Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 December 2024 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 & Prejudicial Interest

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

The Chair announced that a 'Call for Sites’ had been ongoing since December. As part of the work being undertaken to develop a new Local Plan for Stockport, the council had asked people to identify land or sites they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. A ‘Call for Sites’ exercise was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest land or buildings within Stockport for development, a change to alternative uses or to protect land or buildings for their existing use. This would help to inform the evidence base which would underpin the Stockport Local Plan. The ‘Call for Sites’ was scheduled to close on Sunday, 2 February 2025.

Further information related to Call for Sites was available on the council’s website at consultation.stockport.gov.uk and anyone could submit details via the website (which was the preferred method), or via email or post. Queries should be directed to the Planning Policy team on 0161 474 4395 or local.plan@stockport.gov.uk.

The Chair also reminded members about the council’s involvement in the Government Design Code Pathfinder Programme. One of the key aims of the design code project was to 'reduce opposition to new development, by empowering local communities to set standards that they expected all new development to meet, by winning hearts and minds.' The Stockport Design Code website had been set up and early engagement had commenced which was due to run until 21 February 2025. This could be found at www.stockportdesigncode.co.uk. Everyone who lived, worked in or visited Stockport was invited to take part. Members were requested to spread the word around their local communities.

It was reported that the recent flooding would be discussed at the forthcoming Council meeting. Members thanked local residents for their resilience along with the relief teams and the gritters who had kept Werneth moving in the cold weather. Any residents affected by the flooding were encouraged to contact the Council using the flood email address, flood@stockport.gov.uk including photographs, videos and information.

The Chair reported that work had been completed on play area renovation at the Goyt Valley estate just before Christmas and that local residents would be given the opportunity to name the play area.

Members reported that two Bredbury & Woodley Community Neighbours events would be taking place on 1 February 2025. A coffee morning was scheduled to take place at Woodley Civic Hall from 10 am to 12 pm to support the work of the community neighbours. A community event was taking place at 1 pm, also at Woodley Civic Hall, where attendees would be provided with a hot meal and entertainment from talented local people.

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 submit 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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the Redhouse Lane free to charged car park.  

In response, it was advised that the costs of operating car parks across the borough was increasing and therefore some car parks were introducing charges to help meet those costs. In relation to car parking charges for staff and parents/carers of pupils at Bredbury St Marks Primary School who use the Redhouse Lane carpark, there was scope to develop a Park and Stride scheme, permits for parents or the suspension of parking fees during school pick-up and drop-off hours. Free parking for staff members could not be considered although a paid annual parking pass would be available. It was further advised that the standard parking charges would be applied to the Redhouse Lane car park and there would, therefore, be no parking charges on Sundays.

·         Relating to the Romiley Station free to charged car park.  

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

·         Relating to charges for garden bin waste.

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

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.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance 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 from Stockport Canal Boat Trust for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £180 towards the cost of the purchase of new stern and bow fenders for New Horizons and the purchase of eight side fenders to protect the new hull paintwork when moored and when mooring.

A representative of the Stockport Canal Boat Trust attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £180 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of the purchase of new stern and bow fenders for New Horizons and the purchase of eight side fenders to protect the new hull paintwork when moored and when mooring.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £180 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of the purchase of new stern and bow fenders for New Horizons and the purchase of eight side fenders to protect the new hull paintwork when moored and when mooring.

To consider an application received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £94 towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

A representative of Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £94 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £94 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge.  This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP.  This report details proposals in relation the Redhouse Lane Car Park.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

The report detailed proposals in relation to Redhouse Lane Car Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members requested that the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee be afforded the opportunity to further scrutinise this proposal following the identification of specific car parks included within the scheme.

·         Members requested that the socioeconomic impact of this proposal be incorporated within the report.

·         Further to concerns expressed about the impact of the proposed charges at the Redhouse Lane car park, it was reported that the council would work to find specific solutions in relation staff parking and the nearby children’s centre.

·         Members commented that the decision to charge at some car parks had been made with reluctance but was, nonetheless, necessary due to underfunding.

·         It was confirmed that the proposal would not impact the two properties on George Lane which required access through the car park.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge.  This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP.  This report details proposals in relation the Guywood Lane (Romiley Railway Station) Car Park.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

The report detailed proposals in relation to Guywood Lane (Romiley Railway Station) Car Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was reported that penalty charge notices would not be issued to drivers whose cars remained in the car park after the charging period.

·         Members commented that local businesses might benefit from charged car parks as they were likely to create more churn in car park usage. Furthermore, charging at the Guywood Lane car park was likely to result in less confusion for car park users and was likely to reduce the number of enforcement notices issued.

·         Members commented if, as planned, Romiley Station was integrated into the Bee Network, the car park would charge for parking per GMCA policy.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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 Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides information about a nomination recieved in response to the Community Right to Bid and asks members to determine if the asset should be added to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the addition of Woodley Cricket Club as an Asset of Community Value. ?

Officer contacted: Alia Ahmed-Zaman on 07356 182 688 or email alima.ahmed-zaman@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and asking members to determine if the asset should be added to the List of Assets of Community Value in accordance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The application, along with its comprehensive history of the club, was welcomed and members noted that it also had the backing of the local MP.

·         There were a number of sites across the Werneth area which could be eligible for Asset of Community Value status; members encouraged further applications from local organisations.

·         In response to a question about the implications of being registered as an Asset of Community Value, officers undertook to provide a written response to members.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the addition of Woodley Cricket Club as an Asset of Community Value.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Sandiway, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work.

Officer contact: Simon Sherry on 0161 474 2420 or email simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to remove a damaged wall on Sandiway, Bredbury.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the removal of a damaged wall on Sandiway, Bredbury and the allocation of £2,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury & Woodley ward allocation) as a part contribution to the total cost of the works.

(2) That the Director of Place Management be authorised to order the work.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO ) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on St Chad’s Avenue and Beech Lane, Romiley.

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 orders at a cost of £900 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green and Romiley Ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order Schedule

No Waiting At Any Time

Beech Lane, Romiley (East Side) - From a point 15 metres north east of the intersection of the northern kerb line of St Chad’s Avenue, for a distance of 6 metres in a north easterly direction

St Chads Avenue, Romiley (South Side) - From a point 10 metres east of the intersection of the eastern kerb line of Crossmoor Crescent, for a distance of 33 metres in an easterly direction

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on St Chad’s Avenue and Beech Lane, Romiley.

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 orders at a cost of £900 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bredbury Green and Romiley Ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order Schedule

No Waiting At Any Time

Beech Lane, Romiley (East Side) - From a point 15 metres north east of the intersection of the northern kerb line of St Chad’s Avenue, for a distance of 6 metres in a north easterly direction.

St Chads Avenue, Romiley (South Side) - From a point 10 metres east of the intersection of the eastern kerb line of Crossmoor Crescent, for a distance of 33 metres in an easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Werneth Area.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the following applications for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund:

(1)  Romiley Little Theatre for a grant of £1,000 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Bredbury Green and Romiley ward allocation) towards the cost of the purchase of two LED stage lights.

(2)  Sustainable Living Romiley for a grant of £305 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Bredbury Green and Romiley ward allocation) towards the cost of running a Green Week during February half term 2025 aiming to promote sustainable activities within the community and an appreciation of the local environment.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie at nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on funding applications that had been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Werneth Area.

Members noted that Romiley Little Theatre had received a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Fund in December 2024 for the purchase of two LED stage lights.

RESOLVED – (1) That the application from Romiley Little Theatre for a grant of £1,000 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Bredbury Green and Romiley ward allocation) towards the cost of the purchase of two LED stage lights be refused on the grounds that the applicant had recently been in receipt of funding from the Area Committee’s Ward Flexibility Budget for a similar application.

(2) That approval be given to an application received from Sustainable Living Romiley for a grant of £305 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Bredbury Green and Romiley ward allocation) towards the cost of running a Green Week during February half term 2025 aiming to promote sustainable activities within the community and an appreciation of the local environment.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Fairway Primary School PTA who wish to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park, and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Fairway Primary School PTA who wished to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park, and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Fairway Primary School PTA who wished to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park, and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Joe Barratt.

This item was placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Joe Barratt to provide an update on the ward delegated fund spending.

The following comments were made/ issued raised:-

·         It was reported that the traffic study commissioned by TfGM related to congestion on Mill Lane had been undertaken. It was further reported that, unfortunately, one of the cameras deployed for the study had been vandalised and TfGM officers had been threatened during the process of reinstalment; this matter had been reported to the police.

·         As a result of that incident, members suggested that CCTV should be placed at that site.

·         The data from the study showed an increase in wait-time of over 10 minutes at peak times which represented an increase of over 400 per cent. The wait time was sometimes as much as 15 minutes, representing an increase of over 650 per cent. This data was with the Head of Operations at Life Leisure and the Director of Place Management.

·         It was reported that the feasibility study related to the building on Bredbury Recreational Ground was due to take place and the report was scheduled for the April meeting of this Area Committee.

·         Members reported that the community art project for metal shop shutters in Woodley precinct had stalled significantly due to delays to improvement works on the precinct. It was further reported that a number of site visits with members and officers had taken place at the precinct.

·         Members were keen to ensure that the improvement works took place ahead of the art project to reassure local residents that repairs were prioritised above the art project.

·         In Bredbury Green & Romiley ward, the Ward Discretionary Fund had been used for accessible play equipment at a park in Romiley and on the Goyt Valley estate.

·         Work had begun on the art project on fascia boards at The Rocks in Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That Estates Team be requested to attend a future meeting of this Area Committee to report on the repairs at Woodley Precinct along with other estates issues across the Werneth Area Committee area.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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 details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.