Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 August 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 August 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 Interest

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair read out a statement relating to the launch of a Warm Spaces project to run from 1st November to 31st March as part of the council’s response to the cost of living crisis and a winter where many would struggle to heat their homes. It was reported that the council were funding VCFSE organisations to provide a warm space, and so far 75, from all areas of Stockport, had applied for a small grant, with most being funded. There would be an interactive map of warm spaces that can be accessed across the borough, including libraries, churches, the funded projects, and community centres. For housebound residents, the council were working with Age UK and Disability Stockport to provide warm packs.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting 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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was reported that structural changes were planned for Neighbourhood Policing and it was envisaged that these new arrangements would be in place by February. The police did not anticipate that police numbers would be reduced as part of this restructure and were hopeful that officers could be recruited as a result.

·         It was reported that Operation Avro was planned for November and that Members should have been contacted by their local NPO with further detail. Previously Members were invited to attend a morning briefing for a similar operation in 2021, a briefing for this operation was to be confirmed and invitations would be circulated as appropriate.

·         Members stated that off-road motorcycles continued to be an issue and queried the powers held by the police to deal with issues relating to off-road motorcycles. In response, it was stated that there was strict governance around vehicle pursuits and there were suggestions that a dedicated off-road bikes section may be reinstated. One off-road biker was recently detained, showing some success. It was noted that the neighbourhood crime team had been dealing with crimes like robbery, burglary, and other crimes involving off-road bikes which evidenced positive action.

·         Members of the public were encouraged to continue to report to the police about off-road bikes and people trying to open car doors as it informed decisions around where resources needed to be directed.

·         It was noted there were issues around Offerton Library, one arrest was made and problems had reduced. The local library was the focus of PCSOs and operations were ongoing.

·         Members enquired whether they could assist with getting more resources into the Neighbourhood Team. In response, it was stated that decisions were made based on data analysis and decisions would be communicated with Members at the earliest available opportunity.

·         Members stated that they were enthusiastic to get neighbourhood speedwatch schemes running within the area. In response, it was stated that another area had greater need but that the police were keen to roll out the scheme across the neighbourhood. Members were encouraged to share information around the areas that would benefit the most from the neighbourhood speedwatch scheme.

·         In response to concerns around car theft, it was reported that Chief Constable was committed to doubling the size of the traffic team and recruitment was underway. Members noted two recent fatalities on the A6 in Hazel Grove recently, and welcomed this news.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Shaun Flavell be thanked for his attendance.

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.

Parking Permit Scheme for Vine Street

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of a petition, signed by 11 signatories, calling on the Council to introduce a parking permit scheme on the unrestricted section of Vine Street.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Traffic Services for investigation

To consider a presentation of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive.

Communities across Stockport and the UK came together in the earliest days of the COVID pandemic to provide support and neighbourliness, and this continued throughout the pandemic.

Communities then turned their energy towards commemoration of this period; this happened organically and without statutory intervention.  With this in mind, the Council has used a variety of networks to promote the COVID Commemoration Project and a number of proposals have been received from communities across Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and consider the proposals (if any) for projects within the area represented by the Area Committee.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 301 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

Lindsey Mallory (Service Manager Public Sector Reform and Neighbourhoods, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a presentation (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a community led COVID Commemoration Project which had been promoted by the council and reported that a number of proposals had been received from communities across Stockport.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was reported that there had been no proposals in Hazel Grove and Stepping Hill.

·         Members welcomed the proposal that had been received for Offerton ward for an indoor mural at Offerton Community Centre. Ward members were happy for officers to develop this project and requested that any monies remaining were reported back for further development.

·         In respect of the wards which had no proposals, Members stated that they would speak to residents and community groups to generate interest.

·         Members encouraged officers to continue to explore their own contacts to generate interest.

·         In response to a question around funding, it was reported that 5-7k was available per ward and the funding for this project was required to be allocated by the end of the financial year.

·         It was requested that officers provide a list of acceptable locations for the murals to guide Members in their conversations with residents.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Hurricanes Cheerleading Group for a grant of £280 (£80 from Hazel Grove, and £200 from Offerton ward allocations) towards the cost of competition entry fees. 

A representative of Hurricanes Cheerleading Group attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £280 (£80 from Hazel Grove, and £200 from Offerton ward allocations) towards the cost of competition entry fees.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Hurricanes Cheerleading Group for a grant of £280 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£80 from Hazel Grove, and £200 from Offerton ward allocations) towards the cost of competition entry fees.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Heatons Explorers for a grant of £400 (£300 from Offerton and £100 Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of attending the next World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in the summer of 2023.

Representatives of Heatons Explorers attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£300 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of attending the next World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in the summer of 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Heatons Explorers for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£300 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of attending the next World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in the summer of 2023.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Offerton Pet Foodbank for a grant of £500 from Offerton ward allocation only towards the cost of making a storage shed secure and damp proof, as well as the cost of purchasing storage boxes for donations.

A representative of Offerton Pet Foodbank attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Offerton ward allocation only) towards the cost of making a storage shed secure and damp proof, as well as the cost of purchasing storage boxes for donations.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Offerton Pet Foodbank for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Offerton ward allocation only) towards the cost of making a storage shed secure and damp proof, as well as the cost of purchasing storage boxes for donations.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant of £165 (£55 from Hazel Grove, £55 from Offerton and £55 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant of £165 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£55 from Hazel Grove, £55 from Offerton and £55 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

Members noted that given the importance of anonymity within the organisation, they were happy to consider the application in the absence of a representative in attendance.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Alcoholics Anonymous for a grant of £165 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£55 from Hazel Grove, £55 from Offerton and £55 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of providing a safe meeting place, refreshments, and resources to support members.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Drawing Board Productions CIC for a grant of £300 (£100 Hazel Grove, £100 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of publishing an arts and culture printed supplement for Stockport residents which will include poems, interviews from artists and a list of upcoming events.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Drawing Board Productions CIC for a grant of £300 (£100 Hazel Grove, £100 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of publishing an arts and culture printed supplement for Stockport residents which will include poems, interviews from artists and a list of upcoming events.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee at which the applicant could attend the meeting.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 (£46.14 from Hazel Grove, £46.14 from Offerton and £46.14 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of printing a monthly newsletter, sharing news that positively impacts the community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 (£46.14 from Hazel Grove, £46.14 from Offerton and £46.14 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of printing a monthly newsletter, sharing news that positively impacts the community.

It was commented that whilst Members were supportive of the organisation, additional information was required around the sustainability of the project including the timescales, volume of newsletters produced and beneficiaries. 

RESOLVED – That the decision be delegated to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer), in consultation with Members of the Area Committee, in order not to delay the funding, pending the applicant supplying satisfactory information around the sustainability of the project.

There are 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 details a proposal for the introduction of minor Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) in the Stepping Hill area (Southwood Road, Newby Road and Clairemont Road).

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders under their jurisdiction and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks and Leisure Services) approves the element on Southwood Road, 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 £1,210 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

Extend No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading Monday to Friday 7.00 – 9.30am & 3.30 – 6.30pm:

Southwood Road

South East side from a point 6 metres South West of the South Western kerb line of Buxton Road for a distance of 7 metres in a South Westerly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Newby Road

South West side of the Northern part, from a point 1 metre South East of the (projected) boundary line between the public footpath and the premises at No. 37 for a distance of 7.5 metres in a North Westerly direction.

Revoke Disabled Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only):

Claremont Road

North East side from the projected property line between No’s 39 and 41 for a distance of 5.4 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 (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the introduction of minor Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) in the Stepping Hill area (Southwood Road, Newby Road and Claremont Road).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members stated that the Southwood Road TRO was a result of a Members Surgery following alterations that had been made to the car park and it was felt that the yellow line did not extend far enough.

·         It was noted that there had been a planning application submitted relating to a nearby car wash which had been brought to the attention of Highways to assess any impact.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders under their jurisdiction and recommended that the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks and Leisure Services) approves the element on Southwood Road, 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 £1,210 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

Extend No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading Monday to Friday 7.00 – 9.30am & 3.30 – 6.30pm:

Southwood Road

South East side from a point 6 metres South West of the South Western kerb line of Buxton Road for a distance of 7 metres in a South Westerly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Newby Road

South West side of the Northern part, from a point 1 metre South East of the (projected) boundary line between the public footpath and the premises at No. 37 for a distance of 7.5 metres in a North Westerly direction.

Revoke Disabled Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only):

Claremont Road

North East side from the projected property line between No’s 39 and 41 for a distance of 5.4 metres in a South Easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for a design study into physical traffic calming on Carisbrooke Avenue in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is asked to make a decision on approving the design study at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill 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 (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for a design study into physical traffic calming on Carisbrooke Avenue in Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members stated they had requested that the speed limit be reduced to 20 mph and residents were supportive of this, however they would like a design study to explore the options for this road and surrounding cul-de-sacs.

·         It was noted that Lyndhurst Avenue received reports of speeding despite the indicator being there for a while and it was felt that the study should therefore be extended to Lyndhurst Avenue.

·         Members raised concerns about the cost of the study and subsequent proposed schemes. In response, it was noted that a proposal must first be on the table prior to discussions around available funds.

·         It was noted that as the ward boundaries were changing in six months, it should be considered how any left over money from the Delegated Budget was divided.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a design study into physical traffic calming on Carisbrooke Avenue in Hazel Grove at a cost of £1,000 to be funded 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 proposed highway maintenance scheme on Sundial Road, Offerton - Carriageway Surfacing totalling £17,000.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work, at a cost of £17,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation).

Officer contact: Simon Sherry on 0161 474 2420 or email: simon.sherry@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) detailing a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Sundial Road, Offerton - Carriageway Surfacing totalling £17,000.

Members welcomed the proposal as a worthwhile use of funds and noted that the surrounding roads had all signs replaced and lines repainted, with Sundial Road the only one that did not have any work completed.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following maintenance scheme and authorises the Director of Place Management to order the work, at a cost of £17,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation).

Offerton Ward

Sundial Road, Offerton – Carriageway Surfacing totalling £17,000.00

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 Woodsmoor Lane in Woodsmoor and outlines the cost for illuminated single track road signage on Moorland Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following orders at a cost of £1,512 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Woodsmoor Lane

North Western side, from a point 10 metres South West of the (projected) South Western kerb line of Moorland Road in a North Easterly direction to a point 10 metres North East of the (projected) North Eastern kerb line of Moorland Road.

South Eastern side, from a point 5 metres South West of the South Western kerb tangent with Moorland Road in a North Easterly direction to a point 7 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb tangent with Moorland Road (to tie in with existing on both sides).

Moorland Road: Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the installation of single-track road signage as described.

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 (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on part of Woodsmoor Lane in Woodsmoor and outlined the cost for illuminated single track road signage on Moorland Road.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the proposals and noted that current parking issues on this part of the road resulted in dangerous manoeuvres in order to pass.

·         That the proposal would not remove many parking spaces as it was acknowledged that parking in this area was already limited.

·         Members had submitted comments and complaints from residents to the Highways Team relating to a trial of a one-way street and this proposal was viewed as an improvement.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following orders at a cost of £1,512 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Woodsmoor Lane

North Western side, from a point 10 metres South West of the (projected) South Western kerb line of Moorland Road in a North Easterly direction to a point 10 metres North East of the (projected) North Eastern kerb line of Moorland Road.

South Eastern side, from a point 5 metres South West of the South Western kerb tangent with Moorland Road in a North Easterly direction to a point 7 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb tangent with Moorland Road (to tie in with existing on both sides).

Moorland Road: Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the installation of single-track road signage as described.

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

The report requests the Area Committee to nominate a Councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the council at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 13 November 2022.

 The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors.

Officer contact: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email:  georgia.latham@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) requesting the Area Committee to nominate Councillor to lay wreath at the Hazel Grove War Memorial on 13 November 2022.

It was suggested that the wreath laying proposals should be reviewed for 2023 as the ward boundaries change given that the Hazel Grove and Norbury wards would be close to the war memorial.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be appointed to lay a wreath on Sunday, 13 November 2022:-

Hazel Grove War Memorial – Councillor Lou Ankers

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:-

·         It was noted that the ATC placed on Bakewell Road was put in place at the end of the road, and that another survey will be conducted in the middle of the road.

·         Members raised concerns in relation to high hedges on the footpath between Marple Road and Half Moon Lane which were blocking visibility following the recent attack of a young girl and requested that the hedges be cut to improve visibility.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.