth Road for a distance of 4 metres in a northerly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Gorton Road, North Reddish

West side from the northern kerb line of Wentworth Road for a distance of 62 metres in a northerly direction

Officer contact: Max Townsend | 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@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) approval for a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions on part of Gorton Road, North Reddish.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following order can be made at a cost of £950 to be funded from the Area Committee delegated budget (North Reddish ward allocation):

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Gorton Road, North Reddish

West side from the northern kerb line of Wentworth Road for a distance of 4 metres in a northerly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Gorton Road, North Reddish West side from the northern kerb line of Wentworth Road for a distance of 62 metres in a northerly direction.

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 & 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 area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.