Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 November 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which 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.

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 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.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that three questions had been submitted by members of the public as follows:-

·         Relating to the implementation of mitigation measures for residents of Ashbourne Road in respect of the A555 A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, with specific reference to a proposed landscaping scheme.

In response, it was confirmed that a planting scheme was due to be carried out in January 2020. Councillors requested that they be kept appraised in respect of the progression of this scheme and that an update be provided to the 28 January 2020 meeting of the Area Committee.

·         Relating to the timescale for the proposed consultation on the Stepping Hill Area controlled parking zone and the details of the costings of any scheme including possible contributions from the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and the ongoing revenue requirement to provide enforcement.

In response it was stated that officers had clarified that an income and costing model had not yet been developed for the scheme, and that assumptions had been made in relation to the number of residential properties with private driveways that would participate in the scheme along with the amount of on street parking that would persist in the area in the light of a new charging regime introduced.

·         Relating to the ethics of residents being required to pay for a Residents Permit Parking Scheme which was only necessary because of the policies of Stepping Hill Hospital.

In response, it was stated that there was a general right to park on the highway where traffic regulations orders did not preclude it.  There was a cost to implementing any scheme to exclude certain sections of the highway from that general right, and there was a further cost to enforce those restrictions which needed to be borne by those who benefited from the scheme.

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.

The Chair reported that the Public Realm Officer was unable to attend this meeting of the Area Committee, however it was stated that a summary of activities with the Public Realm service area had been circulated to members of the area committee separately.

Councillor Wright commented on the condition of the Riley’s Snooker Club on the A6 in relation to overgrowing vegetation on the exterior of the building. In response, it was stated that this fell within the Brinnington and Central Ward, however it was requested that this be referred to the Public Realm Officer for the Central Stockport Area Committee to action.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The following petitions have been received during the consultation period for the Mayoral Challenge Fund:-

Pause the GM Cycle and Walk Offerton – Stockport proposals until further consultation

‘The GM Mayor and Stockport Council’s proposed changes to the area are much wider than many residents first realised. It affects much of Offerton and Manor Wards, not just the Fingerpost junction, and is more than just the creation of cycle paths.

This combined with many households not receiving vital information means we think that further, detailed and more inclusive consultation is necessary before any of these major changes to our area should take place’.

This e-petition has been signed by 220 residents (as of 26 November 2019)

Proposed changes to several roads around the Offerton area including:-

·         Worsley Crescent becoming one way

·         No right turn from both Dialstone Lane and Banks Lane onto Hempshaw Lane

·         A new crossing on Dialstone Lane near to Dialstone Wines

·         A new crossing on Banks Lane near to Harold Street (with the bus stop being moved next to the car park entrance)

·         New cycle paths throughout the area

Requesting more information and clarity on the proposed changes to Offerton roads, including all traffic planning measures and impact assessments.

This petition has been signed by 164 residents.

Proposed Bridle/Cycle Path (3 metres wide) to the rear of 50-56 Sandown Road, Hazel Grove

The petition has been signed by 17 residents.

Petition to stop the relocation of the bus stop on Banks Lane adjacent to 31 Banks Lane

This petition has been signed by 29 residents.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported on receipt the following petitions:-

(i)            Pause the GM Cycle and Walk Offerton – Stockport Proposals until further consultation

A petition, containing 220 signatures, from local residents, was submitted requesting that: ‘The Greater Manchester Mayor and Stockport Council’s proposed changes to the area are much wider than many residents first realised. It affects much of the Offerton and Manor wards, not just the Fingerpost junction, and is more than just the creation of cycle paths.

This combined with many households not receiving vital information means that residents think that further, detailed and more inclusive consultation is necessary before many and of these changes should take place.

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

(ii)          Proposed changes to several roads around the Offerton area including:-

A petition, containing 164 signatures from local residents, was submitted in relation to the following proposed traffic measures:-

·         Worsley Crescent becoming one way

·         No right turn both Dialstone Lane and Banks Lane onto Hempshaw Lane

·         A new crossing on Dialstone Lane near to Dialstone Wines

·         A new crossing on Banks Lane near to Harold Street (with the bus stop being moved next to the car park entrance)

·         New cycle paths throughout the area

The petition also requested more information and clarity on the proposed changes to Offerton roads, including all traffic planning measures and impact assessments.

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

(iii)         Proposed Bridle/Cycle Path (3 Metres wide) to the rear of 50-56 Sandown Road, Hazel Grove

A petition, containing 17 signatures, was submitted by local residents, objecting to the erection of a bridle/cycle path to the rear of 50-56 Sandown Road, Hazel Grove.

Steve Dyre attended the meeting to speak in support of local residents who had signed the petition.

Mr Dyre reported that a further 16 signatures had been received since the petition had been submitted.

Nick Whelan (Traffic and Asset Manager, Stockport Council) commented that there would be a report submitted to the January 2020 cycle of Area Committees which would respond to issues raised in this petition.

(iv)         Petition to stop the relocation of the bus stop on Banks Lane adjacent to 31 Banks Lane

A petition, containing 29 signatures, was submitted requesting that the bus stop on Banks Lane adjacent to 31 Banks Lane not be relocated as proposed.

It was noted that although the location of the bus stop on Banks Lane fell outside the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee, being within Manor Ward, it was nonetheless the case that a large number of its users would primarily be drawn from within the adjacent Offerton Ward.

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

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

To consider an application for a grant of £600 (£150 from this area committee) received from English Knights Lacrosse towards the cost of the purchase of playing kit.

Mr Paul Thompson attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of English Knights Lacrosse for a grant of £150 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards of the cost of playing kit.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from English Knights Lacrosse of £150 (Stepping Hill ward allocation) towards the cost of playing kit.

To consider an application for a grant of £1,320 (£440 from this Area Committee) received from Age UK Stockport towards the cost of facilitating community events.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted an application received on behalf of Age UK Stockport for a grant of £600 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of facilitating community events

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Age UK Stockport for a grant of £440 (£147 from each of the Hazel Grove and Offerton ward allocations and £146 from the Stepping Hill ward allocation) towards the cost of facilitating community events.

To consider an application for a grant of £719 (£600 from this area committee) from the 1st Great Moor Explorer Scout Unit towards the cost of a laptop and expedition camp equipment.

Bernard Corfe attended the meeting an submitted an application on behalf of the 1^st Great Moor Explorer Scout Unit for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Fundtowards the cost of a laptop and expedition camping unit.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the 1^st Great Moor Explorer Scout Unit for a grant of £600 (£200 from the Offerton ward allocation and £400 from the Stepping Hill ward allocation) towards the cost of a laptop and expedition camp unit.

To consider an application for a grant of £450 (£200 from this Area Committee) received from Young Caritas towards the cost of holding a workshop event.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that the Werneth Area Committee had made a grant for the total amount requested by Young Caritas and as such it was requested that this item be withdrawn.

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

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 Deputy Chief Executive outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of 6 x Pylon Lighting Towers for a 100 metre x 65 metre football pitch. Erection of 2 x new changing rooms and 1 x officials changing area with relevant showering and W.C. facilities adjacent to clubhouse.

The Area committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton on 0161 474 3657 or email: chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 73307 for the erection of 6x Pylon Lighting Towers for a 100 metre x 65 metre football pitch. Erection of 2x new changing rooms and 1x officials changing area with relevant showering and W.C facilities adjacent to the clubhouse at Stockport Georgians Football Club, Cromley Road, Woodsmoor,

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report summarises 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 Contacts: Vicki Bates/Dave Westhead on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk/dave.westhead@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 Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details proposals for new traffic orders associated with proposed permanent speed limits on the recently constructed A555 and also other roads affected by the A6-MARR highway scheme (A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road). The new road (A555) now links Ringway Road West within Manchester City Council’s boundary to the new section of A6 constructed east of Buxton Road in Hazel Grove.

Sections of the A555 and associated approach /side roads that require speed limits which differ from the three national speed limits of 30mph, 60mph and 70mph where these would be considered inappropriate will be set (or re-set on existing sections) by Stockport Council as Lead Highway Authority in order to meet the local needs and conditions.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport gives approval to the legal advertising of the package of traffic regulation orders and associated revocations detailed at Appendix A and B of the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders, to be funded from the existing budget for the A6-MARR scheme.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A report of the Corporate Director for Place, Management and Regeneration was submitted detailing proposals for new traffic orders on the recently constructed A55 and also other roads affected by the A6-MARR highway scheme (A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road).  The new road (A55) now linked Ringway Road West within Manchester Council’s boundary to the new section of the A6 constructed east of Buxton Road in Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the speed limit changed on several occasions along the length of the new and old highway, and this resulted in a degree of confusion for road users.  It was suggested that consideration should be given to regularising the speed limits along the road.  In response, it was stated that the new section of the A555 had been built to a different design standard than the old road which meant that it was not appropriate to impose a higher speed limit.  However, it was stated that the restrictions would be subject to review in the future.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the lack of white line markings delineating the extent of the carriageway and whether this had a consequential impact on the enforceability of any traffic regulation orders made for the road.  In response, it was stated that there were a number of outstanding works that needed to be completed, and these were being dealt with by the contractor.

RESLOVED - That the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the package of traffic regulation orders and associated revocations detailed at Appendix A and B of the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders, to be funded from the existing budget for the A6-MARR Scheme.

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

The report sets out an application from Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold the Hazel Grove Carnival in Torkington Park on the 11th July 2020.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licences and insurances: and the payment of the appropriate fee.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@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 an application from Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold the Hazel Grove Carnival in Torkington Park on 11 July 2019.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licences and insurances: and the payment of the appropriate fee.

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 ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

 Officer contact: Simon Hughes on 0161 474 3218 or email: simon.hughes@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.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the impasse with regard to the options for improvements or modification of the width restriction on Bean Leach Road, Offerton and it was requested that ward councillors be provided with a statement on the current situation.

·         Consideration needed to be given to the creation of improved pedestrian crossing facilities across to length of Dialstone Lane.

·         It was requested that further investigations be undertaken in relation to expenditure previously approved by the Area Committee to purchase a Mobile Speed Indicator Device for use exclusively within the Stepping Hill area.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.