Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 October 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.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair extended the thanks of the Area Committee to the TLC refuse collection team for their work in icy conditions earlier in the day.

The Chair then thanked all of those who had been involved in making the arrangements for, and participated in, the Remembrance Day services at Bredbury and Romiley war memorials on Sunday, 14 November 2021. 

The Chair commented that it had been noted that there was a lack of disabled access at the Bredbury War Memorial that may contribute to it being unable to wholly fulfil its commemorative purpose for all sectors of society.  It was stated that local councillors would be undertaking further work with officers to assess the feasibility of making improvements in this area.

The Chair then referred to the forthcoming Christmas period and stated that a number of events were due to be held in the area including a carol service held by the Stockport Sea Cadets Unit at Pear Mill on 16 December 2021 at 7.30 pm; Christmas concerts held by Chadkirk Chapel on 12 and 18 December 2021; and performances of Mickey’s Christmas Adventure by NK Theatre Arts at the Forum Theatre.

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.

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.

A representative of Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the United Stockport Circuit for £1,050 (£100 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service over Christmas.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the United Stockport Circuit for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service over Christmas.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from the United Stockport Circuit for a grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service over Christmas.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & 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 Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration 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/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of fencing.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Karyn Clarke on 0161 474 3551 or email: karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/080160 for the erection of fencing at Romiley Allotments (Birch Avenue), Romiley, it was

RESOLVED – That planning permisison be granted.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the process with regard to an application for prior approval for the installation of telecommunications equipment on Chichester Road, Romiley.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was stated that the report provided further clarity and understanding on a number of areas members had previously expressed concern over.

·         There would be significant costs incurred by the Council were the mast to be relocated.

·         Amendments had been made to the Council’s systems to ensure that future such errors would not occur.

·         Members expressed their disappointment at the position that residents had found themselves in and that they were understandably angry and frustrated.

·         It was commented that the approach of Hutchison 3G UK had been particularly disappointing.

·         There needed to be closer working between the planning, highways and legal teams within the Council to provide a more coordinated approach to issues such as this.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) (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.

This report provides details of the revised scheme for the junction of Sandy Lane with Compstall Road. The revised scheme proposes that the roundabout is omitted and the junction remains as a priority junction.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration gives approval to the implementation of the revised layout shown on the drawing listed in Appendix C.

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 proposed revisions to the approved ‘Romiley District Centre Improvements’ scheme, with specific regard to the junction of Sandy Lane and Compstall Road.

It was reported that the revised scheme proposed that the previously approved roundabout be omitted and the junction remain as a priority junction following the undertaking of traffic modelling that had not demonstrated that there would be sufficiently improved operational performance through the modified roundabout junction over the existing layout to warrant the cost of the intervention. 

It was further commented that while it was proposed that the junction remains as a priority junction, it would include the widening of the carriageway on the west wide of Sandy Lane to allow for the pedestrian refuge to be widened to 2.4m.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the implementation of the revised layout of the junction of Sandy Lane and Compstall Road, Romiley as detailed in the report and as shown in the drawing listed in Appendix C to the report.

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

Work has started on a Greater Manchester wide programme to make journeys on foot or by bike easier and more attractive. Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner has unveiled an innovative new plan to create a city region wide cycling and walking network that includes Stockport. The Bee Network will consist of more than 1800 miles of routes and will be the largest joined up system of walking and cycling routes in the UK.

In support of this ambition, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has allocated £160 million to the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund. This has been made possible thanks to the national government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is investing in public and sustainable transport to improve productivity and spread prosperity. In Stockport a number of schemes have been developed one of which is the Romiley to Stockport Walking and Cycling Route.

This report provides results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) Romiley to Stockport Walking and Cycling Route proposals, in particular by reducing traffic speeds, improving walking and cycling facilities and providing better crossing points of the main road and at side roads.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration gives approval the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in Appendix B to the report and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders.

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 the results of a consultation on the ‘Mayor’s Challenge Fund Romiley to Stockport Walking and Cycling Route’ proposals, in particular by reducing traffic speeds, improving walking and cycling facilities and providing better crossing points of the main road and at side roads.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The pegasus crossing installed on Stockport Road had not yet been switched as work remained ongoing by GMUTC to provide electricity to the lights.

·         Improvements to the surfacing of Dark Lane were proposed as part of the scheme which may include flexi-pave.

·         The scheme was ambitious and would include several bids for funding to complete it in its entirety.

·         It was noted that there had been a significant response to the consultation and residents were thanked for their contributions.

·         As many tress as possible would be retained in the development of the scheme, and where it was necessary to remove trees, these would be replaced on a two-for-one basis.

·         The Council would work with residents impacted by the scheme to ensure the impact of the proposals were minimised and that they would retain access to driveways.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in Appendix B to the report and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the MCF Capital Fund.

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

The report details the findings from a consultation exercise with affected residents for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time' and 20mph Limit on Stockport Road West, Elm Tree Road and adjacent roads, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport approves the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order(s) (TRO) set out in Appendix A 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 £3,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings from a consultation exercise with affected residents for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time' and 20mph Limit on Stockport Road West, Elm Tree Road and adjacent roads, Bredbury.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order(s) (TRO) set out 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 £3,500 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 an application for the use of Daisy Fields on Sunday, 26 June 2022 between 9.00a.m.-12.30p.m as part of a wider application for the Stockport Active Weekend Event.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@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 an application for the use of Daisy Fields on Sunday, 26 June 2022.  It was stated that the proposed approval was to be considered as part of a wider application for the Stockport Active Weekend Event which also included the use of Woodbank Memorial Park and Vernon Park that were the subject of separate applications to the Central Stockport and Stepping Hill area committees.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained.

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

It was commented that members were discussing with officers the prioritisation of the outstanding traffic schemes detailed in the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.