Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 August 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 August 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 interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

The Chair reported that the Corporate Director for Corporate Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive had taken urgent action under the constitution to give approval to an application from Woodley and Bredbury Community Neighbours for a grant of £461 from the Werneth Area Committee’s Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of providing a new noticeboard at Woodley Precinct.

The decision was taken as urgent action as the applicant needed to urgently obtain planning permission for the noticeboard to secure additional grant monies to facilitate the final provision of the noticeboard.

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

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

The Chair extended her thanks to the residents of Roundcroft, Romiley for the constructive meeting had recently taken place to try and address the ongoing issues with a culvert that was causing issues of flooding within the locality. 

It was further reported that there was an active travel consultation taking place in relation to proposals to link Woodley to Bredbury Park Way and residents were encouraged to get involved and contribute to the consultation.

Finally, it was reported that the Friends of Romiley Station had been shortlisted for a national award for their redevelopment of a derelict plot of land into new garden to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee.

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 the factors used to determine who will be affected by proposed traffic regulations orders and who will consequently be consulted.

The Chair responded that the list of consultees was generally determined by proximity to the proposed traffic regulation orders and it was requested that a copy of the council’s consultation policy be sent to the questioner.

·         Relating to the designation of ‘Quiet Lanes’ and the apparent inconsistent approach to such designations.

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

·         Relating to the criteria used to prioritise the introduction of pedestrian safety and access measures.

In response, it was stated that the Council and local councillors responded to requests received from local residents for the introduction of new traffic and pedestrian safety measures which were in many cases funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget. 

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioner in writing in relation to the identification of locations for the introduction of tactile paving.

A further three public questions were submitted that related to Agenda Items 7 – ‘Objection Report - Stockport Road West - Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time', 8 – ‘Objection Report - Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'Proposed No Waiting At Any Time' on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury’ and 9 – ‘Objection Report - Proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) '20mph Speed Limit' on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury and Surrounding Streets’ and it was agreed to consider the matters raised by the questioner in conjunction with these items.

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

No petitions were submitted.

James Kington (Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management, Stockport Council) will attend the meeting to facilitate a discussion in relation to the future of the Chadkirk Estate.

James Kington (Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to the future of the Chadkirk Estate.

Members of the public in attendance at the meeting were invited to contribute to the discussion and the following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Chapel and the wider Estate needed to be considered as a single entity.

·         Not enough had been done to promote the history of the site.

·         There was insufficient awareness in the locality of the Chapel and the Estate.

·         It was commented that the lack of public transport to the site was a contributory factor preventing access by some residents.

·         Different parts of the Council had responsibility for different elements of the site which had prevent a coordinated approach being taken towards the wider management of the site.

·         Residents valued the peace and tranquillity provided by the Chadkirk Estate.

·         There was a need to embrace an element of commercial use of the site to ensure that it had a sustainable future.

·         It was suggested that there needed to be more waste bins provided.

·         There needed to be a balance between perceived ‘overgrowth’ and vegetation management to ensure the accessibility of paths and footways.

·         It was suggested that the designation of an ‘officer champion’ for the Chadkirk Estate would assist in the better coordination of activities and management of the site.

·         It was further suggested that a plan should be devised for the ongoing management of the Chadkirk Estate.

·         The ongoing work of the Friends of Chadkirk group was commended.

RESOLVED – (1) That James Kington be thanked for his attendance.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services be recommended to develop a plan for the ongoing management of the Chadkirk Estate and to designate an ‘officer champion’.

To consider a presentation of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive.

Communities across Stockport and the UK came together in the earliest days of the COVID pandemic to provide support and neighbourliness, and this continued throughout the pandemic.

Communities then turned their energy towards commemoration of this period; this happened organically and without statutory intervention.  With this in mind, the Council has used a variety of networks to promote the COVID Commemoration Project and a number of proposals have been received from communities across Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and consider the proposals (if any) for projects within the area represented by the Area Committee.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 301 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

Holly Rae (Head of Strategy and Design, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to a number of proposals that had been made by residents as part of the COVID Commemoration Project within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.  It was noted that for the Werneth area, this included a 1m-separated bench in Bredbury Recreation Park and an outdoor mural on a wall of Woodley Precinct.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was suggested that young people could be involved in the design of the mural as way of remembering a time of separation from friends and social interaction.

·         The allocation of funding toward this initiative had been ring-fenced from the Stockport Local Fund.

·         It was important that long term support and maintenance of any scheme was built into the proposal from the outset.

RESOLVED – That the proposed schemes within the Werneth area be endorsed.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Hurricanes Cheerleading Group for a grant of £260 (£240 from Bredbury & Woodley and £20 from Bredbury green & Romiley ward allocations) towards the cost of competition entry fees.

Karen Broadhurst attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Hurricanes Cheerleading Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of competition entry fees.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Hurricanes Cheerleading Group for a grant of £260 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of competition entry fees.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Drawing Board Productions CIC for a grant of £200 (£100 from Bredbury & Woodley and £100 from Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocations) towards the cost of publishing an arts and culture printed supplement for Stockport residents which will include poems, interviews from artists and a list of upcoming events.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Drawing Board Productions CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of publishing an arts and culture printed supplement for Stockport residents which will include poems, interviews from artists and a list of upcoming events.

RESOLVED – That the application from Drawing Board Productions CIC be declined on this occasion on the grounds that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated that the application would benefit residents of the Werneth area.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant of £110 (£55 from Bredbury & Woodley and £55 from Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocations) towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant of £110 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from St Christopher's Primary School Parent & Family Association (PFA) for a grant of £1,266 towards the cost of providing replacement ‘trim trail’ equipment.

(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 in order that the Area Committee could give prompt consideration to the application for funding).

Suzanne Riley attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of St Christopher's Primary School Parent & Family Association (PFA) for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing replacement ‘trim trail’ equipment.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from St Christopher's Primary School Parent & Family Association (PFA) for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing replacement ‘trim trail’ equipment.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services & 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 Corporate & Support Services 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 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 boundary fence and gate to school playing field.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/084419 for the erection of boundary fence and gate to school playing field at Werneth School, Harrytown, Bredbury,

two members of the public spoke against the application for a total of three minutes; and

a representative of the applicant and a member of the public spoke in support of the application for a total of three minutes.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

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 joint report of the Director of Place Management & Regeneration and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report details a number of objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 'No Waiting At Any Time' on Stockport Road West, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the order as advertised.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Director and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of objections to the proposed introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ traffic regulation orders on Stockport Road West, Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services be recommended to make the orders as advertised.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management & Regeneration and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report details a number of objections made in relation to the proposed 'No Waiting At Any Time' Traffic Regulation Order on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the order as advertised.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Director and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of objections to the proposed introduction of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ traffic regulation orders on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury.

RESOLVED - That notwithstanding the objections, the orders be made as advertised.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management & Regeneration and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report details a number of objections made in relation to the proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order ‘20mph Speed Limit’ on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury and Surrounding Streets.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the order as advertised.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Director and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of objections made in relation to the proposed introduction of a Moving Traffic Regulation Order ‘20mph Speed Limit’ on Elm Tree Road, Bredbury and Surrounding Streets.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services be recommended to make the orders as advertised.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The purpose of this report is to present the consultation methodology applied by the Council and the response to the proposals to retain ‘Quiet Lanes’ on Quarry Road, Gilbertbank, High Lane and Werneth Low Road in Romiley, Bredbury and Woodley. The features were introduced as part of a Safe Streets Save Lives campaign to create enhanced opportunity for active travel through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services gives approval to the retention of the Quiet Lanes.

Officer Contact: Eraina Smith on 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the consultation methodology applied by the Council and the response to the proposals to retain ‘Quiet Lanes’ on Quarry Road, Gilbertbank, High Lane and Werneth Low Road in Romiley, Bredbury and Woodley.

It was noted that the features were introduced as part of a ‘Safe Streets Save Lives’ campaign to create enhanced opportunity for active travel through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period.

It was commented that the existing sign at the bottom of Quarry Road was currently facing in the wrong direction and needed to be adjusted appropriately.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services be recommended to give approval to the retention of the Quiet Lanes on Quarry Road, Gilbertbank, High Lane and Werneth Low Road in Romiley, Bredbury and Woodley.

(2) That the Director of Place Management be recommended to give consideration to additional locations where it may be appropriate to designate further Quiet Lanes.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of the consultation exercises and to seek approval for the introduction of a package of Traffic Regulation Orders (Extension of permit holders parking only and associated waiting restrictions) on Church Lane/Colborne Avenue, Romiley (and nearby roads).

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulations Orders detailed at Appendix 1 to the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections, the subsequent making of the orders.

Officer contact: Noel Nhengu by email on noel.nhengu@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of the consultation exercise and to seeking approval for the introduction of a package of Traffic Regulation Orders (Extension of permit holders parking only and associated waiting restrictions) on Church Lane/Colborne Avenue, Romiley (and nearby roads).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the extension of residents permit parking and associated waiting restrictions Traffic Regulations Orders on Church Lane/ Colborne Avenue, Romiley (and nearby roads) as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections, the subsequent making of the orders.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on St Chad’s Drive at the junction with Oakwood Road, to aid accessibility.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on St Chad’s Drive at the junction with Oakwood Road at a cost of £3,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green & Romiley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Gemma Brady by email on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on St Chad’s Drive at the junction with Oakwood Road, to aid accessibility.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on St Chad’s Drive at the junction with Oakwood Road, Romiley at a cost of £3,000 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 outlines the proposed scope for reviewing the issue of sewage pollution in local rivers and waterways.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the report and give approval to the proposed scope as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed scope for reviewing the issue of sewage pollution in local rivers and waterways following a request by the Area Committee that a local scrutiny review be undertaken in respect of this matter.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A number of residents would like to make use of the many waterways that cross the Werneth area, but are prevented or discouraged from doing so in the knowledge that sewage has been discharged into them.

·         It was commented that pollution came from a number of sources, including from farming that was also prevalent in the area.

·         It was suggested that the work of the Area Committee would be aided by participation from external agencies such as United Utilities and the Environment Agency.

·         It was noted that there were some outflows that did not have measuring facilities and such the extent of the problem was in some cases unknown.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed scope of the review as detailed in the report.

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

The report requests the Area Committee to nominate Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Bredbury War Memorial and Romiley War Memorial on 13 November 2022.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 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) requesting the Area Committee to appoint Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Bredbury and Romiley War Memorials on Sunday, 13 November 2022.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following Councillors to lay wreaths on Sunday, 13 November 2022:-

Bredbury War Memorial      - Councillor Lisa Smart

Romiley War Memorial       - Councillor Vince Shaw

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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.