Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 25 January 2022 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 & Prejudicial Interests

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

The Chair made reference to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the impact both on the people of Ukraine and residents of Stockport, including the active Ukrainian community within Stockport. The Chair reported that the Ukrainian Club in the borough had been overwhelmed by the generosity of Stockport residents and could no longer accept physical donations. A link to a GoFundMe page to provide financial aid to the people affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had been made available to accept donations via the Club Facebook page.

The Chair informed the Committee that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport, who had been requested to attend the next meeting of the Committee at the previous meeting, had sent her apologies as she was not able to meet the Committee. The Chair extended well wishes on behalf of the Committee.

The Chair also reported that the draft Travel Plan relating to Stepping Hill Hospital would be submitted for consideration by the Area Committee and Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee at the June meeting.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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

One petition was submitted.

Proposed No Waiting Restrictions on Alldis Street.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of a petition, signed by 66 signatories, calling on the Council to not enforce the proposed restrictions and to remove the existing single yellow line restrictions.

The following comments were made:-

·         That the single yellow line restrictions could not be enforced as there was no space available to display the required enforcement plates.

·         That double yellow line restrictions, which did not require the same enforcement notice, would reduce the parking space available for residents.

·         That residents were not satisfied with the extent of the double yellow lines, the loss of parking due to the construction of apartments in a disused industrial unit and the manner the proposals were advertised.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Traffic Services 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 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 received from the Stockport Samaritans for a grant of £1,050 (£150 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of sponsoring two spectator-facing banners on Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds for the 2022-23 season in order to raise awareness of the Samaritans suicide prevention work.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received from the Stockport Samaritans for a grant of £1,050 (£150 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of sponsoring two spectator-facing banners on Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds for the 2022 season in order to raise awareness of the Samaritans suicide prevention work.

The following comments were made:-

·      That the Committee felt this to be a valuable project to reach an ‘at-risk’ group.

·      That the banners at the Edgeley Park grounds were very visible and attendance at the grounds may increase in the coming year.

·      The Chair placed on record his support for the work to raise awareness of suicide prevention. 

RESOLVED - The approval be given to an application from Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant of £150 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of sponsoring two spectator-facing banners on Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds for the 2022-23 season in order to raise awareness of the Samaritans suicide prevention work.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £1,000 (£142.83 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide discounted Stockport County tickets to disadvantaged children within the community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £1,000 (£142.83 from this Area Committee) towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide discounted Stockport County tickets to disadvantaged children within the community.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide discounted Stockport County tickets for disadvantaged children within the community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Warren Wood Primary School for a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of a sit-on lawnmower to be used in maintaining the upkeep of the outdoor areas at Warren Wood School.

A representative of Warren Wood Primary School attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of a sit-on lawnmower to be used in maintaining the upkeep of the outdoor areas at Warren Wood School.

The following comments were made:-

·         It was questioned why Stockport Council did not undertake the work or provide resources to do so as Warren Wood is a Local Authority Maintained School. In response, it was stated that the Council only maintain side paths and other walkable paths, not the larger main fields from the period of September-April.

·         Clarification was sought regarding what events take place on the grounds at the school, what facilities were present and which schools make use of the grounds. In response, members were advised that the large school field was suitable for events such as football and also the sloped area was used for cross-country events and the ‘Smile for a Mile’ campaign. It was reported that the outdoor areas was not only used by Offerton schools but also by any others that were part of the Stockport SHAPES Alliance which included schools from Romiley, Cheadle Hulme and Marple.

·         That the application provided both a benefit to both Offerton residents and the wider population of the borough.

·         It was requested that the issue be raised with the education department to as it was felt that it should not be the responsibility of the school to maintain upkeep of the fields.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Warren Wood Primary School for a grant of £2,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of a sit-on lawnmower to be used in maintaining the upkeep of the outdoor areas at Warren Wood School.

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; listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out an application received by the Council for the Hazel Grove Carnival to be held at Torkington Park on Saturday 16th July 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and 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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application received by the Council for the Hazel Grove Carnival to be held at Torkington Park on Saturday 16 July 2022.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The parade would proceed along the same route as previous at previous Carnivals from Highfield Road down the A6 into Torkington Park.

·         The parade had 25 entrants as of the week preceding the meeting, but the applicant stated they were aiming for 40 entrants and that schools were yet responded.

·         That the 4x4 club would be acting as outriders for the parade and Totally Local would be carrying out the necessary street closures.

·         That there was no information in the report regarding animal welfare checks for donkey and birds of prey attractions, but the organisers for those events would have their own insurance and Council officers would have to be satisfied that the Carnival had conducted the necessary checks.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for the Hazel Grove Carnival to be held at Torkington Park on Saturday 16th July 2022, subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a Local Initiative scheme proposal to provide a replacement bench at Offerton Green, Marple Road, Offerton.

It is recommended that the Area Committee:-

(1) Give consideration to the proposal to replace the bench at Offerton Green, Marple Road, Offerton at a cost of £1200 (£600 to be funded from this Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward Allocation) with the remainder of the balance to be funded from the Greenspace budget); 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 Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a Local Initiative scheme proposal to provide a replacement bench at Offerton Green, Marple Road, Offerton.

It was commented that residents had contacted the Chair about the state of disrepair of the bench, which was located on a steep incline and therefore used often by residents.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the replacement of the bench at Offerton Green, Marple Road, Offerton at a cost of £1,200 (£600 to be funded from this Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward Allocation) with the remainder of the balance to be funded from the Greenspace budget).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides information in relation to proposed footpath improvements to PROW 77 between Sandown Road and the access road to Hazel Grove Golf Club, including vegetation management. This report also provides information on the results following a consultation exercise which has been carried out with residents.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration gives approval to the scheme.

Officer contact: Adam Meadowcroft, email: adam.meadowcroft@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing information in relation to proposed footpath improvements to PROW 77 between Sandown Road and the access road to Hazel Grove Golf Club, including vegetation management. The report also provided information on the results following a consultation exercise which had been carried out with residents.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That the item had been considered by the Committee at the November meeting, where it was resolved that the item be deferred to a future meeting pending the completion of a consultation with residents.

·      Welcomed the results of the consultation and thanked officers.

·      Raised concerns in relation to the potential for the pathway to be used by motorcycles and electric scooters and requested that the situation be monitored in relation to anti-social behaviour and use.

·      It was commented that residents had been previously concerned as a bridleway had been proposed, which would be longer and wider and therefore more likely to experience anti-social behaviour and use relating to motorcycles and electric scooters.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the scheme.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the construction of and costs for a pedestrian walkway over an existing grass verge on Broadway in Offerton.

The Area Committee is requested to give consideration to a proposal to construct a pedestrian walkway over an existing grass verge on Broadway, Offerton at a cost of £3,920 to be funded from the Area Committee's 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 Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the construction of and costs for a pedestrian walkway over an existing grass verge on Broadway in Offerton.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That the disabled bay had become almost inaccessible as residents with disabled needs could not cross the grass verge, which the proposed walkway would bisect.

·      It was queried the material that would be used to construct the walkway. In response it was stated that the report outlined that the walkway would consist of rubble underneath a thin layer of tarmac.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a proposal to construct a pedestrian walkway over an existing grass verge on Broadway, Offerton at a cost of £3,920 to be funded from the Area Committee's Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out an application received by the Council from Circus Starr to hold a circus at Torkington Park on 8th June 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve 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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application received by the Council from Circus Starr to hold a circus at Torkington Park on 8 June 2022.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received by the Council from Circus Starr to hold a circus at Torkington Park on 8 June 2022, subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out an application received by the Council from Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold an Easter Fun Day at Torkington Park on Easter Monday 18th April 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the organiser providing: the event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and payment of fees.

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 Director or Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application received by the Council from Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold an Easter Fun Day at Torkington Park on Easter Monday 18 April.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      That care would need to be taken to tidy up between events over the Easter period.

·      That the event had not been held before, but the organisers were from a number of different community groups in Hazel Grove and experienced at organising large events.

·      That there was little information in the report regarding animal welfare, but Officers had confirmed that they had requested the information from the organisers.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received by the Council from Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold an Easter Fun Day at Torkington Park on Easter Monday 18 April 2022, subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out an application received by the Council from SKC Leisure to hold a Funfair at Torkington Park on Easter Sunday 17th April 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the organiser providing: the event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and payment of fees.

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 Services and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application received by the Council from SKC Leisure to hold a Funfair at Torkington Park on Easter Sunday 17 April 2022.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received by the Council from SKC Leisure to hold a Funfair at Torkington Park on Easter Sunday 17th April 2022, subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

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 Services 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 letter had been sent to residents in Lisburne Lane affected by the new pavement near Aldi.

·         That Members had received the speeding data related to Brooklands Road but not the data for Bakewell Road or Bosden Fold Road, despite those assessments taking place prior to Brooklands Road, and Members had been informed that the speeding data related to these areas would be provided in April.

·         It was noted that the footpath resurfacing on Oakland Road and Blackstone Road was not of a high quality. It was requested that the appropriate Council Officers be informed that the Committee was not satisfied with the quality of the finished work.

·         It was commented that unless a full resurfacing was being performed the work was often of a ‘stop-gap’ nature. It was questioned whether this represented good value for money and the durability of the work.

·         It was noted that concerns had been raised in the previous year regarding the use of micro-asphalt and that Members had been informed it would settle over the course of several months. Since then, some works had improved but some had not and therefore it would be useful to revisit and assess the value for money of the work.

·         It was noted that different contractors were used and therefore the Council could be receiving different levels of service and requested that Members submit information relating to areas of concern to enable officers investigate the issue.

·         It was noted that footways and pavements do not receive the same weathering as roads.

·         Concerns were raised that despite being promised newly resurfaced roads as part of the Highways Investment Programme the use of micro-asphalt spray had increased as opposed to full resurfacing.

·         Concerns were raised that next year Brinnington & Central ward was due to receive the majority of their work performed as a full resurfacing, which raised concerns that the wards of this Committee were not receiving the same level of service.

·         It was commented that often the excess chips were being left on the side of the road following resurfacing, which was not felt to be acceptable.

·         It was requested that Highways examine the issues raised above, investigate if there is a link between contractors and the quality of work and report to the Committee on the issue.

·         Requested that Members provide feedback to the Clerk regarding which resurfacing works in their areas were found to be of satisfactory quality and which were found to be unsatisfactory, for compilation and provision to Highways as part of their review into the matter.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.