Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council meeting.

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

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Lisa Smart 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 14 March 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 March 2016 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 receive any announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair congratulated Councillor Chris Gordon on his recent election as Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for 2016/17 and wished him well during his Mayoral Year.

The Chair then welcomed Councillor Lisa Smart to her first meeting of the Area Committee following her election as councillor for the Bredbury Green & Romiley ward in the recent local elections.  The Chair also extended the Area Committee’s thanks to Mrs Hazel Lees, a former councillor and Chair of the Area Committee for her 20 years of public service on the Council.

Finally, the Chair reported that an open day had been held at the St Barnabas Community Orchard on Saturday, 28 May 2016 which had been a recipient of an award of Area Flexibility Funding from the Area Committee.  The event was also the first official engagement attended by the new Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Chris Gordon.

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.

Seven public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the lack of consultation with the Friends of Tangshutt on the application to designate Tangshutt Fields as an asset of community value.

In response it was stated that there is an approved process for handling applications to designate assets of community value and that there was no requirement on the part of the Council to consult on any application prior to its consideration.

·         Relating to whether the status of land adjacent to Tangshutt Fields as greenbelt would be altered by the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework call for sites and how any resultant planning applications would be considered.

In response it was stated that the ‘call for sites’ process would not change the designation of greenbelt land.

·         Relating to why the application to designate Tangshutt Fields as an asset of community value had been brought in the name of the site as Gotherage Lane Recreation Ground.

In response it was stated that that the land was titled as Gotherage Lane Recreation Ground on the Council’s land database.

·         Two questions were submitted in relation to the progression of a planning application for Greave Primary School.

It was stated that a written response would be provided to this question.

·         In relation to whether the Council was objecting to the proposed closure of the NatWest Bank in Romiley.

In response it was stated that the bank had confirmed its intention to withdraw from Romiley and the owner of the property was actively seeking an alternative tenant.

·         In relation to a litter bin which had been installed by Stockport Homes on Parry Mead, Woodley and whether the Council would assume responsibility for emptying it.

In response, it was stated that the Public Realm Officer would enter into discussions with Stockport Homes in relation to the collection arrangements for the litter bin on Parry Mead, Woodley.

The local Public Realm Inspectoe 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:-

·         A new litter bin had been installed near the Iceland Supermarket in Woodley.

·         Carriageway repairs had been undertaken on Hyde Road, Woodley between its junctions with Pine Street and Wyecroft Close.

·         Carriageway patch repairs had been completed on Compstall Road, Romiley between its junctions with Birchvale Drive and Cherry Tree Lane.

·         Footway and carriageway repairs had been completed on Stockport Road East adjacent to St Marks Church.

·         The partial resurfacing of George Lane, Bredbury was due to commence on 13 June 2016.

·         It was reported that a BT roadside cabinet had been damaged at the junction of George Lane and Stockport Road East.

RESOLVED – That Robin Boardman 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 Chief Executive of Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update on the progress of the delivery of Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Rebecca Cullen on 474 4372 or email: rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress in the delivery of Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans. The report also requested Councillors to comment on further issues which the Action Plans may address in 2016/2017.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that there were no proposed activities within the Action Plan for the Mill Lane Estate in Woodley.  In response it was stated that although this was a gap within the report, Stockport Homes were currently working to have a programme of events over the Summer on the estate.

·         It was stated that a bench had been removed on Grimshaw Close, Bredbury due to damage and it was requested that a replacement be installed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application received from Werneth Concern Band for area flexibility funding of £1,000 towards the cost of providing improved facilities.

Nick Bradley attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Werneth Concert Band for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of providing improved facilities.

RESOLVED - That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £1,500 to the Werneth Concert Band towards the cost of providing improved facilities.

To consider an application received from Stockport Carnival for area flexibility funding of £948.49 towards the cost of the carnival.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of Stockport Carnival for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of the carnival.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to decline to make a grant to Stockport Carnival on this occasion by virtue of the applicant having failed to fully complete the application form and a failure to demonstrate the benefit pf the award of any grant to either the locality or residents within the Werneth area.

To consider an application received from Romiley Rise & Shine Group for area flexibility funding of £520 towards the cost of an annual trip to Llandudno.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of the Romiley Rise & Shine Group for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of transportation to facilitate the Club’s annual ‘day out’.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £520 to the Romiley Rise & Shine Group towards the cost of transportation to facilitate the Club’s annual ‘day out’.

There are no development applications to be considered.

There were no applications to consider.

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

The report details the proposed re-adoption of the Council’s Application Validation Checklist for the validation of planning applications.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the readoption of the Council’s Application Validation Checklist for the validation of planning applications.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 Democratic Services Manager 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.

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

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol approved by the Area Committee at its meeting on 23 May 2011 is attached for information.

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

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration 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 Christine Corris

Bredbury Green & Romiley            - Councillors Mags Kirkham, Syd Lloyd and Lisa Smart

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

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and to seek approval for the introduction of a No Waiting at Any Time traffic regulation order on Springbank Road and Hyde Road, Woodley.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order at a cost of £650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation):-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

Springbank Road, Woodley, north east side, from the south easterly kerb line of Hyde Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Hyde Road, Woodley, south east side, from the north easterly kerb line of

Springbank Road, for a distance of 36 metres in a north easterly direction.

Officer contact: Nathan Copley on 0161 474 4808 or email: nathan.copley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and to seeking approval for the introduction of a No Waiting at Any Time traffic regulation order on Springbank Road and Hyde Road, Woodley.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order at a cost of £650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation):-

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

Springbank Road, Woodley, north east side, from the south easterly kerb line of Hyde Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Hyde Road, Woodley, south east side, from the north easterly kerb line of Springbank Road, for a distance of 36 metres in a north easterly direction.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid provisions of the Localism Act 2012 from ‘Protect Gotherage Lane Park’ for the inclusion of Gotherage/ Tangshutt Recreation Ground, off Gotherage Lane, Romiley, Stockport on the list of assets of community value.

The Area Committee noted that Gotherage/ Tangshutt Recreation Ground, off Gotherage Lane, Romiley, Stockport is within the Local Authority’s area; it does not fall within one of exemptions specified in the Regulations and further that Asset’s main use (i.e. not ancillary) has recently been or is presently being used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and could reasonably do so in the future (i.e. within the next five years) and therefore satisfied the requirements of the Regulations.

RESOLVED – That Gotherage/ Tangshutt Recreation Ground, off Gotherage Lane, Romiley, Stockport be listed as an Asset of Community Value.

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 Werneth 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:-

·         The use of £1,673.10 from development no 1204(DC059184, Leyfield Centre, Leyfield Av) to future play improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £334.62 from development no 1205 (DC059391, building adjacent to 43 Bankfield Road) to safer surface upgrade at Smithy Green Play Area . The sums could also be allocated to Bredbury Recreation Ground or Riversdale View Play Area.

·         The use of £501.93 from development no 1208 (DC059080,84 Guywood Lane) to future play improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no 1213 (DC056924, 20 Hole House Fold) to future play improvements at Goyt Valley Road Play Area.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no1242 (DC061217, 2 Thomas Street) to future play improvements at Goyt Valley Road Play Area.

Officer contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the use of new commuted sums for play provision in the Werneth area and locations of the play areas where those sums were to be spent.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following allocations of commuted sums for the Werneth area:-

·         The use of £1,673.10 from development no 1204(DC059184, Leyfield Centre, Leyfield Av) to future play improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £334.62 from development no 1205 (DC059391, building adjacent to 43 Bankfield Road) to safer surface upgrade at Smithy Green Play Area .

·         The use of £501.93 from development no 1208 (DC059080,84 Guywood Lane) to future play improvements at Romiley Recreation Ground.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no 1213 (DC056924, 20 Hole House Fold) to future play improvements at Goyt Valley Road Play Area.

·         The use of £669.24 from development no1242 (DC061217, 2 Thomas Street) to future play improvements at Goyt Valley Road Play Area.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                                      

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 Democratic Services Manager 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 2016/2017:-

Barrack Hill Educational Trust

Councillor Stuart Corris

Councillor Lisa Smart

Civic Hall, Woodley User Group Management Committee

Councillor Christine Corris

Councillor Stuart Corris

Councillor Chris Gordon

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Christine Corris.

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

The Chair reported that the branch of Lloyds Bank in Woodley had been earmarked for closure from the end of July 2016.  The Chair expressed her concern that the reasons identified by Lloyds Bank, which included the low number of customers of the branch did not accurately reflect the wider use of the branch by local residents.

RESOLVED – That the Chief Executive be recommended to write to Lloyds Bank expressing the Area Committee’s concern in relation to the closure of the Woodley branch and requesting that further consideration be given to its retention.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Christine Corris.

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

The Chair reported that members of Greave Tennis Club had the view that following the relocation of the club to Woodley Sports Village, visitors continued to have difficulty locating the site and had requested the placement of highway route signage to facilitate this.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to investigate the introduction of additional route signage to assist visitors in locating Greave Tennis Club.

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 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 the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

Members expressed their concern in relation to a lack of progress on a number of issues contained within the Progress Report and requested that the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration urgently establish what had been causing delays and provide an action plan for resolving them.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to urgently establish what had been causing delays to the implementation of those decisions of the Area Committee contained within the Progress Report and provide an action plan for resolving them.