Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 June 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair referenced the fire in the old Woodman pub in Hazel Grove last Tuesday evening which had left three children in critical condition in hospital and sent the children and their families our best wishes on behalf of the Committee. The Chair supported the polices appeal for witnesses and encouraged residents with any information which may be helpful, to contact the police on 0161 856 9821 or 101 quoting log number 3142 of the 26 July 2022. Alternatively, residents could report information via the online Live Chat service at www.gmp.police.uk

The Chair reported that following the request at the last meeting that a representative of Greater Manchester Police be invited to attend future meetings of the Area Committee to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee, a standard Neighbourhood Policing would feature on the agenda from the next meeting with a representative of the police in attendance. 

The Chair, read a briefing paper relating to Stockport pensioners and elements of their pensions that they could be entitled to. Further information could be obtained by contacting Stockport Support Hub on 0161 474 1042 or by checking their eligibility online at Gov.uk.

The Chair invited Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services to provide an update in relation to the status of the draft travel plan between the council and the hospital.

Councillor Grace Bayham informed Members that in her role as Cabinet Member, she had met with Estate Management officers at the hospital during which she had stressed the importance of liaising with the Committee, requested a briefing relating to the progress of the travel plan with all Members of the Committee at the earliest available opportunity and requested that the draft travel plan be submitted to Committee for consideration.

Members commented on the importance that a full report or update relating to the travel plan be presented to Members of the Area Committee for comment and discussion.

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.

Two public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the mitigations and solutions being considered by the Council and Stepping Hill hospital to reduce the problem of parking in the area following the reimposition of staff parking charges and construction of the Emergency Care Campus.

In response the following comments were made: -

·         That a construction management plan had not yet been submitted and would be required for approval under conditions in relation to the Emergency Care Campus. This would include a series of elements in respect of the management of construction and contractor car parking arrangements.

·         That residents comments in regard to the use of the park and ride facility would be shared with the hospital and their contractors.

·         That Members were aware that the suspension of free parking would likely increase the parking problems in residential areas around the hospital.

·         That when the Emergency Care Campus proposals were first presented to the council, there was a briefing with Members where parking impact and concerns had been raised. Members had been assured that there would be no impact on residential parking during the construction or upon completion. Following this, the plans had been revised and the Secretary of State required infrastructure planning was fast tracked. It was noted that the construction plan was yet to be agreed and the Council was feeding in concerns raised by residents.

·         Noted that the cost of living increase was likely affecting staff parking habits around the hospital.

·         That parking schemes were something to be considered by the Council more widely.

·         Members would look into the Emergency Care Campus construction documentation provided and thoroughly investigate what could be done to mitigate the problems.

·         Relating to the mitigations and solutions being considered by the Council officers to reduce the problem of parking in the area around Stepping Hill hospital.

In response the following comments were made: -

·         That Members were aware that the hospital was working on a new travel plan and surveys would be taking place in autumn following the return of schools, on which it would be premature to comment at this stage.

·         Noted that Members had been assured that the draft travel plan would be submitted before Committee.

·         That the Committee were due to receive an update and hold a meeting with the hospital in relation to the travel plan as soon as possible.

·         Expressed frustrations around the delay in the consideration of the Travel Plan and requested that the October date given by the Foundation Trust is considered a fixed deadline in light of the concerns of Members and residents.

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 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 Heatons Runners for a grant of £150 (Hazel Grove and Offerton ward allocation only) towards the cost having gait tests done and purchasing running trainers for members of the club.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received from Heatons Runners for a grant of £150 (Hazel Grove and Offerton ward allocation only) towards the cost having gait tests done and purchasing running trainers for members of the club.

The following comments were made:-

·         It was noted that the club includes members from across Stockport.

·         The funding would also support training for adults, safeguarding training, and first aid training.

·         That Members were supportive of the organisation and felt that individual sports provide young people with a different set of skills than team sports.

·         It was queried why the application came to Stepping Hill Area Committee, but Members did not wish to reject the application on this issue. 

RESOLVED - The approval be given to an application from Heatons Runners for a grant of £150 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost having gait tests done and purchasing running trainers for members of the club.

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

The following development applications will be considered by the Area Committee:-

Development applications were submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Part single, part two storey rear extension with associated works and front car port conversion.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Officer contact: Anthony Smith on 0161 474 3569 or email: anthony.smith@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/084766 for a part single, part two storey rear extension with associated works and front car port conversion at 30 Hampstead Lane, Great Moor,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation to undertake a site visit.

Construction of an additional two storeys onto an existing three-storey building to accommodate 12 new apartments with associated vehicle, cycle parking and refuse provision.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and Section 106 Legal Agreement in respect of the “Open Space Provision and Commuted Sum Payments SPD” and relevant planning policies.

Officer Contact: Helen Hodgett on 0161 474 3656 or email: helen.hodgett@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/081855 for the construction of an additional two storeys onto an existing three-storey building to accommodate 12 new apartments with associated vehicle, cycle parking and refuse provision at 239-245 London Road, Hazel Grove,

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation to undertake a site visit.

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 Chief Executive.

The report requests the views of the Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be considered, together with those received via the public consultation (Stage 1 and Stage 2).  Revised proposals will be brought back to the Area Committee cycle in October 2022 for consideration prior to a final report being considered by the Cabinet Meeting on 1 November 2022 and the Council Meeting on 17 November 2022.

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) requesting the views of the Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

Members acknowledged the difficulty that parents face when schools close on polling day, and wondered if the Council could work with schools to help them remain open to pupils.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on part of Fulstone Mews in Heaviley.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders 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 £700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Fulstone Mews

North Eastern side from a point 18.5 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of Mile End Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a South Easterly direction.

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) detailing a proposal for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on part of Fulstone Mews in Heaviley.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that a footway level with the carriageway was previously installed as part of the housing development which had resulted parking concerns and was now to be rectified at the Council’s expense.

·         Members expressed concern around the use of brick pavements which had been raised with Planning and Highways.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders on Fulstone Mews, Heaviley, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Fulstone Mews

North Eastern side from a point 18.5 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of Mile End Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a South Easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the installation of pedestrian safety barriers (guard rail) at an entrance to Moorfield Primary School on Lyndhurst Avenue in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration to a proposal for the installation of pedestrian safety barriers (guard rail) at an entrance to Moorfield Primary School on Lyndhurst Avenue in Hazel Grove at a cost of £825 to be funded from the Area Committees delegated budget (Hazel Grove 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) detailing a proposal for the installation of pedestrian safety barriers (guard rail) at an entrance to Moorfield Primary School on Lyndhurst Avenue in Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         That the proposal was at the request of Members and felt it was important that the proposal was supported.

·         That Members had received contact from school governors informing them that the way children exited the school had changed and requested that the guard rail was installed.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the installation of pedestrian safety barriers (guard rail) at an entrance to Moorfield Primary School on Lyndhurst Avenue in Hazel Grove to be funded at a cost of £825 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at St Philips RC Primary School on half Moon lane in Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders 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 £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation):-

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Half Moon Lane

South Western side from a point 16 metres North West of the North Western kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction to a point 40 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of Tanhill Close.

Tanhill Close

Both sides from the South Western kerb line of Half Moon Lane in a South     Westerly direction for a distance of 8 metres (to tie in with the aforementioned).

No Stopping Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm on School Keep Clear Markings:

Half Moon Lane

North East side from a point 18.5 metres North West of the (projected) North    Western kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 37 metres (to tie in with existing). From a point 34 metres South East of the (projected) South Eastern kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 7 metres (to tie in with existing).

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) detailing a proposal for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at St Philips RC Primary School on Half Moon Lane in Offerton.

It was noted that Members felt for the safety of young people, this must be approved.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders on Half Moon Lane, Offerton, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation):-

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Half Moon Lane

South Western side from a point 16 metres North West of the North Western kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction to a point 40 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of Tanhill Close.

Tanhill Close

Both sides from the South Western kerb line of Half Moon Lane in a South Westerly direction for a distance of 8 metres (to tie in with the aforementioned).

No Stopping Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm on School Keep Clear Markings:

Half Moon Lane

North East side from a point 18.5 metres North West of the (projected) North Western kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 37 metres (to tie in with existing). From a point 34 metres South East of the (projected) South Eastern kerb line of Tanhill Close in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 7 metres (to tie in with existing).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons (HWS) and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlines proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings subject to all area committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

Officer Contact: Eraina Smith on Tel: 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@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 the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons (HWS) and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlines proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

Members noted that the Highways Spokespersons were to be consulted on the decisions prior their agreement.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to authorise the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings, subject to all Area Committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

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:-

·         Members noted that the utility works in the area around School Street, Hazel Grove had now been completed and requested that the surveys be completed as soon as possible to reach a resolution in order to alleviate the issues.

·         In relation to School Street, Members noted the traffic queuing was a daily issue for residents in school holidays as cars queuing to access McDonalds were blocking the northbound lane.

·         It was further noted that this was a major route in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.