Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Lisa Smart be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Stuart Corris be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 March 2022 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 and Prejudicial Interest

To report that the Deputy Chief Executive has taken urgent action under the Constitution to make a grant of £431 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a street party for the Queen’s Jubilee on Thursday 2nd June 2022, including a self-catered afternoon tea, a live band, quiz and activities.

The decision was taken as urgent action as the event was due to take place in advance of this meeting of the Area Committee and as such, the ordinary approval process could not be followed.

The Chair reported that the Deputy Chief Executive has taken urgent action under the Constitution to make a grant of £431 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a street party for the Queen’s Jubilee on Thursday 2nd June 2022, including a self-catered afternoon tea, a live band, quiz and activities.  It was stated that the decision was taken as urgent action as the event was due to take place in advance of this meeting of the Area Committee and as such, the ordinary approval process could not be followed.

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

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

The Chair reported that a number of events had been held throughout the Werneth area to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee including street parties, the decoration of streets and homes and the closure of Compstall Road to facilitate a large event to celebrate the occasion.

It was noted that the ‘Food on Friday’ event had also made a welcome return to the Romiley following a hiatus during the covid-19 pandemic.

Finally, it was reported that the Romiley Park Fun Day was scheduled to be held on 25 June 2022.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) will attend the meeting to provide an update on neighbourhood policing issues in the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South area.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Roads policing and speeding were highlighted as areas of concern by councillors.

·         In response it was stated that speed initiatives were sometimes organised locally using non-calibrated speed guns.  It was further noted that there were proposals to increase the number of police officers dedicated to policing the highway.

·         It was anticipated that Greater Manchester Police would relaunch the community speedwatch scheme in the near future.

·         Members stated that there was pressure from the community to relax the criteria for the introduction of speed cameras, demonstrated through the submission of a petition to Transport for Greater Manchester.

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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to actions being taken to address issues of speeding in the area and specifically on Sandy Lane, Romiley.

In response it was stated that an update on this matter had been provided as part of the previous Neighbourhood Policing item (see Minute Item 6(ii) above) and the questioner had further received a written response from officers on this matter in advance of the meeting.

·         Relating to the potential for the provision of a community noticeboard in Woodley Precinct.

In response the questioner was thanked for their perseverance in trying to provide a noticeboard within the locality, and local ward councillors confirmed that they would make contact with appropriate officers to pursue this matter further.

·         Relating to whether an update could be provided with regard to reported incidents of vandalism in the Chadkirk/ Otterspool area of Romiley.

Inspector Flavell stated that the police were under an obligation to keep victims of crime updated and undertook to discuss directly with the questioner the details of the incident with a view to providing a detailed update in relation to the progress and outcome of the investigations.

A further question was submitted that was ruled out of order as the Chair was of the view that it related to a quasi-judicial matter, questions relating to which were not permitted under the Public Question Time Code of Practice.

Upon the item resuming, the following further issues were discussed:-

·         The public could contact the police through their regular police surgeries as well as through social media.  However, it was stated that there were there was a specific incident, this should be reported by telephone or using the online crime reporting tool on the Greater Manchester Police website.

·         The police were aware of ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour and crime at Woodley Precinct and had pulled together an operation to have more of a presence there.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the current pause in recruitment for PCSOs while a review of neighbourhood policing was taking place the impact that this was having in certain areas that had seen a number of posts left vacant.

·         It was stated that a ‘Section 60’ notice was in place that gives police the right to search people without reasonable grounds in a defined area at a specific time in response to a number of incidents in the area where a knife had been involved, although there had been no serious injuries.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Shaun Flavell be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

This report updates Members regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021. It provides an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where, and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and providing an overview of how the funding scheme worked, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund had been allocated and where, and how Members could help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Chair suggested that members could be involved in raising awareness in local schools, faith and community groups.

·         In relation to the monitoring and evaluation of schemes, it was stated that while spend was monitored, due to the nature of many of the initiatives that were funded, it was not possible to determine the amount of carbon that had been saved.

·         It was noted that small businesses were excluded from the scope of the scheme, but it was stated that they have a big role to play in reducing carbon and it was suggested that further work needed to be done to ensure that they were fully engaged.

·         Members expressed their thanks and gratitude for the work that had been done in relation to the recent schools climate assembly.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) and 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  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/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Corporate and Support 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 approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of replacement two storey dwellinghouse.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659 or email: mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC084493 for the demolition of existing bungalow and erection of replacement two storey dwellinghouse at 9 High Lane, Woodley,

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 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.

It was noted that the report included a number of planning appeals that fell within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee .

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update in relation to the current position regarding ongoing issues with a culvert at Roundcroft, Romiley.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Bredbury Green & Romiley ward councillors in order that an update could be provided in relation to the current position regarding ongoing issues with a culvert at Roundcroft, Romiley.

It was further stated that it was not, at this stage, possible to bring forward a detailed report on the matter, however the following statement was provided to the meeting:-

“The Council is in the process of receiving additional external legal advice following contact from the residents and once that has been received in full and a way forward agreed, a meeting will be held with directly affected residents. 

“What we can say at the moment, without waiving the privilege that attaches to the legal advice is that, the Council is satisfied that it has sufficient evidence to take enforcement action in relation to the service of a notice requiring the landowners to demonstrate the condition of the culvert and restore the flow, given that they have failed to comply with the notice. I wish to reiterate however, that the council remains willing and ready to work together with the residents to seek to resolve this matter amicably and without recourse to further legal proceedings.”

The following comments were then made/ issue raised:-

·         This was a deeply frustrating issue for local residents who had not seen significant progress.

·         All parties were urged to find a way to a solution.

·         The proposal to engage with local residents was welcomed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That the item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Area Committee in order that a further update could be provided in relation to progress on this matter.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulations Orders on Annable Road, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval 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 £910 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation):-

Proposed (TRO) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’

Annable Road – North Side

From the projected building line of properties No. 10 & 12 for a distance of 16 metres in a north westerly direction.

Annable Road – South Side

From a point 15 metres north west of the projected building line of properties Nos. 2 & 4 for a distance of 11 metres first in a north westerly, then south westerly direction.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulations Orders on Annable Road, Bredbury.

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 £910 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation):-

Proposed (TRO) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’

Annable Road – North Side

From the projected building line of properties No. 10 & 12 for a distance of 16 metres in a north westerly direction.

Annable Road – South Side

From a point 15 metres north west of the projected building line of properties Nos. 2 & 4 for a distance of 11 metres first in a north westerly, then south westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulations Orders on Lansdowne Road, Romiley.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval 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 £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Lansdowne Avenue, Romiley

Both Sides: From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Compstall Road for a distance of 10 meters in a south easterly direction.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulations Orders on Lansdowne Road, Romiley.

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 £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Lansdowne Avenue, Romiley

Both Sides: From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Compstall Road for a distance of 10 meters in a south easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the redecoration of benches and planters at Romiley Precinct.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the redecoration of 8 no. benches and 3 no. planters at Romiley Shopping Precinct including the preparation and varnishing of timber elements and also preparation and painting of metal elements at a cost of £3,345 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

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 Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the redecoration of benches and planters at Romiley Precinct.

Members expressed their thanks to those volunteers in the local community who gave up their time to manage the planting within the planters in the centre of Romiley.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the redecoration of 8 no. benches and 3 no. planters at Romiley Shopping Precinct including the preparation and varnishing of timber elements and also preparation and painting of metal elements at a cost of £3,345 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and agree whether it wished to make an allocation from its Delegated Budget towards the provision of additional bulb planting within its area.

Officer contact: Peter Cooke on 0161 474 4851 or email: peter.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

It was stated that while members agreed in principle with the proposal to provide an element of funding from the Delegated Budget to bulb planting schemes, it would be necessary to see the detail of such schemes before funding was committed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application received from the Friends of Romiley Park to hold their annual Fun Day event at Romiley Recreation Ground on Saturday 25th June 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from the Friends of Romiley Park to hold their annual Fun Day event at Romiley Recreation Ground on Saturday 25th June 2022

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol is attached for information.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons in accordance with the Protocol.

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

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED - That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward

Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Bredbury and Woodley                   - Councillor Sue Thorpe

Bredbury Green & Romiley             - Councillor Angie Clark

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

The report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on Outside Bodies.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 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) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2022/2023:-

Barrack Hill Educational Trust

Councillor Stuart Corris

Councillor Lisa Smart

Civic Hall, Woodley User Group Management Committee

Councillor Stuart Corris

Councillor Vince Shaw

Councillor Sue Thorpe

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Lisa Smart.

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at her request.

The Chair stated that while such an item did not traditionally form part of the agenda for area committee meetings, it may be useful for the committee to set out its intentions for programmed items of business at the commencement of the municipal year.

The following suggested items for consideration were then proposed:-

·         Culvert at Roundcroft, Romiley.

·         The future of the Chadkirk Country Estate.

·         Discharge of sewage into local waterways.

RESOLVED – That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) be requested to programme the above items into the schedule of meetings for the 2022/23 municipal year.

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.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Further information was requested with regard to progress on the implementation of dropped crossings on Vernon Road, Bredbury.

·         An update was requested on the undertaking of a feasibility study to allow the installation of a right turn filter from Berrycroft Lane into Barrack Hill.

·         Clarification was requested on the current status of Mayor’s Challenge Fund bids within the area committee’s area.

·         It was noted that the Pegasus crossing on Stockport Road West had not yet become operational.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application received from the Friends of Chadkirk to hold the Chadkirk Well Dressing Event at Chadkirk Country Estate on Saturday 30th July 2022 from 12 noon until 5pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the organiser providing: the event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 as the event the subject of the application was due to take place in advance of the next scheduled meeting of the Area Committee).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Friends of Chadkirk to hold the Chadkirk Well Dressing Event at Chadkirk Country Estate on Saturday 30th July 2022 from 12 noon until 5pm

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the organiser providing: the event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances.