Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 June 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

No announcements were made.

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 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.

Five public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the proposal to rescind an order for the creation of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate and whether there were plans to canvass the views of users of the current footpath; assess the extent to which pedestrians would be displaced off the footpath should horses be permitted to use it; and how any risks associated with such a proposal would be managed.

In response, it was stated that that there had been consultation with the Friends of Chadkirk and the Stockport East Area Bridleways Association.  Although a consultation had not been carried out on the basis suggested by the questioner, members confirmed that they were aware of the potential conflicts between different users of the footpath.

·         Relating to the proposal to rescind an order for the creation of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate and why the Stockport East Area Bridleways Association had not been notified that an item had been placed on the agenda for the meeting relating to the proposal.

In response it was stated that in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to respond to the questioner in writing within seven days.

·         Relating to the proposal to rescind an order for the creation of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate and why other stakeholders such as the British Horse Society and Natural England had not been consulted on the proposals and that the Area Committee should defer consideration of the proposals pending such a consultation taking place.

In response, it was stated that members considered that they were sufficiently aware of the various issues surrounding the proposals and consequently did not consider that it was necessary to defer consideration of the item.

·         Relating to whether a date had been agreed for the proposed public meeting that it had been agreed would take place relating to traffic issues associated with activities at Woodley Sports Village.

In response it was stated that arrangements were being made for a meeting to be held in late September or early October.

·         Relating to whether a one way system would be introduced at Woodley Sports Village and whether the exit from such a system would be via the emergency gates on Mill Lane.

In response it was stated that members were not aware of any such proposals and that in the past assurances had been received that the emergency gates on Mill Lane would not be used for general access and egress from the site.

The local Public Realm Inspector 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.

Robin Boardman (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental and highways issues within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Highway safety inspections on the ‘brown routes’ had now been completed.

·         The Community Payback Team had cleared land to the rear of Higher Bents Lane, Bredbury.

·         The resurfacing and lining of Beech Lane, Romiley and Berrycroft Lane, Bredbury had been completed.  In response to this report, a member commented that residents had complained that the reinstated yellow lines on Beech Lane extended further than those in situ prior to the highway resurfacing.  It was then stated that the markings had become worn prior in places to the resurfacing work taking place which reduced the visibility of the markings and the reinstatement of the lines had taken place in accordance with the approved traffic regulation order.  It was nonetheless agreed to investigate whether it would be possible to reduce the extent of the markings to match that which had been previously been visible.

·         A conviction had been secured following an incident of flytipping on Dark Lane, Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That Robin Boardman be thanked for his attendance.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of three petitions as follows:-

(i)            From residents of Leyburn Grove, Romiley signed by six signatories requesting that residents’ permit parking be introduced on Leyburn Grove.

(ii)          From residents of The Parade, The Ridgway, Bredbury Green signed by ten signatories requesting that residents’ permit parking be introduced on the layby adjacent to The Parade, The Ridgway.

(iii)         From 1,071 signatories requesting that the Area Committee upholds its decision from March 2014 to dedicate a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate.

RESOLVED – (1) That the petitions referred to in (i) and (ii) above be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration for investigation.

(2) That the petition referred to in (iii) above be considered as part of the Area Committee’s deliberations on Agenda Item 7 – ‘Bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate’ (see Minute 5 below).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details a proposal for the Area Committee to give further consideration to the dedication of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate, as marked A to B on the plan attached to the report.

The Area Committee is recommended to

(1) Reconsider the dedication of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate, marked A to B on the attached plan given the considerations listed.

(2) Support the creation of an extension to the existing pedestrian footpath to in improve accessibility (E to F on the plan).

(3) Comment on the proposal to permit equestrian access to route (G to H on the plan) or to retain the route for pedestrians only.

(4) Acknowledge the need to improve visibility at two points (K and M on the attached plan).

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or email: ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the Area Committee to give further consideration to the dedication of a bridleway at Chadkirk Country Estate, as marked A to B on the plan attached to the report.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the rescission of that part of the resolution made by the Area Committee at its meeting on 10 March 2014 with regard to the ‘Dedication of bridleway and footpaths on land owned by the Council on Chadkirk Estate, Bredbury and Romiley’ and pertaining specifically to the dedication of a bridleway over the route between points A-B as detailed on the plan attached to the report.

(2) That the remaining element of that resolution pertaining to the dedication and creation of a footpath between the points E-F as detailed on the plan attached to the report remain extant and the Area Committee’s support and approval for this be reiterated.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be recommended to investigate whether it would be feasible to widen the existing footpath, marked G-H on the plan attached to the report, to permit equestrian access.

(4) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be recommended to investigate the introduction of measures to improve visibility at the two points marked K and M on the plan attached to the report.

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 the Democratic Services Manager 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 received on behalf of the Arthur Greenwood Lunch and Learn Project for funding of £663.20 towards the cost of the provision of broadband services to facilitate weekly IT sessions for the local community.

Laura Ward attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of ‘The Arthur Greenwood Lunch and Learn Project’ for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of the provision of broadband services to facilitate weekly IT sessions for the local community.

RESOLVED - That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £663.20 to ‘The Arthur Greenwood Lunch and Learn Project’ towards the cost of the provision of broadband services to facilitate weekly IT sessions for the local community.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

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 and 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 Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of 9 no. dwellings (Outline application).

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

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

In respect of plan no. 58410 for the erection of 9 no. dwellings (outline application) at Gralan House, Green Lane, Romiley,

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to determine the application.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 on 0161 474 3217 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (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 Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report details objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at John Street, Romiley

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration on how to proceed with the proposed traffic regulation order in the light of the objections received.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 474 3219 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to a proposed Residents Permit Parking Places Traffic Regulation Order and associated revocations at John Street, Romiley.

RESOLVED – (1) That, in the light of the objections received, the proposed Order be not proceeded with.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to investigate the feasibility of proceeding with the introduction of an additional residents permit parking bay on John Street, Romiley.

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 on 474 3207 or email:  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 – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report summarises the receipt of play and open space commuted sums received from developments in the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee area or that must be used in the area, and makes recommendations about how these sums can be used.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the use of the following sums:-

·         to allocate £836.55 from development no.1141 (DC 054188, 32 Oak Avenue , Romiley) towards future improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         to allocate £1,505.79 from development no.1160 (DC 041311, Greave Methodist Church) towards future improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         to allocate £6,023.16 from development no.1162 (DC 055088, The Winds, Romiley) towards future improvements at Overdale Recreation Ground.

·         to allocate £1,338.48 from development no.1166 (DC 055899, 9 Clapgate, Romiley, SK6 3DG) towards future improvements at Goyt Valley Road.

Officer contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@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 in order that the Area Committee could give prompt consideration to proposals to allocate commuted sums within the Werneth area).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider proposals for the allocation of commuted sums received from developments in the area.

RESOLVED – (1) That the following commuted sums be allocated to the play areas indicated:-

·         The use of £836.55 from development no.1141 (DC054188, 32 Oak Avenue, Romiley) towards future improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £1,505.79 from development no.1160 (DC041311, Greave Methodist Church) towards future improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £6,023.16 from development no.1162 (DC055088, The Winds, Romiley) towards future improvements at Overdale Recreation Ground.

(2) That, should it meet the appropriate criteria for the allocation of commuted sums, the following commuted sum be allocated towards future improvements at Overdale Recreation Ground; and should it fail to do so, it be allocated as indicated in the report towards future improvements at Goyt Valley Road:-

·         The use of £1,338.48 from development no.1166 (DC055899, 9 Clapgate, Romiley, SK6 3DG)