Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 March 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 March 2018 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 interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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 submit 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.

Four questions were submitted.

(a)  The first question asked what the Council would do about the proposed reduction in Northern Rail services from Woodsmoor and Davenport Stations through Manchester; what the Council could do to respond to the child protection issues that may arise from changes in morning peak services that would mean pupils at local schools having to arrive much earlier than schools opened, and what plans the Council had to encourage greater use of public transport.

Stephen Forde, from the Council’s Transport Policy Team, attended the meeting to respond to queries from the Area Committee.

Councillors expressed dismay at the manner in which Northern Rail had handled the consultation on the revised timetable and the ‘leaking’ of the information. They expressed concern that the impact would be to significant disruption for commuters who would then be forced into cars and exaserbate existing traffic pressures, for the apparent marginal gains in journey times. Echoing the concerns of the Station Firedns Group, they also expressed concerns about young people being forced onto much earlier trains to ensure they were able to use a service that stopped at either Woodsmoor or Davenport in order to be able to arrive at school on time. Councillors wholeheartedly supported the constituents who had contacted them about this matter in seeking to have the timetable re-examined to put stopping services in Woodsmoor and Davenport reinstated.

Stephen Forde explained the background to the timetabling process and cautioned that given the stage in the process it was unlikely significant changes could now be made as the timeslots needed to facilitate stopping trains had been allocated to other services or operators. Rail Operators and Network Rail were increasingly giving priority to intercity routes and services over local commuter services. Nevertheless, he emphasised the value in continuing to raise concerns with Northern Rail nad the potential to influence further the December timetable process.

RESOLVED – That the issues raised by the questioner, and the views of the Area Committee, be forwarded to the Council’s representatives on the Transport for Greater Mancheste Committee and they be asked to raise these matters in that forum.

(2) That the Director for Children’s Services be requested to provide a written response to the Area Committee in relation to the potential safeguarding issues arising from changes to the train services and the impact on students attending schools in the vicinity of Woodsmoor and Davenport stations.

(b)  The second question highlighted the fact that a number of security doors in Stockport Homes properties were not functioning correctly, potentially putting vulnerable residents at risk, and seeking support from the Area Committee in asking Stockport Homes to address the issue as a matter or urgency.

The concerns of the questioner were endorsed and further concern expressed that Stockport Homes had failed to respond adequate when this issue had been raised with them.

RESOLVED – That issues raised be referred to the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing for further investigation.

(c)  The third question highlighted concerns with speeding on the Bosden Farm estate and potential inadequacies with 20mph limit signage, and asking that this be addressed.

Councillors endorsed the concerns raised about signage, although there was a suggestion that signage would only lead to a limited reduction in speed without additional physical measures such as speed humps.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to investigate the need for additional speed limit signage at the entry points to the Bosden Farm estate.

(d)  The fourth question had been submitted addressed to a councillor who was not present. The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the councillor had undertaken to provide a written response.

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.

Carolyn Turner, 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 additional issues were raised:-

·         No further work to address a collapsed drain on A6

·         Increase in instances of flyposting advertising builders and scrap cars

·         Blocked gulleys near the former Royal Oak on Commercial road, including opposite Bean Leach road

·         A water leak near no.99 Torkington Road had not been resolved by United Utilities.

·         There was a current consultation on responsible dog ownership.

·         Potholes on Lisburne Lane were deteroritating further.

·         Repeat instances of fly-tipping on Kelbroke Court.

·         Ongoing problems with littering on Cow Lane.

·         Concerns about the lack of proper resurfacing on Bean Leach Road and graffiti removal from the bridge. In response it was confirmed that due to the difficulties of access this meant the process was time-consuming and had to be programmed significantly in advance.
The United Utilities water main repair on Woodsmoor Lane continued to leak.

·         Clarification was sought on whether the Council could support a resident with addressing a faulty land drive Knypersly Drive that was causing problems on the public highway. In response it was stated that this was on private property and do the Council would not intervene. A costing for this work was requested.

·         Cutting back vegetation on the Jackson’s Lane/ Dorchester Road mini-roundabout to improve visibility for residents exiting their driveways.

·         Dog fouling continued to be a problem on Great Moor Street

·         A request was made to remove the tree stump on Battersby Grove.

·         Example of council in Scotland who used children designed posters to discourage dog fouling.

·         The surface of Garth Road was badly broken and in need of repair.

·         Litter was accumulating behind the large advertising boards at the junction of Norwood Road and Buxton Road. It was queried whether this could be included in the Community Payback programme.

RESOLVED – That Carolyn Turner be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager referred to the receipt of a copy of a petition submitted to Bellway Homes from the Offerton Park Residents Association calling on the developer to address a number of long standing defects with the development.

Councillors expressed disappointment that there remained a number of outstanding matters requiring attention.

RESOLVED – That consideration be given to including the Offerton Park development on the Review of Outcomes Tour in view of the concerns of residents and councillors about outstanding planning matters.

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 organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application from the Torkington House Residents Group seeking funding toward the cost of an excursion for residents.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this application be deferred to allow for the applicant to attend the meeting.

To consider an application from Aldwyn Crescent Community Club seeking funding toward the cost of a scheme to provide ‘Playing Out’ sessions.

Holly Beasley, Chair of the Aldwyn Crescent Community Club, attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee about an application for funding toward the cost of holding ‘Playing Out’ sessions on Aldwyn Crescent that involved formal road closures.

RESOLVED – (1) That an award of £461 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to the Aldwyn Crescent Community Club as a contribution toward the cost of ‘Playing Out’ sessions.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing be recommended to consider the uptake of Play Street and explore options for providing group public liability insurance cover to encourage further use.

To consider an application from the Friends of Woodsmoor Station seeking funding toward the cost of the installation of a defibrillator at the station.

Addy Stobbie, Chair of the Friends of Woodsmoor Station, attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of fitting an Automated External Defibrillator at the station.

RESOLVED – That an award of £700 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to the Friends of Woodsmoor Station as a contribution toward the cost of providing a Automated External Defibrillator.

There are no development applications to consider.

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 Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Paul Cassidy, 0161 474 5388, paul.cassidy@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 Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

This report seeks the views of the Area Committee on the proposal to lease the former St Stephens School playing fields to the Bosden Farm Allotment Association.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of this report and provide any comments.

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161 474 4240, Charlotte.cordingley@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) seeking the views of the Area Committee on the proposed use of the former St Stephen’s School playing fields on Kingfisher Road, Offerton.

An application had been received by the Council from the Bosden Farm Allotment Association seeking to use the land as an allotment site.

Representatives of the Allotment Association attended to outline their proposed use of the site.

Members welcomed the community-led efforts to make use of the site.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supported the use of the former St Stephen’s School playing fields for community use in line with request made by the Bosden Farm Allotment Association.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Laura Booth.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Laura Booth.

Councillor Booth outlined concerns that the current parking around the Castle Hill High School and The Fairway Primary School in Offerton and the consequential impact on road safety. In particular she highlighted the fact that the relocation of Castle Hill School, the intensification of the use of LifeLeisure facilities and the presence of the Fairway Primary School were causing predicated conflicts of pedestrians and motorists and were putting lives at risk. In particular the inadequate separation of pedestrians from vehicles between the parking facilities and schools was highlighted. Councillor Booth also commented that despite Castle Hill being a smaller school than the former Offerton High School, given the additional needs of pupils and the larger catchment there had been an intensification of traffic to the site.

Councillor Booth read a statement from a concerned resident reinforcing these points.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration attended the meeting to respond the issues raised. He stated that officers were aware of the issues at this location and a meeting / tour of the site had taken place with both Head Teachers to assess current provision and possible future option. The additional difficulties caused by the access needed for the LifeLeisure facilities was acknowledged.

It was also confirmed that surveys were being undertaken to better understand the travel patterns of those travelling the site, as well as speed surveying. This work would then inform the solutions developed.

In relation to the path referred to, it was confirmed that an order had been made to have this cleared as a matter of urgency.

It was reported that there were resourced allocated in the 2018/19 School Safety Programme for the Fairway Primary School that could be used to address these concerns.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That the efforts of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, working in partnership with Castle Hill and Fairway Primary School to identify solutions to the problems in this area be supported, including the possibility of additional traffic calming measures.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that ward councillors were kept appraised of developments given the level of interest from local residents.

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

The report sets out a proposal to install footway on Cherry Close, Offerton.

The Area Committee is invited to approve the installation of footway opposite nos.1 and 3 Cherry Close at a cost of £2300 to be funded from the Highway Delegated Budget.

Officer contact: Alan Whitfield, 0161 474 3255, alan.whitfield@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 install a selection of footway on Cherry Close, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to installation of a section of footway opposite no.s 1 and 3 Cherry Close, Offerton at a cost of £2,300 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Offerton Ward allocation)

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

The report sets out details of objections received to the proposal Residents’ Permit Parking Scheme on Grenville Road, Hazel Grove and the response of officers to the issues raised by the objections.

In light of the objections, the Area Committee is invited to approve the revised Traffic Regulation Order schedule detailed below:

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Grenville Road

South West side from a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 5 metres in a South Easterly direction.

Extend H1 Permit Parking:

Grenville Road

South West side from a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 18 metres in a South Easterly direction and to tie in with existing.

Parking for H1 Permit Holders Only or Limited Waiting 8am – 6pm 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour:

Grenville Road

North Easterly side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 18 metres in s South Easterly direction.

The addition of Numbers 67, 69, 71 and 73 Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove, to the list of addresses eligible for a permit(s) for use in the H1Permit Parking Zone.

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) informing the Area Committee of feedback received to proposals to extend existing Permit Parking on Grenville Road, Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That, in light of the representations made during the formal consultation process, the Metropolitan Borough Council Of Stockport (Grenville Road, Hazel Grove) (Residents Permit Parking Places) And (Limited Waiting) Order 2018 be amended as follows:-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Grenville Road

South West side from a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 5 metres in a South Easterly direction.

Extend H1 Permit Parking:

Grenville Road

South West side from a point 15 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 18 metres in a South Easterly direction and to tie in with existing.

Parking for H1 Permit Holders Only or Limited Waiting 8am – 6pm 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour:

Grenville Road

North Easterly side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Bramhall Moor Lane for a distance of 18 metres in s South Easterly direction.

The addition of Numbers 67,69,71 and 73 Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove, to the list of addresses eligible for a permit(s) for use in the H1Permit Parking Zone.

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

The report details the findings of the Review of Outcomes tour undertaken on Wednesday, 11 October 2017 and requests that the Area Committee gives consideration to the arrangements for the 2018 tour.

The Area Committee is recommended to :-

(1)  Comment on and note the findings of the 2017 Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

(2) Nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2018 Annual Review Tour; and

(3) Nominates Members to attend the Annual Review Tour on October 5 2018.

Officer contact: Kevin Brooks on 474 4905 or email: kevin.brooks@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 the findings of the Review of Outcomes tour undertaken on Wednesday, 11 October 2017 and requesting that the Area Committee gives consideration to the arrangements for the 2018 tour.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour be requested to consider visiting the Bellway Homes housing developments at Offerton Park (former Dialstone Centre) and The Coppice (former Mirrlees site) or the development at Melford Road, Hazel Grove.

(3) That consideration of the nomination of councillors to attend the Tour be deferred to the next meeting.

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

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

Reports of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration were submitted (copies of which had been circulated) summarising a number of application for the use of Torkington Park:-

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application to hold a Thai Festival in Torkington Park on 28 and 29 July 2018.

RESOLVED – That the application to hold a Rak Thai Festival in Torkington Park over the weekend of 28th & 29th July 2018 be approved subject to the applicant obtaining all appropriate licences and all relevant paperwork being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application to hold a Family Funfair at Torkington Park on 28 June - 1 July 2018.

RESOLVED – (1) That the application from Morley’s Funfairs to hold the annual family funfair in Torkington Park between 25 June and 2 July 2018 be approved subject to the applicant obtaining all appropriate licences and all relevant paperwork being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to raise concerns about noise from the event during the evening with the event organisers.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application to hold a National Playday Event in Torkington Park on Wednesday 1 August 2018.

RESOLVED – That the application from Action for Sick Children to hold the National Playday event in Torkington Park on 1 August 2018 be approved subject to the applicant obtaining all appropriate licences and all relevant paperwork being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

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 Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with decisions taken at previous meeting and the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.