Agenda and minutes

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

The Vice-Chair reported that, following the resignation of Councillor Lisa Smart from the Council, this created a vacancy in the role of Chair of the Area Committee which was required to be filled.

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

Following the election of Councillor Angie Clark to the role of Chair of the Area Committee, this created a vacancy in the role of Vice-Chair of the Area Committee which was required to be filled.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Rosemary Barratt 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 9 September 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9 September 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interest which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

The Chair thanked Lisa Smart MP for her time and commitment as the Chair of Werneth Area Committee and for her work as a councillor in the Werneth Area. The Chair also welcomed Councillor Rachel Bresnahan as a newly elected member for the Bredbury Green and Romiley Ward and as a member of Werneth Area Committee.

The Chair reported that a new accessible roundabout had been installed in Romiley Park, suitable for use by children with disabilities.

It was further reported that a march organised by Sustainable Romiley and the Romiley Women’s Institute had taken place on Otterspool Road over the weekend of 26 and 27 October 2024 to protest against sewage in rivers. The march had been attended by Councillors Clark and Roberts.

The Chair then confirmed that Romiley Market was scheduled to place on Saturday, 2 November 2024.

It was then stated that this year’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony was due to commence at 2.30 pm on Sunday, 10 November 2024 the at the Romiley War Memorial on Stockport Road, followed by a procession to Bredbury War Memorial where the main ceremony was due to take place at 3.00 pm. The Romiley Women’s Institute was scheduled provide refreshments at Bredbury Library following the service, with the proceeds going to the Royal British Legion. The Chair expressed gratitude to the Romiley Women’s Institute who had provided refreshments on Remembrance Sunday in Bredbury for several years.

Finally, it was stated that a Fair Trade and Eco Christmas Fair was due to take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024 from 10.30 am to 3.00 pm at Stockport Guild Hall, where environmentally friendly and sustainable gifts would be available.

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:-

·         In relation to an advertising board and trailer on the land at Padden Brook.

In accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         In relation to the use of a cycle route through Romiley Park.

In response, it was stated that the Romiley Active Travel scheme was about active travel for all, including cyclists, pedestrians, older residents, school children, those with mobility impairments and commuters. A 20 mph speed limited was proposed on residential roads as part of this scheme. The Active Travel scheme had been designed to make sustainable travel easier for all. Furthermore the scheme had provided funding for the crossings in Romiley as part of the overall Active Travel package.

A supplementary question was asked relating to the enforcement of the speed limit on the part of the cycle path routed through Romiley park in order to ensure the safety of other park users.

In response, it was stated that the cycle route through Romiley Park was linked to the Safe Route to School scheme. It was hoped that all those using cycle paths would be courteous and respectful of those around them. Residents were encouraged to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to the police. Any issues arising as the Active Travel Scheme developed should be reported to local councillors.

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.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application received from St Barnabas Church for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £146.63 towards the cost purchasing decorations for a Christmas fair for the local community.

With the consent of the Area Committee this item was withdrawn.

To consider an application received from Lips Inked Arts CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £400 towards the cost of organising music therapy sessions, supporting anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of Lips Inked Arts CIC for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising music therapy sessions, supporting anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Lips Inked Arts CIC for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising music therapy sessions, supporting anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss.

To consider an application received from Social Events Activities (SEA) for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £70.16 towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of Social Events Activities (SEA) for a grant of £70.16 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Social Events Activities (SEA) for a grant of £70.16 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance 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 Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report seeks the views of the Committee on the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review.

The Area Committee is recommended to give its views on the proposed polling arrangements.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the Area Committee on the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         At the last general election the location of the polling station at Woodley Primary School had been moved from the junior to the infant school. This move had created accessibility issues for some, particularly voters with mobility issues, as there was an extended walk to that part of the school. Members requested additional communication on accessibility to voters using that polling station for future elections.

·         Members commented that a reconsideration of Polling district BR4, currently at the Lisburne School on Guywood Lane, might be necessary as the school had closed and the building was currently empty.

·         At the Bredbury Green & Romiley by-election a polling station had been moved from the Cherry Tree Project Hub causing issues for some residents who had to travel further to vote. Members commented that, ideally residents should be able to vote close to their home.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report sets out the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders connected to the ATF4 Romiley project and seeks approval for the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Orders as originally advertised.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approves the scheme as originally advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allen on 0161 474 3138 or email zoe.allen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders connected to the ATF4 Romiley project and seeking approval for the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Orders as originally advertised.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members noted the ATF4 Romiley Project had been in development for a number of years and that engagement had taken place between Councillors, members of the public, stakeholder groups such as Walk Ride Romiley and council officers.

·         Residents had expressed concern about ten meter junction protections and members asked whether ten metres was necessary.

·         Members were advised that a ten meter junction protection had been recommended to accord with Section 243 of the Highway Code which stated that stopping or parking was not allowed ‘opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space’.

·         Members were also advised that a shorter junction protection order could be legally made and that this had been done in other locations across the borough.

·         A vehicle parked within ten meters of a junction could be deemed to be committing an offence as in contravention of the Highway Code, even in the absence of a TRO. 

·         Members had communicated with residents on the necessity of a TRO at that junction where parking had led to difficulties for passing cars; a shortening of the junction protection was a reasonable compromise.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to make the Order as advertised subject to the amendment of that element of the proposed scheme that related to the introduction of a 'No Waiting at Any Time' traffic regulation order at the, Beech Lane / Church Lane / Chadkirk Road/ Urwick Road junction to reduce the extent of the proposed junction protection measures from 10 metres to 5 metres.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report sets out the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for Clough Meadow, Woodley proposed restrictions.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the scheme as originally advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allen on 0161 474 3138 or email zoe.allen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a joint report on behalf of the Director of Place Management and the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for Clough Meadow, Woodley proposed restrictions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The junction protections were necessary, particularly given the installation of dropped kerbs which had resulted in parking on the kerb.

·         Following residents’ feedback the proposals had changed significantly; the right balance had been struck between additional restrictions (particularly during school hours) and residents’ concerns.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the order be made as advertised.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 10 November 2024.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors.

Officer contact: Jacqueline Kramer on 474 2978 or email: jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee nominate Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Bredbury War Memorial and Romiley War Memorial on 10 November 2024.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following Councillors to lay wreaths on Sunday, 10 November 2024:-

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report requests the Area Committee consider the appointment of a representative of the council to the Barrack Hill Trust. 

The Area Committee is requested to agree the appointment of a member to represent the council on the Barrack Hill Trust.

Officer contact: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to the Barrack Hill Educational Trust.

RESOLVED - That Councillor Sue Thorpe be appointed to the represent the Council on the Barrack Hill Trust for the remainder of the 2024/2025 municipal year.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email: jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding.

The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

Members provided an update on two studies commissioned by the Bredbury & Woodley ward Councillors. In relation to the traffic study in Mill Lane TfGM would have the results of the study imminently. Residents would be informed of the outcome of that study. In relation to the survey for the right-turn filter light at the junction at Broadway, some information had been received and next steps were awaited.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted