Agenda and minutes

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

RESOLVED – That Councillor Wendy Meikle 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 Paul Hadfield 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 17 April 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 April 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject the addition of the words ‘and would not support the use of this site for commercial uses’ to end of the resolution of Minute 7 ‘Former St Stephen’s School Site, Kingfisher Road, Offerton – proposed allotments’.

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

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 public questions were submitted.

(a)  Questions 1 and 2 related to the problems caused by Stepping Hill Hospital staff parking and asked what the Council would do now that the plans of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust that had been shared at the Area Committee for a multi storey car park on the Stepping Hill Hospital site were now not being pursued. The all-day parking of hospital staff on nearby residential streets was causing misery to local people.

The Chair read a statement from the Council and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. The statement:-

·         acknowledged the problems caused by staff and visitors to the hospital and the frustration this caused to residents;

·         acknowledged that suggestions had been made in the past of a multi-storey car park but stated that due to the financial pressures facing the Trust this would not be pursued in the foreseeable future

·         set out a range of measures undertaken by the Trust in response to the public meeting in 2017 including reducing parking costs for staff; introducing flexible working to reduce the number of staff on site needing parking; improved facilities for staff who choose to use other forms of transport; written to all staff reminding them to be considerate neighbours and consider more appropriate parking options;

·         recognised that the measures undertaken may not completely resolve the issues being faced;

·         stated that the Council would implement appropriate measures where a consensus amongst residents could be reached and they were willing to pay for parking permits;

·         gave assurance that enforcement officers would continue to take action against illegal parking and the blocking of driveways.

Councillors expressed disappointment that the Trust and the Council had been unable to put forward a resolution to this issue, and concerns were expressed about that the abandonment of the plans for the multi storey car park had not been communicated to local councillors.

Councillors commented that previous plans for residents permit schemes on nearby residential streets had not come to fruition because insufficient support could be garnered from local residents as part of the consultations. A lack of effective enforcement of existing restrictions was identified as a further cause of concern.

Councillors expressed sympathy with residents about the ongoing difficulties they were facing and the frustration that even after the Trust had reduced its parking charges that staff continued to park inconsiderately on residential roads.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make arrangements for the joint Ward Committee of the Offerton and Stepping Hill Wards to consider the issue of Stepping Hill Hospital Parking and to invite appropriate Council officers and senior representatives of the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

(b)  The third question related to a specific problem caused to a resident on Beauford Road, Offerton by Stepping Hill Hospital staff parking on the road and either restricting access to the residnets driveway or blocking his car in when parked on the road. The question asked the Council to reconsider its decision to refuse a dropped kerb.

Councillor Booth explained that she had been in discussion with the questioner about his problems and had received a verbal indication that an application for a dropped kerb at this location was unlikely to be successful. In light of the difficulties this caused the resident, caused in part by the installation of No Waiting Restrictions very close to the frontage of his property, Councillor Booth suggested the Council reconsider its position in relation to a dropped kerb.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager confirmed that no formal decision had been taken on a dropped kerb at this location as no formal application had been received. Having discussed the matter with officers, and following a superficial assessment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(ii)

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:-

·         United Utilities was investigating a leak on Torkington Road although there were complications to repairing this.

·         The collapse on Warwick Drive had been made safe and would be repaired within the next few weeks.

·         Drainage works to clear the main drain causing flooding at Bramhall Moor Lane roundabout had been completed.

·         ‘We are watching you’ dog fouling signs had been deployed on the Bean Leach estate. Signs had also been installed on Ashbourne Road, around Norbury School and on Great Moor Street.

·         A survey was being undertaken in district centres to better understand the cleanliness of these areas, and in particular to better understand the impact of the night time economy.

·         Verges and other grassed areas on the Offerton estate had now been mowed and areas in other wards was in progress. It was acknowledged that productivity was below that of previous years.

·         The report leak on Woodsmoor Lane leak appeared to have been resolved.

·         The Council supported staff from Adidas in undertaking a litter pick on Cow Lane who collected 10 bags of litter, 2 scooters and a plastic drainpipe.

·         The Community Payback Team had attended the area of land behind the advertising hording at the junction of Norwood Road and Buxton Road and uncovered possible asbestos so had to leave the site. The case had been passed to the Council’s Regulation Team to deal with as a waste accumulation on private land.

·         Preventative footway works were nearing completion on Dialstone Lane from Hillcrest Rd to the A6.

·         The footway resurfacing on Hempshaw Lane was progressing.

·         In relation to carriageway works the scheme at the junction of Jackson Lane/Dean Lane was completed; Chester Road (Jacksons Lane to Boundary) was in progress under a road closure; work was due to start imminently on Arundale Avenue and subsidiary roads.

·         In relation to Bean Leach Road, the resurfacing had been completed from the pinchpoint to the playpark. The bridge has been jet washed and vegetation adjacent to the pinchpoint has been trimmed back and the damaged fence removed. The surface from the pinchpoint to the Spice Tower had been subject to a 2nd surface treatment due to damage as a result of the other works.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         An update was requested in relation to abandoned cars on the former Royal Oak Pub site. It was suggested that the cars should be removed.

·         The resurfacing of Bean Leach Road was welcomed, although it was commented that the speed humps appeared to be higher than previously. One of the humps was missing chevron markings.

·         Residents had complained of a rat infestation on the land adjacent to Cow Lane.

·         Bags of clothes were being fly-tipped near the clothes bins outside the Lisburn Lane Fire station.

·         A car had been abandoned on Lake Street and was now subject to vegetation growth.

·         The alleyways from Great Moor Street were in need of attention and a suggestion was made that this be added to the Community Payback Team rota.

·         There was a blocked drain on the A6 near the bus stop adjacent to Wetherspoons Public House.

·         Litter was accumulating on the land adjacent to the bridges over the railway between Newby Road and Hazel Grove.

·         Weeds were growing from the gutters on Douglas Road.

·         There was a defective crossing signal on Kennerley Road.

·         Excavation works had been begun and abandoned on Glenwood Road and Lowland Road. This needed addressing.

·         Residents were reporting that vegetation was growing over footways on Bramhall Lane.

·         Could business on the A6 in Great Moor be asked to clear litter associated with their operations?

·         Officers were thanked for their work on the corner of Tragan Drive.

·         Concerns were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(iii)

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager referred to the receipt of two petitions:-

(a)  Whalley Road, Offerton

A petition requesting the Council to implement a residents permit parking scheme.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Traffic Management for further investigation.

(b)  Parking at the Fairway

A petition had been received requesting the Council consider urgently the parking situation on the Fairway, Offerton due to the danger posed to the safety of children attending the nearby schools.

The petitioner attended the meeting to highlight the issues raised in the petition. She reported that officers from the Council had informed her that speed surveys had now been completed and the Council was not proposing to take any further action on possible speed calming measures.

The Area Committee had considered the issues raised at its previous meeting and requested that the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration keep local councillors appraised of developments in ongoing investigations into possible solutions. Ward councillors expressed concerns that they had not been informed of these recent developments.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide the Offerton Ward Councillors with an update on investigations into speeding and parking issues on the Fairway and associated with the nearby schools.

To consider an application seeking funding toward the cost of an excursion for residents.

This application was deferred from the April meeting.

Jim Harding (Treasurer of Torkington House Residents Group) and Sharron Baker (Independent Living Coordinator from Stockport Homes) attended the meeting to present their application for Flexibility Funding (copies of which had been circulated) seeking support for a day trip to Llandudno for residents on low incomes to help overcome social isolation.

RESOLVED – That an award of £525 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to the Torkington House Residents Group as a contribution toward the cost a day trip for residents, and in the event the Group was unable to secure the additional £200 required, that this Area Committee would make up this shortfall in funding.

To consider an application for funding toward the cost of new grounds maintenance equipment.

Dean Mohareb, Chair of the Norbury Lacrosse Club, attended the meeting to present his application for funding toward the cost of acquiring new grounds maintenance equipment to help the club sustain its expansion.

RESOLVED – That an award of £429 be made to the Norbury Lacrosse Club toward the cost of new grounds maintenance equipment.

In November 2017, Cabinet reviewed and agreed Stockport’s transport priorities following the outcomes of the South East Manchester Mutli Modal Strategy (SEMMMS) Issues and Options consultation.

Work has been progressing since this agreement was reached, to translate these priorities into a draft SEMMM Strategy document ready for public consultation prior to its final adoption by both Stockport and Cheshire East Councils.

A public consultation on the draft Strategy commenced on Monday 21st May and is due to run for a 6 week period. Following the consultation, the draft Strategy will be reviewed and revised in light of the feedback received and a final version will be submitted for consideration by the Council later this year.

The Area Committee is invited to note the activities being undertaken as part of the consultation period and comment on the draft Strategy.

Sue Stevenson, Head of Highways and Transportation, at the Council attended the meeting to present a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a draft South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy which set out the priorities for the SEMMMS area out to 2040 and presenting what delivery of the strategy in its entirety could mean for the SEMMMS area.  While the delivery of the package of schemes will be subject to further investigations to evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of individual schemes, the draft Strategy presented the priorities for the SEMMMS area which should be explored further and progressed by both the Council, its partners, and wider stakeholders.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In relation to cycle connectivity it was suggested that the route of the existing  cycleway in Hazel that crossed Chester Road would be better to pass under the bridge through the rail station car park. In response it was acknowledged that this was a more desirable solution but to safety concerns about the visibility of cyclists under the bridge Network Rail had refused to allow this.

·         The aspiration for Metrolink to Stockport was supported, but more detail was requested in relation to potential route options and timescales. In response it was suggested that a tram-train solution was the more likely solution for Stockport although there were legal rules preventing the sharing lines by trams and heavy rail and pilots into the feasibility of this would take time to translate into a local scheme. All options were being considered, although there were complications and challenges to them all and the costs of any scheme would be significant.

·         A significant challenge to encourage the use of public transport was the lack of non-peak evening buses, particularly for communities not services by the 192. This also meant there were often insufficient links between local communities or to key facilities such as hospitals. In response it was stated that many such services were subsidised by councils through TfGM but because the levies were being frozen this often resulted in cuts to those subsidies. In these circumstances there needed to be a focus on those services that provided the greatest value for money.

·         The erosion of local train services under the current franchise with Northern Rail negated the promises made to expand services. It was vital to protect existing local services.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications submitted.

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.

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.

The Area Committee at its last meeting nominated sites to be visited as part of the 2018 Tour but deferred consideration of the nomination of councillors to attend.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate 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) requesting the Area Committee nominate councillors to attend the 2018 Review of Outcomes Tour. The Area Committee had previously nominated sites for inclusion.

It was commented that a number of Area Committee members would be attending the Tour in their capacity as members of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee.

RESOLVED – That Councillors John Wright and Mark Weldon be nominated to attend the Tour.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

This report, submitted at the request of the Area Committee, provides information about activity relating to Swanage Avenue since January 2018.

The Area Committee is invited 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 the situation with respect to anti-social behaviour and crime in the vicinity of Swanage Avenue, Offerton in light of public concern about the opening of a pedestrian and cycle access from the road to the new Offerton Park housing development.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to submit a further report in six months’ time updating on any further developments.

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

The Greenspace Team have received an application to hold a Fun Run in Torkington Park on 25th August. The Fun Run aims to raise money for the Endoscopy Unit at Stepping Hill.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising an application for the use of Torkington Park for a Charity Fun Run on 25 August 2018 in aid of the Endoscopy Unit at Stepping Hill Hospital.

RESOLVED – That the application to hold a charity fun run at Torkington Park on 25 August 2018 be approved subject to the receipt of appropriate licenses and all relevant paperwork at least one week prior to the event taking place.

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 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 Spokesperson Protocol (copies of which had been circulated) and requested the Area Committee to nominate ward spokespersons for each ward with whom officers would liaise over traffic and highways matters.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee Highway Ward Spokesperson Protocol be reconfirmed and the following Highways & Traffic Ward Spokespersons be appointed for 2018/19:-

Hazel Grove

Councillor Julian Lewis-Booth

Councillor Paul Ankers

Offerton Ward

Councillor Laura Booth

Councillor Wendy Meikle

Stepping Hill Ward

Councillor Paul Hadfield

Councillor Mark Weldon

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 Paul Ankers, 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 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.

This item has been added to the agenda at the request of Councillor Laura Booth.

This item had been addressed during consideration of public question time earlier in the meeting.