Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 September 2021 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The following comments announcements were made:-

·      Councillor Baynham reported that a petition previously submitted at the last meeting of the area committee relating to speed and traffic calming measures on Kennerley Road had not yet been acknowledged as received by Traffic Services.

·      The Chair provided an update in relation to Stepping Hill parking historical data which was being reviewed by the hospital trust and that the new travel plan was being refined by the hospital.

·      The Chair announced that due to a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in Offerton, the Offerton ward councillors, local police and other parties would be attending a community meeting at 6:00pm on 20 October and that spaces were limited. Those interested in attending were invited to contact Offerton councillors in advance via social media.

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 submit questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

No public questions were submitted.

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 an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Stockport Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club towards the cost of replacing two pull-up banners and purchasing two large feather banners for signposting the venue used for the Breakfast Club.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Stockport Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of replacing two pull-up banners and purchasing two large feather banners for signposting the venue used for the Breakfast Club.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from the Stockport Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club for a grant of £78.51 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of replacing two pull-up banners and purchasing two large feather banners for signposting the venue used for the Breakfast Club.

To consider an application received from the First Davenport/Mile End Scout Group for a grant of £1,000 (£500 from this Area Committee) from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of building and establishing an indoor archery & shooting activity as part of the Scout Christmas project.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the First Davenport/Mile End Scout Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of building and establishing an indoor archery & shooting activity as part of the Scout Christmas project

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the First Davenport/Mile End Scout Group for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of building and establishing an indoor archery & shooting activity as part of the Scout Christmas project

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Cash for Kids Charity towards the cost of providing Christmas gifts to children in Stockport.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Cash for Kids Charity for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing Christmas gifts to children in Stockport.

The following comments were made/issue raised:-

·      It was noted that the applicant had been encouraged to apply for Ward Flexibility Funding at a meeting of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee held 13 October.

·      The applicant had stated that any funding granted by Stockport would be ringfenced within in Stockport, but that it could not be guaranteed that funding granted by an Area Committee would be spent within that committee’s specific area.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from the Cash for Kids Charity for a grant of £999 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children in Stockport.

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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions; and listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries, informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details a Local Initiative scheme proposal to replace the old bench at Short Street, Hazel Grove with a new black steel bench.

It is recommended that the Area Committee:-

(1)   Give consideration to the proposal to replace the old bench at Short Street, Hazel Grove with a new black steel bench at a cost of £1200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation); and

(2)   Authorise the Chief Executive to order the work.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a Local Initiative scheme proposal to replace the old bench at Short Street, Hazel Grove with a new black steel bench.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      Members were supportive of the proposal.

·      That the area where the bench would be located could be a potentially suitable location for a project to be to be funded from the new Climate Action Now micro-project budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the replacement of the old bench at Short Street, Hazel Grove with a new black steel bench at a cost of £1,200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation).

(2) That the Chief Executive be authorised to order the work.

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

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Great Moor Junior and Infant Schools and to seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage, implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; bollards; and new school warning signs.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix A 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 Road Safety Around Schools Programme Budget.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks on 0161-474-4840 or email: c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Great Moor Junior and Infant Schools and seeking approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage, implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; bollards; and new school warning signs.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That the responses to the consultation were divided roughly evenly between those supported and opposed to the scheme, and that in the absence of a majority against the proposals, the measures were worth pursuing in the interests of the safety of children attending the school.

·      That the size of the reduction in the provision of on-street parking had been reduced from that of the previous consultation.

·      That safety around schools was a pressing issue and that the scheme deserved support.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

(1) The legal advertising of the package of traffic regulations detailed in Appendix A to the report and the associated revocations and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders.

(2) The installation of signage, implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; bollards; and new school warning signs associated with the above traffic regulation order and as detailed in the report

(3) That it be noted that any costs associated with this decision were to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation.

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

The report details a proposal for the construction of a footway on part of Lisburne Lane in Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration to the proposal for the construction of a footway on part of Lisburne Lane in Offerton at a cost of £3,828.59 to be funded from the Area Committees delegated budget (Offerton Ward Allocation).

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated)  detailing a proposal for the construction of a footway on part of Lisburne Lane in Offerton.

It was noted by the Chair that there was a defunct crossing on part of Lisburne Lane which resulted in parked cars, including those of residents, being ticketed and was causing confusion for road users and pedestrians.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the construction of a footway on part of Lisburne Lane, Offerton at a cost of £3,828.59 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward Allocation).

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

The report outlines an objection received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Dialstone Lane and Hornbeam Close, Great Moor.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the order as advertised.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) outlining an objection received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Dialstone Lane and Hornbeam Close, Great Moor.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That Members supported the Order to keep the busy road safe.

·      That on multiple occasions new developments were being constructed without adequate parking provision, increasing frustrations with traffic.

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

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

The report provides the Area Committee with an update on One Stockport frogs and to seek the authorisation of the Area Committee Delegated Budget towards the costs.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to £2,400 for “Hazel Frog” to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation).

Officer contact: Helen Waters on 0161 474 3734 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Area Committee with an update on One Stockport frogs and seeking the authorisation of the Area Committee Delegated Budget towards the costs.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      It was queried why funding for “Hazel Frog” was coming from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation) when both other Frogs for this Committee were being funded by the Place Directorate Reserve Budget.

·      That despite initial positive reactions from local businesses regarding sponsorship of the Frogs ultimately funding was not secured for multiple wards.

·      That the initial impression Members were given was that if sponsorship was not secured, funding for ward Frogs would come from the Delegated Budget of the relevant ward, yet it appeared that there was funding available from a central source.

·      That it was difficult to secure sponsorship for a display that would only be present for a limited number of weeks.

·      Clarification was sought in relation to the ongoing maintenance and repair costs of the Frogs and whether this would be funded from the Delegated Budget.

·      A number of community organisations had expressed an interest in purchasing a Frog but had been deterred by the risk and responsibility of damage to the Frog.

It was clarified by a representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) that the funding for Town Centre Frogs was dealt with differently than those in the Stockport districts, and that Members had been initially advised that any shortfall in sponsorship would be met from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget, however had subsequently been given the option for funding to come from the Place Directorate Reserve Budget.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to give approval to:- 

(1) The allocation of £2,400 from the Place Directorate Reserve Budget for the full cost of the ‘Industry meets Nature’ that had been located in Offerton Precinct.

(2) The allocation of £2,400 from the Place Directorate Reserve Budget for the full cost of the ‘Florence Frog’ that had been located in Stepping Hill Precinct.

(3) The allocation of £2,400 from the Place Directorate Reserve Budget for the full cost of the ‘Hazel Frog’ that had been located in Hazel Grove Precinct.

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

The Area Committee is invited to nominate a Councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the council at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 14 November 2021.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to appoint a councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 14 November 2021.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Paul Ankers be appointed to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Hazel Grove War Memorial on 14 November 2021.

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: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email: georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That a report requested by Members on parking on Lake Street at the previous meeting of the Committee had not been provided, and officers be contacted to request an estimated date of the report.

·      It was noted that members had been provided with proposals relating to the provision of a new guardrail at Torkington Park and that the Corporate Director (Place) would be recommended to give approval to the proposals under authority previously delegated by the area committee at its meeting on 26 June 2021.

·      That discussions with officers from Traffic Services had taken place regarding relaying of kerbs on Bean Leach Road, Offerton.

·      Data was requested from Traffic Services in relation to the speed indicator device placed on Bean Leach Road, Offerton.

·      Concerns were raised about the speed surveys carried out on roads in the area, in particular the means in which they were carried out and the value for money of the surveys.

·      That the Area Committee write to the Cabinet Member responsible to raise their concerns regarding the speed surveys, and request information as to how other Local Authorities conduct their speed surveys, how many speed surveys had been carried in Stockport and the results of those surveys.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.