Agenda and minutes

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

Councillors Julian Lewis-Booth and Mark Weldon were nominated for election to the office of chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

For Councillor Lewis-Booth – 3

For Councillor Weldon – 5

RESOLVED – That Councillor Mark Weldon be elected 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 for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Julian Lewis-Booth 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 11 April 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 April 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

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

There were no announcements 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 on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that one question had been submitted from a member of the public who was not present at the meeting. The Area Committee agreed to give consideration to the issues raised in the question during consideration of agenda item 11 ‘Douglas Road, Hazel Grove’ to which the question related.

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.

Chris Pollitt, Senior Public Realm Inspector, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following update was provided:-

·         Work was ongoing to investigate drainage issues along London Road, Hazel Grove. An extensive investigation specifically from the War memorial towards Sainsbury’s had uncovered an unmapped highway drain running along the footway, although this had limited accessibility in order to allow it to be cleaned.

·         Following concerns raised by the Area Committee investigation had been done into littering on Mount Pleasant and Green Lane connected to the ASDA car park. No evidence was found but the situation would be monitored.

·         A trial dig was undertaken on small void on Buxton Road, Great Moor near the junction with Archer Street to determine cause of collapse, and had found damage to old ducting that had now been capped off and the highway restated.

·         A damaged manhole cover on London Road opposite the junction with Torkington Road had been made safe prior to a repair by United Utilities.

·         White lining had been completed on Berkley Road, Hazel Grove.

·         A damaged double Virgin Media cover and frame on London Road outside Sainsbury’s had been made safe and reported as an urgent defect to Virigin Media.

·         Repairs were due on Warwick Drive, Hazel Grove.

·         United Utilities would be replacing a manhole frame and cover on Dialstone Lane, Offerton, between the junctions of Magda Road and Katherine Road on 14 June.

·         Work was planned on Chester Road from the A6 to Grundy Street; Beech Avenue, Hazel Grove subject to a contribution from the Area Committee budget; Bramhall Moor Lane, from Stepping Hill Hospital to Newby Road; Southwood Road, Great Moor.

·         Seven reported abandoned vehicles had been investigated, or which two had been referred to the DVLA for removal.

·         Twenty five cases of fly-tipping had been removed.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         Further clairification was sought on the level of contribution from the Area Committee’s delegated budget to resurfacing work on Beech Avenue, and the urgency of this work was emphasised.

·         Abandoned vehicles in the car park at Torkington Park needed addressing.

·         There had been reports of fly-tipping connected to the flats above the shops on Turnstone Road.

·         Concerns were again expressed about the lack of progress in pruning hedges on Bean Leach Road and Marple Road. Complaints were continuing to be made by residents.

·         There was a burst water pipe on Woodsmoor Lane.

·         There were potholes and overgrown hedges approaching the railway bridge in Woodsmoor that needed attention.

·         Cleansing was needed of the pavements on Penrhyn Crescent as there was growth on the surface making it hazardous.

RESOLVED – That Chris Pollitt be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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

(a)   To note the receipt of a petition from residents of Cooke Street, Hazel Grove requesting the Council to increase the number of residential permit parking spaces on the street to accommodate the increased number of residents with permits wishing to park.

       The petition is signed by 14 residents from 10 properties.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of a petition from residents of Cooke Street, Hazel Grove, asking the Council to increase the number of spaces within the existing permit parking scheme in light of increasing demand.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration for investigation.

Representatives of Forward Together, a recently formed group working with victims of domestic violent, will attend the meeting to discuss their work, aims and objectives.

The Area Committee have previously considered and granted an application for funding from this group to contribute toward start-up costs.

Nadine Travers and Sue Lynne, representing the Forward Together, attended the meeting to discuss the group’s work to support women suffering domestic violence. The Group had previously received a grant from the Area Flexibility Funding toward their start-up costs.

The Group provided opportunities to speak to others with similar experiences, but also to socialise and engage in social activities.

Those who were engaged with the Group included women who had suffered abuse from spouses or partners but also from sons and other family members.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Did the Group engage with men suffering abuse? In response it was stated that this specific Group was aimed at women, and there would be concern that having a mixed group may discourage or inhibit some of the vulnerable women from engaging. It was further acknowledged that there was a lack of provision for men suffering abuse and that opportunities were being explored by partners locally.

·         By supporting a woman suffering abuse to continue to live with her children, the Group was by extension supporting those children. Councillors acknowledged the significant physiological impact domestic violence could have on children.

·         Councillor Meikle, as the Council’s Domestic Violence Champion, welcomed the work of the Group and encouraged them to contact her to discuss how she could assist them in their work.

RESOLVED – That Nadine Travers and Sue Lynne be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

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

The representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Leader of the Council, in consultation with Group Leaders had considered the issue of borough-wide applications submitted to area committees and agreed that there would be would be a borough-wide fund for the 2017/18 municipal year which would be funded through a 10% top slice (£300) off the ward budget i.e. each ward will receive a £2,700 allocation this year rather than £3,000.  Applications for the fund will be considered by a meeting of Area Committee chairs who would make a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance. 

In addition, from the commencement of the 2019/20 Municipal Year, no ward fund would be permitted to carry forward an underspend of more than £5000.

An evaluation report would be submitted to area committees on the activities of the borough-wide fund at the commencement of the next municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for funding toward the cost of upgrading changing room facilities.

Viv Milward attended the meeting to present an application from Norbury Lacrosse Club seeking funding toward the cost of upgrading changing and refreshment facilities at the club’s facilities.

RESOLVED – That an award of £295 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to the Norbury Lacrosse Club as a contribution toward the cost of improvements to the clubs facilities.

To consider an application for funding toward the cost of running workshops and events for residents of the Bosden Farm estate.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application received from the Bosden Farm Community Group seeking funding toward the cost of providing summer activities for young people in the Bosden Farm area.

RESOLVED – That an award of £1000 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund toward to the Bosden Farm Community Group as a contribution toward the cost of hosting summer activities for young people.

To consider an application for a contribution toward the cost of an internal camping expedition.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application received from the Stockport District Scouts seeking funding toward the cost of Scouts from Stockport attending an international camping trip.

RESOLVED – That an award of £208.33 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund toward to Stockport District Scouts as a contribution toward the cost of attending an international camping trip.

To consider an application for funding toward the cost of improvements to the tennis courts.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application received from the Hazel Grove Tennis and Bowls Club seeking funding toward the cost of improving the playing facilities to widen access to the sport.

RESOLVED – That an award of £1000 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund toward to the Hazel Grove Tennis and Bowls Club as a contribution toward the cost of improving the playing facilities.

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 & 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.

Two StoreyExtensionto RearofProperty.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no 65323 for a two storey side extension to the rear of 251 Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to appropriate conditions.

There are none outstanding.

There were no outstanding appeal decisions to report.

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 previously approved by the Area Committee is attached for information.

The spokespersons in 2016/17 were:-

Hazel Grove Ward

Councillor Julian Lewis-Booth

Councillor Jon Twigge

Offerton Ward

Councillor Laura Booth

Councillor Wendy Meikle

Stepping Hill Ward

Councillor Mark Weldon

Councillor John Wright

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

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted the Area Committee Highway Ward Spokespersons Protocol (copies of which had been circulated) and requesting the Area Committee to nominate ward spokespersons for each ward with whom officers would liaise with over traffic and highways matters.

RESOLVED – That the following Highways & Traffic Ward Spokespersons be appointed for 2016/17:-

Hazel Grove Ward

Councillor Oliver Johnstone

Councillor Jon Twigge

Offerton Ward

Councillor Laura Booth

Councillor Wendy Meikle

Stepping Hill Ward

Councillor Mark Weldon

Councillor John Wright

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

The report seeks approval for the enlargement of an existing permit scheme on Grenville Road in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is invited to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) approve the scheme on Grenville Road, as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to extend an existing permit parking scheme on Grenville Road in Hazel Grove and to introduce limited waiting for local businesses.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing be recommended to approve the advertising of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order on Grenville Road, Hazel Grove, as detailed in the report.

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

The report sets out the results of a consultation with resident and affected organisations on proposals to introduce additional parking restrictions on Douglas Road in Hazel Grove in light of difficulties being experienced by residents.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order, and that should no objections be received during the 21 day advertising period the Order be made:-

No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm (Experimental):

Douglas Road

North East side from a point 25 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 25 metres.

South West side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 39 metres.

Limited Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1   Hour (Experimental):

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 49 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 58 metres in a South Easterly direction. 

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 107 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 20 metres in a South Easterly direction.

North East side from a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Lawrence Road to a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Lawrence Road.

Lawrence Road

Both sides from the North Easterly kerb line of Douglas Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposed experimental Traffic Regulation Order for parking restrictions on Douglas Road and Lawrence Road, Hazel Grove. The proposals had been developed following a public meeting with residents and Ward Councillors in response to significant parking problems being experienced by residents.

Councillors commented that although the proposed Order would not necessary suit all residents, it was the best compromise proposal that could be reached. Furthermore, although the experimental Order was for 18 months in the event the measures were not having a positive impact on the situation this would become clear and steps taken to address them.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Order at a cost of approximately £2,500 to be funded from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm (Experimental):

Douglas Road

North East side from a point 25 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 25 metres.

South West side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 39 metres.

Limited Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1  

Hour (Experimental):

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 49 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 58 metres in a South Easterly direction. 

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 107 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 20 metres in a South Easterly direction.

North East side from a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Lawrence Road to a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Lawrence Road.

Lawrence Road

Both sides from the North Easterly kerb line of Douglas Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

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

The report seeks approval for parking controls on part of Green Lane in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order, and that in the event of no objections being submitted the Order being made:-

No Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm:

Green Lane

North West side from a point 5 metres North East of the projected North Easterly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 12 metres in a North Easterly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Green Lane

South East side from a point 5 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 7 metres in a in a South Westerly direction.

North West side from the South Westerly kerb line of the Access Road to The   

Catholic Church of St Peter for a distance of 7 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Limited Waiting 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1 Hour or Permit Holders Only:

Green Lane

North West side from a point 4 metres South West of the projected South Westerly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 17 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to consolidate parking restrictions on Green Lane, Hazel Grove in the vicinity of St Peter’s Catholic Church.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Order at a cost of approximately £725 to be funded from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

No Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm:

Green Lane

North West side from a point 5 metres North East of the projected North Easterly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 12 metres in a North Easterly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Green Lane

South East side from a point 5 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 7 metres in a in a South Westerly direction.

North West side from the South Westerly kerb line of the Access Road to The   

Catholic Church of St Peter for a distance of 7 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Limited Waiting 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1 Hour or Permit Holders Only:

Green Lane

North West side from a point 4 metres South West of the projected South Westerly kerb line of Neville Street for a distance of 17 metres in a North Easterly direction.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that the enforcement of the waiting restrictions outside St Peter’s Church were sympathetic to the needs of users of the Church.

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

The report seeks approval for No Waiting at Any Time on Pepper Road in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order, and that in the event of no objections received that the Order be made:-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Pepper Road

South Westerly side from a point 10 metres South East of the Northerly Access Road to International House in a South Easterly direction and following the kerb line for a distance of 101 metres to a point 10 metres North East of the Southerly Access Road to International House.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to introduce further No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Pepper Road in Hazel Grove to reduce double parking and improve access for heavy goods vehicles to the industrial units.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Order at a cost of approximately £800 to be funded from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Pepper Road

South Westerly side from a point 10 metres South East of the Northerly Access Road to International House in a South Easterly direction and following the kerb line for a distance of 101 metres to a point 10 metres North East of the Southerly Access Road to International House.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application for a National Playday event at Torkington Park on Wednesday August 2nd 2017 organised by Action for Sick Children, subject to the organiser having the appropriate licences, traffic management plan, insurances, and health and safety documentation in place.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from the Charity Action for Sick Children requesting permission to use of Torkington Park on 2 August 2017 for a National Playday event.

RESOLVED – That the application from Action for Sick Children for the use of Torkington Park on 2 August 2017 for a National Playday event be approved.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the nomination of councillors to represent the Council on the Hazel Grove Community Association.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to make nominations to the Hazel Grove Community Association.

RESOLVED – That councillors Oliver Johnstone, Julian Lewis-Booth and Jon Twigge be nominated as the Council’s representatives on the Hazel Grove Community Association.

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: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@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 with implementing decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on the Area Flexibility and delegated budgets.

Councillor Wright reported on recent discussions with officers in relation to traffic calming measures on Woodsmoor Lane. He expressed concern at the cost of the proposals being developed by officers. Councillor Hadfield further reported that in light of the costs being discussed, he had independently sought advice from other contractors on the potential costs for similar works and had been given estimates that were considerably lower than the figure quoted to councillors. Councillors echoed these concerns and suggested that the matter be raised with the Cabinet Member.

Councillor Booth restated previous concerns about the length of time taken to develop proposals for traffic calming measures associated with the now completed and operational extension to Warren Wood School.

Councillors also expressed concerns about the delays in completing the widening of St Mary’s Way and associated Town Centre Access Plan works, and the negative impact this was having on residents from their wards travelling through these affected routes. Concerns were also expressed about the volume of rubble and debris left from these works around the site that could be used to cause damage to properties and vehicles.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Chair, on behalf of the Area Committee, submit a question to the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing expressing the Area Committee’s concerns about the cost of traffic improvement works, specially the estimates for speed humps on Woodsmoor Lane, and seeking assurances that the Council was getting best value from its contractual relationships.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that the traffic calming proposals in the vicinity of Warren Wood School are brought forward to the next meeting on 11 July 2017.

(4) That the concerns of the Area Committee in relation to the delays in the Town Centre Access Plan and in particular the debris left around the site. Of the works on St Mary’s Way/ Hempshaw Lane.