Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 October 2011 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 & Prejudicial Interest

Local Development Framework - Allocations Development Plan

The open forum will provide the opportunity for councillors and members of the public to ask questions and to discuss issues and possible solutions in terms of the use of land and buildings in their local area. In addition it is the intention to use the forum to raise awareness of the Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and to encourage the public to contribute to the process by feeding back through the formal consultation process. The main documents themselves will go live on Monday, 17 October 2011 at www.stockport.gov.uk/allocationsdpd.

Local Development Framework - Allocations Development Plan

Representatives of the Service Director (Place Development) attended the meeting and reported on the Local Development Framework - Allocations Development Plan providing an opportunity for members of the public and councillors to discuss issues and possible solutions in terms of the use of land and buildings in their area.

The Allocations Development Plan had previously been discussed at the last meeting of the Area Committee and further consideration was now being given to the matter to ensure that the public were given the fullest opportunity to contribute to the consultation.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         Sites which had been suggested for development through the ‘call for sites’ process were being assessed against a range of criteria to determine their suitability.

·         The future use of currently vacant industrial units needed to be given consideration through the development of the plan.

·         It was requested that consideration be given to introducing a limitation on the number or concentration of certain types of uses in particular localities, such as on industrial estates.

·         There may be implications for the Local Development Framework as a result of the provisions of the Localism Act.

RESOLVED - That the Simon Styche and Zoe Hodson be thanked for their attendance and presentation and that the comments of the Area Committee be fed into the consultation to inform the 'Preferred Options' stage of the process in 2012.

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

No announcements were made.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Inspector Paul Bray (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Werneth area.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         Reductions in criminal activity had been noted in most areas compared to this time last year, and in particular around burglary and criminal damage.

·         Vehicle crime remained a concern and members of the public were encouraged to ensure that vehicles and homes were secure at all times, and in particular when they were vacant.

·         The police were working hard with local schools to alleviate problems connected with parking outside schools and had found a degree of success through the use of the Junior PCSO initiative where pupils handed out notices to parked cars requesting them to park more considerately.

·         It was reported that work had been undertaken to tackle the problem of scrap metal thefts and an operation had been undertaken to check that those conveying scrap metal were appropriately licensed and registered to do so.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Bray be thanked for his attendance.

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 and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

No public questions were submitted.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

(a) Alan Whitfield (Area Conditions Officer) and Julie Henshall (Community Recycling Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Area Conditions Team had been dealing with a large number of incidences of flyposting connected with the sale of fireworks.

·         Work was due to be undertaken through the Community Payback scheme to tidy up the Dye Lane car park in Romiley; and in particular to remove fly-tipping and cut back vegetation.

·         Fly-tipping on the site of the former Cherry Tree Hotel had been reported and the landowner has been contacted with a view to having the waste removed from the site.

·         It was commented that refuse collections had not consistently been taking place when residents placed their wheelie bins for collection on their property but within reach of refuse operators.  In response, it was stated that such collections should be made in those circumstances and that if this was not happening, residents should report the matter through Stockport Direct.

RESOLVED – That Alan Whitfield and Julie Henshall be thanked for their attendance.

(b) Stephen Lawson (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highways issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

It was reported that annual highways inspections were now taking place within the Werneth area with defects in the carriageway being made safe where these had been noted; or alternatively, orders being placed for the remediation of the defect.

RESOLVED – That Stephen Lawson be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

The following development applications will be considered by the Area Committee:-

Development applications were 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 of Place 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 Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of existing building and erection of 9 two bedroom apartments with parking spaces.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 474 3550, email jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 46620 for the demolition of existing building and erection of nine two bedroom apartments with parking spaces at 2 Sandy Lane, Romiley,

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns over highway safety and the impact of the proposed development on the character of the locality.

Change of use to a waste transfer station and material recycling facility

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 474 3550, email jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 46649 for the change of use to a waste transfer station and material recycling facility at Leggets, Lingard Lane, Bredbury, it was

RESOLVED – (1) That planning permission be granted.

(2) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a Monitoring Visit to the Bredbury Industrial Estate to observe the juxtaposition of the various uses of the Estate and to note the concentration of certain types of use.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

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: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) (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 Service Director (Place Management) and (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report details objections received to the order to extinguish parts of footpaths 113 and 114 Bredbury and Romiley.  Additionally, the report details proposals not to proceed with the order diverting footpath 112 Bredbury and Romiley due to a drafting error in the order, and to consider making a fresh order to divert the footpath; and outlines the entering into of a creation agreement with the landowner who wishes to dedicate a footpath around part of the perimeter of the site.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Forward the Metropolitan Borough Council of Stockport (parts of footpaths 113 and 114 Bredbury and Romiley) Public Path Extinguishment Order 2011 to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

(2) Not proceed with the Metropolitan Borough Council of Stockport (footpath 112 Bredbury and Romiley) (Public Path Diversion) Order 2011.

(3) Make an order under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 diverting footpath 112 Breadbury and Romiley from a point 22.7 metres north of Mill Lane (Point A) for a distance of 256 metres to a point 14.5 metres east of bridleway 64a Bredbury and Romiley (Point G), shown by a solid black line between points A-X-G on the plan annexed at Appendix 1 to a line running from point A in a generally northwesterly direction for a distance of 269 metres to Point G shown by a broken black line marked A-J-K-L-G on the plan annexed at Appendix 1.

(4) Enter into a dedication agreement with the landowner for the provision of a public footpath around the perimeter of the site along the broken black line marked G-F-E on the plan attached at Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Ernest Nama on 474 4595 or email: ernest.nama@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a joint report of the Service Directors (Place Management) and (Legal and Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to the order to extinguish parts of Footpaths 113 and 114 Bredbury and Romiley.  Additionally, the report detailed proposals not to proceed with the order diverting Footpath 112 Bredbury and Romiley due to a drafting error in the order, and to consider making a fresh order to divert the footpath; and outlining the entering into of a creation agreement with the landowner who wishes to dedicate a footpath around part of the perimeter of the site.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Metropolitan Borough Council of Stockport (parts of Footpaths 113 and 114 Bredbury and Romiley) Public Path Extinguishment Order 2011 be forwarded to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

(2) That the Metropolitan Borough Council of Stockport (Footpath 112 Bredbury and Romiley) (Public Path Diversion) Order 2011 be not proceeded with.

(3) That an order be made under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 diverting Footpath 112 Breadbury and Romiley from a point 22.7 metres north of Mill Lane (Point A) for a distance of 256 metres to a point 14.5 metres east of bridleway 64a Bredbury and Romiley (Point G), shown by a solid black line between points A-X-G on the plan annexed at Appendix 1 to a line running from point A in a generally northwesterly direction for a distance of 269 metres to Point G shown by a broken black line marked A-J-K-L-G on the plan annexed at Appendix 1 to the report.

(4) That a dedication agreement be entered into with the landowner for the provision of a public footpath around the perimeter of the site along the broken black line marked G-F-E on the plan attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

The report details an on street event application for the use of Woodley Precinct for street trading as part of the Woodley Community Christmas Festival 2011.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application for Street Trading Consent on 3 December 2011 as part of the Woodley Community Christmas Festival.

Officer contact: Graeme Vout on 474 4562 or email: graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an on street event application from Churches Together in Romiley, Bredbury and Woodley for the use of Woodley Precinct for street trading as part of the Woodley Community Christmas Festival 2011.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from Churches Together in Romiley, Bredbury and Woodley for Street Trading Consent on 3 December 2011 for the use of Woodley Precinct for street trading as part of the Woodley Community Christmas Festival 2011.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management).

The report details the review currently being undertaken on the way the Council runs its car parks and as a part of this has developed a draft strategy for parking.  This draft strategy is in the process of being consulted on and as part of this it is being brought to the Area Committee for comment as requested by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee. 

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the draft strategy.

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

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the review currently being undertaken on the way the Council ran its car parks and as a part of this had developed a draft strategy for parking.  The draft strategy was in the process of being consulted on and as part of this it was being brought to the Area Committee for comment as had been requested by the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members expressed concern in relation to the perception of a lack of parking enforcement in residential areas away from the district and local centres.

·         There was a need for commuter parking in order to encourage the use of public transport, and in particular the railways.

·         It was noted that dedicated disabled parking provision was not always provided for in car parks.  In response, it was stated that the Council worked with local interest groups to identify those areas where dedicated disabled parking needed to be provided.

RESOLVED – That the comments of the Area Committee be taken into consideration during the development of the Parking Strategy.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management).

The report details an application received from Miss Laura Kime for the use of Chadkirk Country Estate for a Wedding Reception on 19 May 2012.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer contact: Tim Devine on 474 4419 or email: tim.devine@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting permission for the use of Chadkirk Country Estate to hold an Wedding Reception on 19 May 2012.

RESOLVED – That the application for the use of Chadkirk Country Estate on 19 May 2012 for a Wedding Reception be granted.

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that there were no current vacancies to consider.

Councillor Gordon reported that an authority governing body vacancy would arise at St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School, Woodley prior to the next meeting of the Area Committee and invited to the Area Committee to give consideration to nominating the incumbent Governor, Mrs M Gordon, to that vacancy.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Children and Young People) be recommended to make the following appointment:-

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

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, 0161 474 damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager 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 Area Flexibility and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested as a matter of urgency to implement in its entirety the scheme approved by the Area Committee as its meeting on 23 May 2011 in respect of Kingsway and Osborne Street, Bredbury and in particular that element of the scheme that related to the introduction of a flat top speed cushion which remained outstanding.