Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 29 January 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The Chair reminded the Area Committee and the public that the Greater Manchester Strategic Framework (GMSF) consultation was due to close on 18 March 2019.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that the Public Realm officer was unable to attend the meeting.

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 Deputy Chief Executive reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

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

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair, following consultation with the Area Committee members, be authorised to determine any further applications for funding received before the end of the current financial year.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted an application for funding from the Hazel Grove Bowling & Tennis Club (copies of which had been circulated) seeking funding toward the cost of club improvements.

Councillors highlighted the valued community outreach and engagement work undertaken by the Club.

RESOLVED – That an award of £1000 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to Hazel Grove Bowling & Tennis Club as a contribution toward the cost of repairs to the club facilities.

Holly Beasley, representing the Aldwyn Crescent Community Club, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application (copies of which had been circulated) for funding toward public liability insurance to hold ‘play sessions’ that involved formal road closures.

A report on the previous play sessions was also submitted (copies of which had been circulated).

Councillors welcomed the excellent work the group had done in making the sessions a success and in fostering a wider community spirit amongst residents.

RESOLVED - (1) That an award of £600 be made to the Aldwyn Crescent Community Club as a contribution to the cost of public liability insurance for street based play sessions for the next two years.

(2) That the Cabinet Member be invited to review the requirements in the Council’s Street Play policy for public liability insurance in light of the success of the Aldwyn Crescent Community Club project and consider whether a risk based approach, or a Council group policy was more appropriate to encourage greater uptake.

Richard King, representing the Friends of Torkington Park, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of a new bench and planting in the children’s play area, aimed at enhancing the area and dissuading inappropriate use of some of the play area’s features.

Councillors praised the efforts of the Friends Group.

RESOLVED – That a grant of £1970 be made to the Friends of Torkington Park from the Area Flexibility Fund to meet the costs of additional features in the children’s play area.

(Note: the Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that it could be considered before the end of the financial year)

Richard King, representing the Torkington Allotments Association, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of improvements to the drainage on the site to enhance further the usability and accessibility of the site.

Councillors welcomed the proposal to enhance the usability of a Council asset.

RESOLVED – That a grant of £1360 be made to the Torkington Allotment Association from the Area Flexibility Fund to meet the costs of additional drainage works on site.

(Note: the Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that it could be considered before the end of the financial year)

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) from the Offerton Cricket Club seeking funding toward the cost of improvements of site and security improvements at the club.

Councillors highlighted the successful youth programmes run by the club.

RESOLVED – That a grant of £1000 be made to the Offerton Cricket Club from the Area Flexibility Fund toward the cost of security improvements at the club.

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 applications 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 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/planning. 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 Deputy Chief Executive outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of one detached dwelling.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In relation to plan no. 71466 for the erection of a detached dwelling at 130 Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove,

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

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

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

The report sets out a proposal to consult on a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for ‘Recreational Open Space and Commuted Payments’. The current Supplementary Planning Guidance provides supplementary guidance on the implementation of Stockport’s Development Plan policies relating to sport, leisure and play facilities. The guidance document demonstrates how commuted sums will be used in maintaining and enhancing the open space assets across the borough.

The Area Committee is invited to note and comment on the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Officer Contacts: Sally Maguire/Vincent Mcintyre on 0161 474 2738 or email: sally.maguire@stockport.gov.uk/vincent.mcinytre@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to consult on a new Supplementary Planning Document for ‘Recreational Open Space and Commuted Payments’.  The current Supplementary Planning Guidance provided supplementary guidance on the implementation of Stockport’s Development Plan policies relating to sport, leisure and play facilities. The guidance document demonstrated how commuted sums would be used in maintaining and enhancing open space assets across the borough.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration was present and responded to questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The overall ‘direction of travel’ of the guidance was welcomed.

·         The inclusion of more definitive guidance on design should be considered.

·         It was queried whether the changes to contributions would discourage development. In response it was stated that it was not anticipated to have a negative effect and the changes were required to ensure the contributions received were more reflective of the costs involved.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on the delivery of library services from Hazel Grove Library and information on the new opening hours from 1 April 2019.

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

Officer contact: Janet Wood, 0161 474 4443, janet.wood@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies attended the meeting and presented a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing changes to library opening hours and core staffed hours that were due to be implemented on 1 April 2019, following the installation of open library self-service technology (Open+) at Hazel Grove Library.

Janet Wood, Denise Rankin and Martin Roberts from the Library Service attended the meeting to present the report and answer questions form the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Assurance was sought that there was confidence in the technology and procedures to allow for the library to be open and unstaffed for a complete day. In response it was stated that the Open + technology and approach had been successfully piloted for three years at Bramhall library without giving rise to any concerns about its suitability to be rolled out further.

·         Increasing footfall and visits to libraries was key to ensuring they remained viable. What was being done to explore co-location of other Council services or partners in libraries and at Hazel Grove in particular? In response it was stated the Council and partners were engaged in reviewing the public sector estate and exploring opportunities for co-location and rationalisation, either in existing or new facilities. It was acknowledged that there were a number of services and amenities in the vicinity of Hazel Grove library that might be considered for co-location. It was also stressed that staff at Hazel Grove library were engaged in a number of initiatives to engage the public with the library, such as having a presence at the Carnival and other events in the community.

·         Clarification was sought on how users could signed up to using the Open = system. An explanation was provided including the provision of an induction to ensure users of the safety measures in place to protect them and the library during unstaffed hours. Other councillors who had already registered commented on the ease of registration and the support provided by staff.

·         The service would be doing publicity to ensure that users were aware of the new opening hours and arrangements.

·         It was commented that the fact that the Council was being forced to reduce hours was regrettable and that this could have a negative impact on an aging population that was at increased risk of isolation. Libraries were often a reliable source of human contact for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. In response it was commented that the long term aspiration for the library service was to make these facilities more of a community hub with a greater sense of community ownership.

·         Whilst acknowledging that reducing staffed hours was regrettable, officers were commended for their efforts to mitigate this and providing innovative solutions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and officers be thanked for their attendance.

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

The report sets out a proposal to introduce restricted waiting on part of Shearwater Road in Offerton to protect pedestrian walking routes to the nearby school.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the use of £1,060 from the Area Committee delegated budget to fund the following proposal, and to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date that the following order be made:

No Waiting Monday to Friday 8.45 – 9.15am & 3.00- 3.30pm:

Shearwater Road

West side from a point 6 metres south of a point level with the projected boundary line between no’s 58 – 60 for a distance of 22 metres in a southerly direction.

East side from a point level with the projected boundary line between no’s 23 & 25 for a distance of 20 metres in a southerly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend on telephone number Tel: 0161 474 4861 or by email on max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to introduce additional waiting restrictions on Shearwater Road, Offerton to protect pedestrian routes to Warren Wood School.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved for legal advertising, at a cost of £1,060 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward allocation), and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date that the following order be made:

No Waiting Monday to Friday 8.45 – 9.15am & 3.00- 3.30pm:

Shearwater Road

West side from a point 6 metres south of a point level with the projected boundary line between no’s 58 – 60 for a distance of 22 metres in a southerly direction.

East side from a point level with the projected boundary line between no’s 23 and 25 for a distance of 20 metres in a southerly direction.

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

The report seeks approval for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the new A6 MARR Turning Head off Buxton Road in hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following order can be made:

No Waiting at Any Time:

Buxton Road (Turning Head Access)

South West side from a point 11 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Mill Lane in a Southerly direction to the first corner point; then South Easterly direction to the lay-by (a total distance of approximately 24 metres following the kerb line).

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, Max.Townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to introduce No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the new A6 MARR turning head off Buxton Road in Hazel Grove in order to maintain access for traffic seeking to turn.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved for legal advertising, to be funded from the A6MARR programme, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date that the following order be made:

No Waiting at Any Time:

Buxton Road (Turning Head Access)

South West side from a point 11 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Mill Lane in a Southerly direction to the first corner point; then South Easterly direction to the lay-by (a total distance of approximately 24 metres following the kerb line).

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor John Wright

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wright.

Councillor Wright outlined complaints he had received from members of the public about inconsideration parking on Chester Road in the vicinity of a private clinic. Councillor Wright also commented that despite repeated efforts to contact the facility in question to discuss the matter he had received no response. He asked the Area Committee to support him in ask Council officers to prepare proposals for restrictions on both sides of the road to seek to address these problems.

Other councillors commented on the issues caused by this parking, particularly narrowing an otherwise wide road to one lane. They also recognised that this was a longstanding problem.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to prepare proposals, in consultation with the Stepping Hill and Hazel Grove Ward Spokesperson to address safety concerns on Chester Road between the junctions of Jackson Lane/ Dean Lane and Lyndhurst Avenue/ Cavendish Road caused by parking, to include limited time waiting restrictions during weekdays

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

Greenspace have received an application from Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold an Easter Family Fun Day & Market at Torkington Park on Bank Holiday Monday 22nd April 2019.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject the submission at least one prior to the event of all appropriate paperwork, fees and charges and all necessary licences being obtained.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from Hazel Grove Community Hub for the use of Torkington Park in April 2019.

RESOLVED – That the application from Hazel Grove Community Hub for the use of Torkington Park on 22 April 2019 be approved, subject to the receipt by the Council of appropriate paperwork, licenses and fees.

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

Morleys Funfairs have applied to hold a Family Fun Fair in Torkington Park from Thursday 4 July until Sunday 7 July.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject the submission at least one prior to the event of all appropriate paperwork, fees and charges and all necessary licences being obtained.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from Morley’s Funfairs for the use of Torkington Park in July 2019.

RESOLVED – That the application from Morley’s Funfairs for the use of Torkington Park between 1 an 8 July 2019 be approved, subject to the receipt by the Council of appropriate paperwork, licenses and fees.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with decisions taken at previous meetings and the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budgets.

Councillor Weldon reported on a recent meeting between residents, the Council and United Utilities in relation to longstanding concerns over drainage infrastructure on Boothby Street and Bonis Crescent. He reported that the meeting had been positive, although it restated many of the points raised at the Area Committee in 2017. Further written assurances were awaited from United Utilities.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to contact Offerton Ward councillors with an update on previous requests in relation to width restriction on Bean Leach Road.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide an update to a future meeting on the results from the Area Committee’s Mobile Speed Indicator Sign.