Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 10 December 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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 two questions had been submitted by members of the public as follows: -

·         Relating to the consultation on parking around the Stepping Hill Hospital.

In response, it was confirmed that Councillors had seen the draft proposal for the consultation and encouraged all residents to respond whether they were in favour of the proposals or opposed to them.  Residents were also encouraged to submit any suggested amendments to the scheme.

·         Relating to the proposed charge for the introduction of a resident permit parking scheme around Stepping Hill Hospital.

In response, it was stated that there was a need to create a balance in the area for all parties involved including businesses, local residents and the schools.  Local residents were again encouraged to respond to the wider consultation on the proposed Stepping Hill Parking Zone that would inform any decisions that were taken on the implementation of any new scheme in the area.

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 Inspector had been unable to attend the meeting, however it was stated that any outstanding issues relating to the public realm that councillors and members of the public wished to raise at the meeting would be reported back to the appropriate officer for a response following the meeting.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Community Clean ups – local residents in the Stepping Hill ward would like to volunteer for ‘community clean-ups’ and would like specific areas to be identified, with the council leading on the clean-ups in the area.

·         Pavement – the paving stones are still loose outside the ‘You and Me’ store on the A6 in the Stepping Hill ward.

·         Parked Vehicles – local residents have complained about inconsiderate parking outside the ‘LMC Autos’ on the end of Lake Street in the Stepping Hill ward.

·         Grass verges and pavements – could some improvements be made to the grass verges and pavements on Cavendish Road to improve the street scene in the Hazel Grove ward.

·         Hedges – along the Bean Leach Road in the Offerton ward, needs some pruning, similar to what had been done on the Marple Road area.

·         Dog Fouling

o   dog fouling signs to be erected in the vicinity of Hollymount Gardens in the Offerton ward.

o   Dog fouling wigns to be erected in the vicinity of Brooklyn Road,  Stepping Hill ward.

o   A discussion was previously held regarding the use of a special spray paint to make dog fouling more visible. Can an update on the use of this spray and reasons be provided to the next meeting.

o   An increase in dog fouling in the vicinity of Moorland Road and Westward Road in the Stepping Hill ward.

REOSLVED – That the issues raised be communicated to the Public Realm Inspector for a response.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

The report builds on the recent Scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres and is seeking early views from Members to shape a future programme of work that will feed into the Council’s Local Plan and future delivery of regeneration and investment.

The report also proposes a number of proposals that could be implemented quickly whilst further engagement takes place over the coming months.

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

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposals arising from a recent scrutiny review into the health and prosperity of the borough’s District Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought relating to the ‘loan fund’ and its flexibility and if the ‘Trafford model’ had any delinquency.  In response, it was commented that it was commented that the details of the loan scheme were still being worked out, but it would be a rolling fund similar to the ‘Trafford model’ and their model operated at a 5% delinquency rate, with an administration fee on each loan.

·         Clarification was sought relating to the whether there would be officers dedicated to particular districts to support regeneration in the area. In response, it was commented that there would be support and resources to facilitate local groups and businesses.

·         It was commented that the report provided details on stage one of the scheme and follows the ‘Trafford model’ over a three-year period, so there were still a number of consultations and data to be collected.

·         Clarification was sought on why ‘charity shops’ were classed as ‘non-eligible businesses’ given that they attracted a lot of people to district centres. In response, it was commented that the schemes aimed to promote diversity in the retail offer in district centres.

·         It was noted that Great Moor and Brinnington were not designated district centres, but were similar to Hazel Grove in that they were vibrant places with facilities such as supermarkets and leisure centres and could benefit from the solutions identified for Hazel Grove.  It was commented that the classification of District Centres is based on Planning Policy Guidance and was predominantly a retail driven classification, but as the review qas conducted into district centres, smaller local centres would also benefit from the lessons learnt and the outputs as part of the Local Plan work.

·         Concern was expressed regarding ‘traffic lights’ in the district centres and balancing the flow of traffic and pedestrians crossing the areas, but it was a matter of prioritising in the interest of those district centres to reduce traffic and pollution and provide better air quality for local residents.

·         It was commented that the lessons learnt through the scheme and being rolled out into smaller local centres was welcomed because any loss of trade in the local centres would have a huge impact on those communities and any support that could be given would be positive.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for a grant of £210 (£105 from this Area Committee) received from Bosden Farm Neighbourhood Watch towards the cost of hiring a hall to hold an event to discuss Neighbourhood Watch activities.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted an application received on behalf of Bosden Farm Neighbourhood Watch for a grant of £105 from the Ward Flexibility Fund toward the cost of hiring a hall to hold an event to discuss Neighbourhood Watch activities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Bosden Farm Neighbourhood Watch for a grant of £105 (from the Offerton ward allocation) towards the cost of hiring a hall to hold an event to discuss Neighbourhood Watch activities.

To consider an application for ward flexibility funding from Woodsmoor Classic Car Show for a grant of £800 towards the cost of holding the event.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted an application received on behalf of the Woodsmoor Classic Car Show for a grant of £800 from the Ward Flexibility Fund toward the cost of the organising of the Woodsmoor Classic Car Show.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Woodsmoor Classic Car Show for a grant of £800 (£400 from the Hazel Grove ward allocation and £400 from the Stepping Hill ward allocation) towards the cost of the organisation of the Woodsmoor Classic Car Show.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

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 Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (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 joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance and Estates & Asset Management

The report summarises an objection received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Shepley Drive & Castleton Road, Hazel Grove and sets out the response of officers to the issues raised in the objection.

NOTE: This item was originally considered a the September 2019 meeting of the Area Committee were it was agreed to defer the report pending further discussion between the Ward Highway Spokesperson and officers.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the Order as advertised subject to the proposed amendment set out in the report to alter the Non-Waiting to Limited Waiting.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an objection received to the proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ traffic regulation order on Shepley Drive and Castleton Road, Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objection, the Order be made as advertised.

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

This report details the results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund proposals (A-I) below for improvements to:

A - A footpath linking Lowick Close with Hatherlow Lane;

B - Paths in Torkington Park;

C - Filter point on Mill Lane

D - Filter points on Wild Street;

E - Filter point on Neville Street;

F - The junction of Hazelwood Road and Torkington Road;

G - Footpath 77 from Sandown Road to the A6;

H - A crossing point on Chester Road close to Hazel Grove Station;

I - Minor improvements at Mill Lane / A6 / New Moor Lane junction and A6 / Mount Pleasant Toucan crossing.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note that following the consultation it is recommended to proceed with Proposals A,B,C,D,E,F,H & I.

(2) That it be recommended that Proposal G be reviewed in light of comments received to consider potential alternatives and those findings will be presented to a future meeting of this committee following further public engagement.

(3) Recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration gives approves the implementation of the schemes A,B,C,D,E,F,H & I described in this report and the legal advertising of the traffic regulation orders detailed within Appendix 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.

(4) Give approval to the Bridleway Creation Order contained in Appendix B of the report.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) proposal for improvements to:

A - A footpath linking Lowick Close with Hatherlow Lane; 

B - Paths in Torkington Park;

C - Filter point on Mill Lane;

D - Filter points on Wild Street;

E - Filter point on Neville Street;

F - The junction of Hazelwood Road and Torkington Road;

G - Footpath 77 from Sandown Road to the A6;

H - A crossing point on Chester Road close to Hazel Grove Station;

I - Minor improvements at Mill Lane / A6 / New Moor Lane junction and A6 / Mount Pleasant Toucan crossing.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that recommendation (G) “Footpath 77 from Sandown Road to the A6”, would not be taken forward at this stage due to the concerns raised by local residents. However, improved solutions were being looked in to address the concerns that had been raised.

·         Concern was expressed as to whether the creation of new cycleways and footpaths would be successful in persuading people out of their cars due to the increasing number of cars on the roads. It was commented that the scheme had the full support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and he had invested in the scheme which would encourage people to walk and cycle or use public transport accordingly.

·         Clarification was sought in relation to the ‘Flood Review’ results for the area that was being completed and if the findings of the review would be taken into account in terms of drainage when the cycle and walking paths schemes are being implemented. In response, it was commented that the findings of the review would be taken into account and departments would be working together and collectively.

·         Clarification was sought in relation to the tree replacement programme as part of the scheme and whether the replacement trees would be maintained. In response, it was commented that the Council’s Conservation and Arboricultural Officers would be involved in discussions for matters relating to the maintenance of the trees.

·         Clarification was sought in relation to (G) “Footpath 77 from Sandown Road to the A6”, regarding if the scheme was revised would it be re-submitted to the Area Committee for consideration. In response, it was commented that the scheme would be consulted on again and more widely following the concerns expressed with the scheme and would be re-submitted to the Area Committee for consideration.

·         Concern was expressed regarding (D) – “Filter points on Wild Street” and the narrowness of the road and the proposed restrictions in the scheme. In response, it was commented that no feedback had been received from local residents in the area regarding the proposals, but if it were to be implemented then it would be subject to the legal advertising which would allow for a further period of objection.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the availability of the funding for the scheme. In response, it was commented that it was a process of bidding for the funding and an allocation had already been made in principle with a business case due to be submitted in due course.

RESOLVED  - (1) That it be noted that proposal (G) - “Footpath 77 from Sandown Road to the A6” would be reviewed in light of comments received from local residents and that consideration would be given to potential alternatives with the findings being presented to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

(2) That approval be given to proposals A,B,C,D,E,F,H & I as detailed in the report and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix C of the report), insofar as they relate to Local Distributor and Local Access Roads within their purview, and subject to the receipt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of the report, noting the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses around the Stepping Hill and Bramhall areas and to recommend that the Cabinet Member  for Economy & Regeneration gives approval to the proposed measures and associated traffic regulation orders.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member  for Economy & Regeneration gives approval to the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the traffic regulation orders contained in Appendix 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.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to create a 4km long cycle link from Bramhall Park to the former A6 at ‘Simpson’s Corner’ in Hazel Grove as part of the Stockport East-West Cycle Route.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposal to create a 4km long cycle link from Bramhall Park to the former A6 at ‘Simpson’s Corner’ in Hazel Grove as part of the Stockport East–West Cycle Route (as detailed in Section 3 of the report) and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix B of the report), insofar as they related to Local Distributor and Local Access Roads within its purview, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the proposal to create a 4km long cycle link from Bramhall Park to the former A6 at ‘Simpson’s Corner’ in Hazel Grove as part of the Stockport East–West Cycle Route (as detailed in Section 3 of the report) and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix B of the report), insofar as it related to Strategic Highways and District Distributor Roads, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

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

The Area Committee are requested to consider the contents of the report, noting the results of the consultation exercise carried out for the Offerton to Stockport MCF proposals and to recommend the approval of the proposed measures and associated traffic regulation orders.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on this report and recommend that the Cabinet Member  for Economy & Regeneration gives approval to the proposals and associated traffic regulation orders as detailed in Appendix D of the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders.

Officer contact: Katy Farrer on 0161 474 4810 or email: katy.farrer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for an upgraded crossing for pedestrians and cyclists on Offerton Lane close to the Sydney Street junction to replace the existing crossing located to the north west.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to proposals B,D,E,G & H (as detailed in the report) and the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix D of the report), insofar as they relate to the Local Distributor and Local Access Roads within their purview, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to give approval to proposals A1, F & G (as detailed in the report) and to the legal advertising of the associated package of Traffic Regulation Orders (as detailed in Appendix D of the report), insofar as they relate to Strategic Highways and District Distributor Roads, and subject to no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders.

(3) That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration defers consideration of proposal C (Dialstone Lane Crossing) for further study and consultation before any amended proposals are brought before the Area Committee.

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

The report details a proposal to install new bollards and knee-rail to help prevent unauthorised access to Torkington Park.

That the Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the following scheme at a cost of £3,200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation) :-

·         the installation of  new lockable bollards at the access from the roundabout down into the park, also relocating one heritage bollard and repainting all 5 heritage bollards.

·         the installation of new lockable bollards at the tractor access point and 4m of knee-rail fencing towards the gate entrance at Torkington Road.

·         the installation of an extra concrete bollard near to the exit towards Buxton Road to prevent unauthorised access to the field.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3218 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to install new bollards and knee-rail to help prevent unauthorised access to Torkington Park.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the following scheme to be funded at a cost of £3,200 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation):-

·         the installation of new lockable bollards at the access of the roundabout down into the park, also relocating one heritage bollard and repainting all 5 heritage bollards;

·         the installation of new lockable bollards at the tractor access point and 4m of knee-rail fencing towards the gate entrance at Torkington Road; and

·         the installation of an extra concrete bollard near to the exit towards Buxton Road to prevent unauthorised access to the field.

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

The report details a proposal for a zebra crossing on Commercial Road in Hazel Grove previously submitted as a concept at Stepping Hill Area Committee on 6th March 2018 which was subsequently approved. The plans also include six pedestrian dropped crossings along Commercial Road and the upgrade of two existing bus stops which forms part of S106 development contributions from the former Royal Oak Public House. The report recommends the approval of the proposed measures and the associated amendments to traffic regulation orders.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the provision of a zebra crossing, pedestrian dropped crossings and bus stop upgrades and to give approval to the legal advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a total cost of £85,000 to be funded by a combination of the A6 MARR CMM budget and Section 106 monies.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposals for a zebra crossing on Commercial Road in Hazel Grove and the provision of six pedestrian dropped crossings along Commercial Road and the upgrade of two existing bus stops which formed part of Section 106 development contribution from the development at the former Royal Oak Public House and the associated amendments to traffic regulation orders.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following package of traffic regulation orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a total cost of £85,000 to be funded by a combination of the A6 Manchester Airport Relief Road CMM budget and Section 106 monies:-

Revocation of ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Commercial Road, Hazel Grove

South east side - From its junction with Springfield Avenue in a north easterly direction to its junction with Hazel Street.

North west side - From its junction with Pownall Street in a north easterly direction to its junction with Peter Street.

Proposed ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Commercial Road, Hazel Grove

South east side - From the south westerly kerbline of Hazel Street in a south westerly direction for a distance of 10 metres.

North west side - From the north easterly kerbline of Pownall Street in a north easterly direction for a distance of 23 metres

North west side - From a point 63 metres north east of Pownall Street to its junction with Peter Street.

Proposed Zebra Crossing

Commercial Road, Hazel Grove

At a point 20 metres north-east of the south westerly kerbline of Springfield Avenue.

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

The report details an application received from Circus Starr to hold their circus in Torkington Park on 8 May 2020 with access required from 7 to 9 May 2020.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health & safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the 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 received from Circus Starr to hold their circus in Torkington Park on 8 May 2020 with access required from 7 to 9 May 2020 subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers; event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

The Traffic and Asset Manager to report.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration provided a verbal update relating to the mitigation measures on Ashbourne Road in respect of the A555 and informed the Area Committee that the agreed actions would be implemented from mid-February 2020 which formed part of the orders that had been contracted.

RESOLVED – That the verbal update be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Mark Weldon.

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

Councillor Weldon reported on ‘rat-running’ along Akesmoor Drive and Brooklyn Road and the danger to local residents. He asked that an investigation be now undertaken to look at mitigating measures that could be proposed as a way forward.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to undertake an investigation and the findings be reported to a future meeting. 

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: Simon Hughes, 0161 474 3218, 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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding. The report also included the position on the ward delegated budgets. 

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A discussion took place in the relation to the procurement of a Mobile Speed Indicator Device by the Area Committee in 2017 and the subsequent arrangements that had been made for it be located at sites throughout the area represented by the Area Committee.  In response it was stated that there had been longstanding difficulties with the signs, and in particular with the power source which had proved complex and difficult to resolve.  It was reported that there had also been staffing problems that had resulted in some delays to the implementation of the siting programme.

·         An update was requested in relation to progress towards submitting a report to a meeting of the Area Committee relating to the current synchronisation of the traffic signals on the A6 in Hazel Grove and Great Moor; providing an update on the requested pedestrian crossing facility on Commercial Road; and options for improved signage at the at junction of Buxton Road and Dialstone Lane.

RESOLVED – That the report and the updates be noted.