Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 29 September 2020 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.

The Chair thanked members of the public for their support of the local Remembrance Day messaging to ‘remember from home’ and for their recognition of the significance of both remembrance and the current national lockdown rules.

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 on ay matters in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice. 

One public question was submitted relating to the public access to green space behind Ashbourne Road, Hazel Grove and whether the council-owned gate to the land could be better secured to prevent possible risk to local residents.

In response it was stated that the gate was not currently locked and had been installed to provide access to the Council and United Utilities.  However, it was also confirmed that the space was currently being used by some residents as a valued area of public open space.  It was suggested that consideration should be given the temporary locking of the gate pending consultation with local residents on the future use of the site in the light of concerns over an increase in criminal activity within the locality.

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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report provides details relating to the consultation information for the statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan (CAP) and the taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards (MLS) asking Members to encourage people to participate in the consultation process.

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

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the consultation information for the statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards and asking Members to encourage people to participate in the consultation process.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members raised concerns that charges on commercial vehicles may unduly effect small tradespeople and taxi drivers and become an extra tax on them rather than an effective measure against air pollution.  Members were asked to encourage public feedback on the report so as to ensure that a full support package could be put in place to mitigate these potential impacts.

·         In response to a query about whether any roads would be excluded from the scope of the scheme, it was stated that the only local exclusion was proposed to be the A555 between Macclesfield Road and Wilmslow Road to ensure that vehicles starting and ending their journey in Cheshire East borough were not subject to charging.

·         In response to a question from a councillor, it was stated that there was an end-point to the introduction of charges, however Greater Manchester needed to be able to demonstrate two years of compliance before charges could be removed.  In was confirmed that current modelling predicted compliance by 2024.

·         The report noted that a similar scheme in Nottingham had led to a 40% conversion rate to cleaner commercial vehicles, but forecasted a 20-25% conversion rate in Stockport. Members questioned why this was the case, to which it was commented that the Nottingham scheme had covered a much smaller, city-centre area.

·         Members questioned how the revenues generated by the scheme would be used.  Members were reassured that the scheme was self-funding and that any revenues would be reinvested or spent more generally on transport improvements across Greater Manchester.

·         Concern was raised that there could be loopholes for drivers, such as taking longer routes to avoid charges. It was commented that charges would apply across all entrances to Greater Manchester and would be enforced with a significant number of cameras.

·         Members requested a link to the consultation that they could pass on to residents.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

On the last week of July and first week of August 2019, extreme rainfall events hit parts of north-west England and the south Pennines, with flooding observed across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The main event day was 31st July 2019.

This report presents the various aspects of the flood events in July and specifically incorporates the draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

(NOTE: The report had previously been submitted to the 29 September 2020 meeting of the area committee, however this has subsequeently been revised to include additional appendices that wer enot available at the point of original publication).

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

fficer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the various aspects of the flood events that occurred on the last week of July and first week of August 2019 and specifically incorporated the draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events that had been undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

It was noted that the draft report was previously considered at the last meeting of the Area Committee, however this has subsequently been updated to provide additional information in its appendices that were not available to members at that meeting.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members sought clarity on measures that had been taken in response to the flooding across the borough. In response, some of the responses were outlined, such as a replacement pumping station on the A555, focusing on clearing gullies in flooding hotspot areas and improving communication around driving during flood events.

·         It was suggested that the use of language such as ‘quick-fix’ and ‘quick-wins’ might not be helpful in the light of a number of the actions identified being carried over from the 2016 flood report.

·         Members questioned the rationale for the report’s identification of flooding ‘hotspot’ sites, and why some areas were excluded from them. It was noted that this was the consultant’s choice but did not reflect the Council’s intention to address every area that experienced flooding.

·         Members sought clarity on the timescales for further investigation and actions identified in the report to protect residents. It was noted that members would be updated with any timeframes when they were available so that residents could be made aware.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to flood damage to Moorfield School and how this risk could be mitigated in future. It was noted that these concerns would be raised with the appropriate officers to be looked into.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £120 towards the cost of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged families within the Stockport area with a ‘family gift pack’ each.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of an application received on behalf of Autisk for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged families within the Stockport area with a ‘family gift pack’ each.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Autisk for a grant of £180 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged families within the Stockport area with a ‘family gift pack’ each.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the CPR Group for a grant of £370 towards the cost of donating lifesaving billboards to 13 high schools in Stockport. The billboard contains Northwest Ambulance Services step by step guide to learn CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and also features a QR code that allows pupils to download the Northwest ambulances lifesaving video onto their mobile phone.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of an application received on behalf of the CPR Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of donating lifesaving billboards to 13 high schools in Stockport.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this application be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee pending clarification on the use of any allocated funding and the schools that would benefit from it.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Kids Community Closet Stockport for a grant of £66 towards the cost of purchasing equipment needed for the project as follows:-

·         Storage Crates – to store clean clothing, avoid risk of any pests or rodents getting access to clothes.

·         Shelving and Racking - to house storage crates so clothing does not go damp.

·         Stationery - labelling for crates, delivery tags for drop offs and markers.

·         Basic mobile phone – I am currently using my own personal number.

·          Promotional Material - posters and leaflets for outreach.

·         Bags - packing and delivering bundles of clothes.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of an application received on behalf of Kids Community Closet Stockport for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing equipment needed for the Kids Community Closet project.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Kids Community Closet Stockport for a grant of £349.98 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing equipment needed for the Kids Community Closet project.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@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 a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report provides an update to all members on the One Stockport campaign to date, an outline of Phase 2 and also seeks to gain support from all area committee areas and sets out how members and their communities can get involved going forward.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

a)    Visit the campaign website (http://www.onestockport.co.uk) and follow the One Stockport social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

b)   Promote the campaign through local networks, encouraging others to visit the website and social media, and download the campaign toolkits.

c)    Share any positive local stories via getinvolved@onestockport.co.uk

d)   Provide advice and input on the proposed activities for Phase 2 and any local outlets or mechanisms which could be used to help further promote the campaign (e.g. local community groups or organisations, local social media groups, local influencers/leaders)

Officer contact: Amy Beasley on 0161 474 4596 or email: amy.beasley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update to all members on the One Stockport campaign to date, an outline of Phase 2 and also seeking to gain support from all area committee areas and setting out how members and their communities can get involved going forward.

Kathryn Rees (Service Director Strategy and Commissioning, Stockport Council) and Nick Yates (Future) also attended the meeting and made a presentation on the One Stockport campaign.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Clarification was requested on the cost to the council for the campaign.  In response it was stated that some of the initial funding came from the Future High Streets Fund which was a pot of money from central government to enable the safe opening of high streets.  It was stated that further information would be circulated to members detailing the costs.

·         Members expressed confusion around what the campaign was designed to achieve.  In response it was stated that it started as a means of promoting a ‘shop local’ message to residents, and encouraging positivity, collaboration and ways of supporting each other.  The One Stockport campaign website provided examples of tangible ways in which this could be done.

·         Members queried how the One Stockport campaign would measure its success, given the intangible nature of its aim to generate positivity around local business. It was commented that the campaign was seeking to develop more ‘hard measures’ by which the success of the campaign could be judged, such as social media engagement.

·         The financial outlay on the campaign was questioned by members, particularly in regard to whether it was the best use of Council resources during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was commented that the campaign was cooperating closely with local business owners through local forums such as the Economic Resilience Group to ensure that their feedback was central to the campaign’s goals and expenditure.

·         Members asked when and how the campaign had developed from its original purpose as a ‘shop-local’ campaign into an all-encompassing brand for Stockport. It was commented that the positive response from the local community towards the original campaign had naturally generated a more inclusive approach to the campaign.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the decision-making processes that had been followed in relation to the introduction of the campaign.  In response, it was stated that scrutiny committees had been appraised of ongoing developments in addition to appropriate governance structures.

·         Members commented that the colour scheme of the campaign could potentially clash with that of other Council branding. It was commented that these designs had been used in the early stages of the campaign to build upon familiarity with Council colours and that the design of the campaign would evolve over time.

RESOLVED – That Kathryn Rees and Nick Yates be thanked for the attendance and presentation.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report details a proposal for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on part of Buxton Road in Hazel Grove following the receipt of a report that some drivers of heavy freight vehicles were using the western part of the ‘old’ Buxton Road as a rest-stop that was causing visibility problems for vehicles leaving residential driveways.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport gives approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £660 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Buxton Road - North Easterly side from a point 6 metres South East of the projected boundary line between No’s 91 & 93 for a distance of 23.5 metres in a North Westerly direction.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on part of Buxton Road in Hazel Grove following the receipt of a report that some drivers of heavy freight vehicles were using the western part of the ‘old’ Buxton Road as a rest-stop that was causing visibility problems for vehicles leaving residential driveways.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £660 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Buxton Road - North Easterly side from a point 6 metres South East of the projected boundary line between No’s 91 & 93 for a distance of 23.5 metres in a North Westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report details a proposal for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ traffic regulation orders on Dialstone Lane and Hornbeam Close, Great Moor.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of that element of the proposed orders that were within its purview and are requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport gives approval to the legal advertising of those elements that are on or within 15 metres of a Strategic Route, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders:-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Dialstone Lane

North East side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Biddulph Avenue for a distance of 9 metres in a South Easterly direction (and to tie in with Existing).

Hornbeam Close

North Westerly side from the South Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 25 metres (following the kerb line) in a South Westerly direction.

South Westerly side from the South Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 52 metres (following the kerb line) in a South Westerly direction (and to tie in with existing).

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ traffic regulation orders on Dialstone Lane and Hornbeam Close, Great Moor.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of that element of the following scheme that falls within the Area Committee’s purview and that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the remaining element of the scheme that are on or within 15 metres of a Strategic Route, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders, to be funded by way of a developer contribution:-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Dialstone Lane

North East side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Biddulph Avenue for a distance of 9 metres in a South Easterly direction (and to tie in with Existing).

Hornbeam Close

North Westerly side from the South Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 25 metres (following the kerb line) in a South Westerly direction.

South Westerly side from the South Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 52 metres (following the kerb line) in a South Westerly direction (and to tie in with existing).

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk