Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 August 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 August 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 the Canal & River Trust would be running two ‘Let’s Walk and Talk’ events on Saturday, 18 September 2021 at 10.30 am and 1.00 pm that would be open to all young men from the community, to give them the chance to connect to other people, and talk and share their thoughts and feelings as well as to enjoy the outdoors and be active.

It was further reported that the Mayor had launched his new mayoral Award Scheme that was designed to acknowledge and thank those residents that had made an outstanding contribution to Stockport. 

The Chair then stated that Arc, a Stockport-based charity focussing on therapeutic art, would be launching an exhibition on 25 September 2021 at Stockport Art Gallery that would feature art that had been created during lockdown.

The Chair then invited Councillor Gordon to address the area committee.

Councillor Gordon reported that he had been made aware that it was proposed that a number of Afghan families would be rehoused within the Bredbury area.  Councillor Gordon stated that it was vitally important that those who had supported British armed forces abroad should be provided with every support and assistance.  However, he expressed concern that ward councillors had not been informed of this in advance so that they were in a position to respond to enquiries from local residents.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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

Philip Vulliamy and Jack Coffin attended the meeting to submit a petition signed by residents of Colborne Avenue, Romiley requesting that the residents permit parking scheme already in operation on adjacent roads to extended to include Colborne Avenue.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Traffic Services for investigation.

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

This report provides all Area Committees with an overview of how Stockport Council are progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit, an online event being held on 9th November 2021, and the CAN Funding, a new funding scheme for microprojects that will directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to

·         comment on the report, including feedback on plans for both the Stockport CAN funding and Climate Summit.

·         submit suggestions for representation and invitation to the climate summit on 9th November.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

Lisa Wright (Programme Manager, Strategy and Design) attended the meeting and made a presentation providing an overview of how Stockport Council was progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit (an online event being held on 9 November 2021) and the CAN Funding which was a new funding scheme for microprojects that would directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The proposal to distribute of funding through area committees was welcomed.

·         Consideration should be given to providing an online carbon calculator tool that would allow residents to calculate the likely impact of any intervention that they proposed.

·         In the eventuality that the funding for a particularly ward was allocated prior to the end of the of the scheme, members could give consideration to allocating additional resource from the ward flexibility budget.

·         It was suggested that an art competition should be run in addition to the planned poetry competition to make the event as inclusive as possible.

·         In response to a query in relation to the kind of groups that might be excluded from the scheme, it was stated that the criteria was still being developed, however it was aimed at being as open as possible.

RESOLVED – That Lisa Wright be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

There were no applications to consider.

There are currently no development 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) & Deputy Chief Executive.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an outline of the process in connection with an application for prior approval for the installation of telecommunications

equipment on Chichester Road, Romiley.

It was reported that there was an error in Section 3.3 of the report which stated that members were not informed until two weeks after the issuing of the decision, when this should have read ‘two months’.

It was further reported that since the publication of the report, the applicant had indicated that they would be prepared to enter into dialogue with the Council in relation to this issue.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was very disappointing for local residents that an error on the part of the Council had led to the developer being able to assume approval.

·         Clarity was requested on the notification of the error to members and whether any other elected members had been appraised of the problem prior to ward councillors being informed.

·         In the light of ongoing discussions between the Council and the applicant, it was stated that it would be helpful for the area committee to continue to receive updates at future meetings on this matter.

·         It was important that the council learned from this error so that it was not replicated elsewhere.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the area committee detailing any further developments that had arisen since this meeting.

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

Following the 6th May 2021 Local and Combined Authority Mayoral Elections, the Elections Office has undertaken a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards, considering feedback provided following the poll.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on and note the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements detailed in the report, and recommend that the Chief Executive gives approval to them.

Officer contact: Caroline Bell on 0161 474 3173 or email: caroline.bell@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) detailing a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards that had been undertaken following the local and Combined Authority Mayoral elections held on 6 May 2021.

RESOLVED – That the Chief Executive be recommended to give approval to the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director Place & Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of traffic regulation orders following concerns at several junctions along Gravel Bank Road where it has been reported that vehicles are parking too close to the junction and obstructing the footway causing safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians using the junction.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the  legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order detailed in Appendix A to the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £935 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Nicole Doxey on 07796921069 or email: nicole.doxey@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 the introduction of traffic regulation orders on Legh Drive and surrounding roads, Woodley following concerns at several junctions along Gravel Bank Road where it had been reported that vehicles were parking too close to the junction and obstructing the footway causing safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians using the junction.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £935 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation):-

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Legh Drive, Woodley

Both sides: From the intersection of western kerb line of Gravel Bank Road, for a distance of 10 meters in a westerly direction.

Davenport Drive, Woodley

Both sides:  From the intersection of the eastern kerb line of Gravel Bank Road, for a distance of 10 meters in an easterly direction.

Werneth Hollow, Woodley

Both sides: From the intersection of the western kerb line of Gravel Bank Road, for a distance of 10 meters in a westerly then south easterly direction.

Hall Lane, Woodley

Both Sides: From the intersection of the north eastern kerb line of Gravel Bank Road, for a distance of 10 meters in a north easterly direction.

Gravel Bank Road, Woodley

East Side: From a point, 10 meters north of the intersection of the northern kerb line of Davenport Drive, to a point 10 meters south of the intersection of the southern kerb line of Davenport Drive.

Gravel Bank Road, Woodley

North East Side: From a point, 10 meters north west of the intersection of the north westerly kerb line of Hall Lane, to a point 10 meters south east of the intersection of the south easterly kerb line of Hall Lane

Gravel Bank Road, Woodley

West Side: From a point, 10 meters north of the intersection of the northern kerb line of Legh Drive, to a point 10 meters south of the intersection of the southern kerb line of Legh Drive.

Gravel Bank Road, Woodley

West Side: From a point, 10 meters north of the intersection of the northern kerb line of Werneth Hollow, to a point 10 meters south of the intersection of the southern kerb line of Werneth Hollow.

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

The report details a proposal for the installation of 2 No bollards on the footway at the Smithy Green, High Lane junction as vehicles are said to be using the footway to pass parked cars.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the installation of 2 No bollards on the footway at the Smithy Green, High Lane junction in Woodley at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Nicole Doxey on 07796921069 or email: nicole.doxey@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 the installation of 2 No. bollards on the footway at the Smithy Green, High Lane junction as vehicles were said to be using the footway to pass parked cars.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of 2 No. bollards on the footway at the Smithy Green, High Lane junction in Woodley at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

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

The report details a proposal to install 2 planters on the footway outside number 21 Alderley Drive, Bredbury in response to reports that vehicles are using the vehicle access crossing point in order to park on the footway outside number 21 behind the wooden posts installed.  This overrunning of the footway and parking manoeuvre is a danger to pedestrians and could potentially damage the surface and utilities underneath thus is not an authorised parking area for vehicles.  

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the installation of 2 planters on the footway outside number 21 Alderley Drive, Bredbury to prevent parking on this section of footway at a cost of £2,250 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@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 to install 2 planters on the footway outside number 21 Alderley Drive, Bredbury in response to reports that vehicles were using the vehicle access crossing point in order to park on the footway outside number 21 behind the wooden posts installed.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the installation of 2 planters on the footway outside number 21 Alderley Drive, Bredbury to prevent parking on this section of footway at a cost of £2,250 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director Place & Deputy Chief Executive.

In August 2020 the cable way play item in Overdale Road Play Area had to be decommissioned for safety, due to a split along the upper weld of one of the uprights. The upright (weld) cannot be repaired. The cable has been removed to prevent the play item from being used. A new support post (with additional leg support) and repair to the access platform is required for the play item to be brought back into use.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the supply and installation of a new cable way post with safer surface repair and repair to the access ramp at a cost of £2,600 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) outlining the circumstances surrounding the removal of the cable on the ‘cable way’ play item in August 2020 and detailing the costs associated with bringing the equipment back into use.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the supply and installation of a new cable way post with safer surface repair and repair to the access ramp at a cost of £2,600 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

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 stated that while the report provided a more comprehensive update on outstanding traffic and highways works within the Werneth area, it was disappointing that for the second consecutive meeting, the report had been published very late which meant that members had limited opportunity to review the information in advance of the meeting.

RESOVLED – That the report be noted.