Agenda and minutes

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

RESOLVED – That Councillor Mark Weldon 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 Ankers 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 9 April 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9 April 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

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

The Chair invited councillors to report on any community activity that may be of interest to other councillors and the public.

Councillor Laura Booth (Mayor of Stockport) reported that there would be a memorial service on Friday 14 June 2019 held in Stockport in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire to mark the 2^nd anniversary of the tragic events.

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 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.

Three questions were submitted.

(1)  The first question asked if the Area Committee would consider funding replacement goal posts at the site of the former Dial Park School.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that he had referred the request to the Council’s Greenspace Team to prepare a report for a future meeting.

(2)  The second question highlighted concerns about the usability of the open space at Boothby Street/ Bonis Crescent Park and asked that the Council take whatever action it could to ensure United Utilities made alterations to the current drainage infrastructure to allow the area to be brought back into a condition to allow public enjoyment of the site.

The Chair referred to a recent meeting with United Utilities, Council officers and residents at which the United Utilities representatives conceded that the open space was no longer a fit play area. He further stressed the importance of the Council continuing to press United Utilities to make right the situation.

(3)  The third question referred to recent anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Swanage Avenue, Offerton, suggesting this was due to the opening up of a pedestrian and cycle link to between Swanage Avenue and the Offerton Park housing development and asking what the Council would do to address these issues.

The Chair referred to the item that had been placed on the agenda and suggested that the question be considered in conjunction with this item.

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.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to seek an update in relation to work to clear Poise Brook and the pruning of hedges on Bean Leach Road.

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

There were no petitions submitted.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration will attend the meeting and make a presentation about the consultation on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan proposals that the Cabinet signed up to in March 2019.

More information can be found at www.cleanairgm.com  

Sue Stevenson, Head of Highways, Stockport Council attended submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) and attended the meeting to make a presentation in respect to proposals to improve air quality in Greater Manchester.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concerns were expressed about the impact of the penalties on sole traders and small businesses that underpinned the economy as the cost and disruption of changing vehicles, some of which would not be very old, were significant. It was important to engage this group of road users.

·         It was important to ensure that the costs associated with replacing large parts of the bus fleet was not passed onto public transport users as this was likely to have the consequence of pushing people back into using cars. There needed to be national coordination to ensure the supply of vehicles and to prevent large companies from ‘shunting’ the poor emission vehicles to other parts of the country.

·         Concerns were expressed about the implications of widespread deployment of Automated Number Plate Recognition across Greater Manchester.

·         It was important to ensure that measures were in place to tackle those areas of most poor air quality, rather than simply take a blanket approach to the problem across Greater Manchester.

·         Concern was expressed that the revenue generated from penalty charges would be diverted from Greater Manchester to the Treasury.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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

Councillor Meikle reminded the Area Committee of previous discussion in relation to anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Swanage Avenue and the concerns expressed by residents that this was due to the creation of a pedestrian and cycle access to the Offerton Park development on the site of the former Dialstone Centre.

Councillor Meikle referred to the public question submitted earlier in the meeting, and representations she had received from residents. She further reported that she had been in discussion with a Fire Safety Officer who had highlighted potential issues with the access and had indicated that emergency vehicles would access Offerton Park from the Raisbeck Road entrance onto Lisburne Lane rather than needing the emergency access from Swanage Avenue.

Councillor Meikle further reported that she had discussed the matter with Stockport Homes who had properties on the Offerton Park development, and they had indicated that would consider funding measures to address anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Meikle invited the Area Committee to agree to gate the access.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive outlined the difficulties of gating the access and the potential significant costs and legal challenges. It was also confirmed that there had been no reports of any crime or anti-social behaviour in this locality.

Councillors expressed sympathy with residents but were cautious about committing to take any action without further information and advice from officers.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to arrange a meeting with appropriate Council officers and partners, ward councillors and residents to discuss the issues connected to anti-social behaviour on Swanage Avenue.

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

Natalie Dunworth and Jillian Sherratt, Directors of the Natalie Dance Creative Community Interest Company, attended the meeting to answer questions in relation to their application for funding toward the cost of supporting the groups participation in the Hazel Grove Carnival.

RESOLVED – That an award of £1000 be made to the Natalie Dance Creative toward the costs associated with performing at the Hazel Grove Carnival.

Fereshteh Vanani submitted an application for funding on behalf of the Sheba Arts seeking funding toward the cost of an event to coincide with Refuge Week.

RESOLVED – That an award of £750 be made to Sheba Arts toward the cost of a Refuge Week event.

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.

An extension to the existing car park on site to create 160 additional car parking spaces, providing parking for 412 vehicles; erection of lighting and fencing; extension of the current bike shed to create 60 more spaces; and erection of a new smoking shelter.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the report.

In respect of plan no. 70879 for an extension to the existing car park on site to create 160 additional car parking spaces, providing parking for 412 vehicles; erection of lighting and fencing; extension of the current bike shed to create 60 more spaces; and erection of a new smoking shelter, it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject the imposition of appropriate conditions including those set out in the report.

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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates, 0161 474 3219, vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals and enforcement action within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Councillor Paul Ankers be nominated to support the development of the Council’s statement in relation to the planning appeal for Mount Pleasant, Kings Road, Hazel Grove.

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 approved by the Area Committee at its meeting on 23 May 2011 is attached for information.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive 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 2019/20:-

Hazel Grove

Councillor Paul Ankers

Offerton Ward

Councillor Laura Booth

Councillor Wendy Meikle

Stepping Hill Ward

Councillor Grace Baynham

Councillor John Wright

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

The report sets out the outcomes of a consultation exercise for Road Safety Around Schools – Fairway Primary School and to seeks approval for the introduction of speed cushions, dropped pedestrian crossing points and pencil bollards.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve the proposals for Road Safety Around Schools – The Fairway Primary School scheme as shown on drawing number 0307_FP_001.

Officer contact: Gavin Lightbown, 0161 474 2079, gavin.lightbrown@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) summarising the findings of a consultation exercise on proposals for road safety improvements connected to the Fairway Primary School and seeking approval for the legal notification and installation of speed cushions, dropped pedestrian crossing points and pencil bollards.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Road Safety Around Schools proposals for Fairway Primary School:-

·         the outcome of the public consultation be noted;

·         subject to the extension of the No Waiting Restrictions to the crossing point on the Fairway at the northern most junction with the former school access, approval be given to the legal advertising of the proposals as detailed in the report and shown on drawing number 0307_FP_001 and subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date the Orders being made;

·         the cost of the scheme being funded from the Road Safety Around Schools budget be noted;

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that the secondary access to the former Offerton High School site on Curzon Road is opened.

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

The report proposes the revocation of a redundant order for disabled parking (Blue Badge Holders Only) on Norwood Road in Great Moor.

The Area Committee is invited 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 be made as advertised:

Revoke Disabled Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only):

Norwood Road:

North West side from a point 3 metres South West of the projected South Westerly building line of No. 20 for a distance of 6.6 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider the removal of a mandatory disabled persons parking bay on Norwood Road to rectify anomalies with the Order and also to provide additional on-street parking.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £660 to be funded form the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation) and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the Order being made as advertised:

Revoke Disabled Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only)

Norwood Road

North West side from a point 3 metres South West of the projected South Westerly building line of No. 20 for a distance of 6.6 metres in a North Easterly direction.

RESOLVED – With the consent of the Area Committee this item was withdrawn.

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

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

Councillor Meikle reminded the Area Committee of a previous decision to purchase Speed Indicator Signs for deployment by the Offerton Ward, in addition to the Sign purchased by the Area Committee, and asked why no information had been reported back to the Area Committee or ward councillors.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that he had discussed the matter with appropriate officers and it was anticipated that data would be shared with councillors in due course. He further stated that he had been unable to find record of the Area Committee having agreed the purchase of a sign specifically for the Offerton Ward.

RESOLVED – (1) That Deputy Chief Executive be requested to confirm the purchase of a Mobile Speed Indicator Sign for Offerton.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide councillors with data from Mobile Speed Indicator Sign deployments in their wards.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

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

Councillor Meikle requested an update on the agreed scheme to install parking laybys on Lisburne Lane.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that officers had confirmed that upon receipt of payment from Stockport Homes for their contribution to the scheme it would be progressed and was anticipated to take two months.

RESOLVED – (1) That Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that the Area Committee’s contribution to the Libsurne Lane laybys scheme be charged to the 2018/19 ‘clawed back’ underspend.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide an update to ward councillors in relation to proposed speed calming measures on Dialstone Lane.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to nominate councillors to the Hazel Grove Community Association.

RESOLVED – That the following councillors be nominated to the Hazel Grove Community Association:-

Councillor Lou Ankers

Councillor Paul Ankers

Councillor Jon Twigge

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 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 budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.