Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 June 2021 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.

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 reported that Stockport’s ‘Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail’ was taking place between 24 July and 26 September 2021 at locations throughout the town centre; and this year this was joined by a further 17 frog installations at locations throughout the borough including the ‘Baker Frog’ in Woodley Precinct and the ‘Theatre Frog’ at Romiley Precinct.  The Chair stated that the locations of all 17 of the frogs could be found on the One Stockport website.

It was further reported that councillors surgeries were shortly due to recommence after being held in abeyance during the coronavirus pandemic.  It was stated that social distancing measures would still be in place, and attendees, where they felt comfortable in doing so, would be encouraged to use face masks as remained the case in civic buildings. 

The Chair then reported that Chadkirk Chapel had recently been opened to the public for the first time in almost two years in connection with the well-dressing event.  It was stated that a piece of craft work was currently available for members of the public to view outside the Chapel.

Finally, it was confirmed that the public consultation on proposals for the Romiley to Stockport Walking & Cycling Route had been extended by a further week and was now due to close on 8 August 2021.

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 in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice.

Two public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to proposed traffic regulation orders in Romiley District Centre and what consideration the Council had given to noise generated by any proposed speed tables and whether the existing temporary measures implemented in the district centre would be removed.

In response, it was stated that it would not be appropriate to make detailed comments on the propose scheme at this stage in proceedings as the matter was due to be considered later on the agenda for the meeting, however it was noted that the proposals within the report now recommended that there be no speed tables included within the scope of the scheme.

·         Relating to the erection of a 5G telecommunications mast on Chichester Road, Romiley and the failure of the Council to refuse the prior approval application in advance of the statutory deadline.

In response, it was stated that the Council believed that it had determined the prior approval application within the statutory timeframe and refused permission for the erection of the Monopole and equipment cabinets at Chichester Road.  Following the issuing of the refusal, it received notification from  the operator that the decision had been issued a day out of time and therefore has claimed that the development has planning permission granted by the operation of the Order.  Further checks were undertaken and it became apparent that the application start date was wrongly calculated by the Council’s system. 

The Council are looking into all available legal options pertinent to the development including powers under Highways legislation to see what powers are available to prevent the works continuing.  In addition, the Deputy Chief Executive  has written to the Chief Executive of Hutchison 3G UK Ltd and their Agent Sinclair Dalby expressing its concern at the apparent disregard for both the Local Authority and local residents.

It was stated that the Council would endeavour to keep residents informed of progress in this matter.

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

No petition were submitted.

The Area Committee will receive a brief presentation on the proposed approach to engagement on the Local Plan.

Amy Beasley (Service Manager Local Plan and Place Shaping) attended the meeting to provide a brief presentation to the area committee on the proposed approach to engaging with communities and stakeholders as the Local Plan was developed and seeking input on further opportunities to engage with local communities.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that there were a lot of hard to reach groups in the borough.

·         The Council was working with the Mayor’s nominated charity, Sector3, to try and ensure full participation amongst those groups the Council might otherwise struggle to engage with.

·         It was important that when possible, face-to-face engagement took place.

·         Specific engagement needed to place within those communities and groups that may be hyper-vigilant to the proposal that may come forward within the final Local Plan document in the light of their experience of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

·         Libraries and leisure centres were excellent platforms for engagement and it was suggested that the use of static displays ay be a useful way to generate interest.

·         It was commented that the views of children and young people needed to captured as part of this process.

RESOLVED – That Amy Beasley be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider an application received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant of £1,050 (£100 from this Area Committee) from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation.

It was commented that the area committee had received a number of applications so far this year for funding that related to activities across the borough rather than being specific to the Werneth area.  It was suggested that the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance should give further consideration to alternative funding for such applications in the future.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant of £100 towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation.

There are currently no applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

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

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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) 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 Werneth Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal for the planting of four trees in verges at the University Estate, Woodley.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the planting of four trees in verges at the University Estate, Woodley at a cost of £1,128.00 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Anthony Crook on 474-4572 or email anthony.crook@stockport.gov.yk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the planting of four trees in verges at the University Estate, Woodley.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the planting of four trees in verges at the University Estate, Woodley at a cost of £1,128.00 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal for improvements to the security at Werneth School with the installation of a new security fence.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the making of a contribution of £5,000 towards the cost of providing security fencing at Werneth School to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for improvements to the security at Werneth School with the installation of a new security fence.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the making of a contribution of £5,000 towards the cost of providing security fencing at Werneth School to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a number of objections received to proposed Traffic regulation Orders in Romiley District Centre.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the package of recommendations detailed in the report that also includes some amendments to the original scheme.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of objections received to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders in Romiley District Centre.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members asked to be updated on the timescale for the removal of the existing temporary speed cushions within the district centre.

·         The consideration given to structures underlying the road as part of these measures was welcomed.

·         It was noted that there were a number of blocked gullies in the Romiley area that impact of which may have been exacerbated through the construction of ‘levees’.

·         The introduction of measures that made it easier for people to walk and cycle was welcomed.

·         It was stated that these measures formed only the first phase of proposals for the district centre.

·         Officers were thanks for their work with local councillors and residents to bring forward the proposals in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member (Sustainable Stockport) be recommended to give approval to the package of recommendations detailed in Section 7 of the report that also included some amendments to the original scheme.

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

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on Area Flexibility Funding.

It was commented that members had received email correspondence asking that they temporarily pause the submission of new highways schemes because of capacity issues and to allow for the clearing of the existing backlog of work. 

Members expressed concern that such a proposal may lead to the development of a further backlog of schemes that would need to be worked through once the existing backlog was cleared.  Concern was also expressed that many of the issues received by members are safety related and may not therefore be appropriate to be held back.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Cabinet be asked to ensure that the highways department have the resources necessary to enable officers to catch up and complete any current backlog of work and continue to be able to undertake any new projects in all wards across the borough.