Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 October 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

The Chair reported on the success of Hazel Grove Remembrance Sunday parade and thoughtful service on Sunday, 13 November 2022 which was well attended by a number of residents and representatives across the community.

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

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the parking issue of on street parking in the area around Stepping Hill Hospital and whether assurances could be provided to reject the Travel Plan should it fail to provide measurable mitigations.

In response, it was stated that the Cabinet Member would seek to expedite the submission of the Travel Plan and exert influence on the colleagues from the hospital who were responsible for producing the Travel Plan. It was commented that Members share resident’s frustration in relation to the issue of on street parking in the area and officers and Cabinet Members would continue to do their best to ensure the Travel Plan was submitted as soon as possible for consideration by the Committee.

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

Two petitions were submitted.

Councillor Grace Baynham reported on the receipt of a petition, signed by 19 signatories, calling on the Council to remove to yellow lines on Store Street.

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) reported on the receipt of a petition, signed by 4 signatories, calling on the Council to introduce a parking permit scheme on Vernon Street, Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That the petitions 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 the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To receive an update from Woodsmoor Station Friends on the activity of the organisation following receipt of Ward Flexibility Funding.

A representative of the ‘Woodsmoor Station Friends’ was in attendance and provided the Committee with an update on the activity of the organisation following receipt of Ward Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That the representative and organisation be thanked for the update and continued hard work at Woodsmoor Station.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Bee Sober CIC for a grant of £178.60 (£37.60 from Hazel Grove, £70.50 from Offerton and £70.50 from Stepping Hill wards allocation) towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Bee Sober CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

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 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 Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Drawing Board Productions CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget 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.

Members commented on the importance that applicants attend the meeting to present their applications in person and respond to Members questions, given the limited Area Committee funds.

RESOLVED – That the application from Drawing Board Productions CIC be declined on this occasion on the grounds of the concerns around the future sustainability of the project and availability of community newspapers from other sources and had not sufficiently demonstrated that the application would benefit residents of the Stepping Hill area.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheshire Regiment Association (CRA) (Stockport Branch) for a grant of £94.74 (£31.58 from Hazel Grove, £31.58 from Offerton and £31.58 from Stepping Hill wards allocation) towards the cost of supporting 4 ex-soldiers attend the Ballykelly Commemoration Service on 4 December in Ballykelly, Ireland.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) in order that the Area Committee could consider the application in advance of the proposed event taking place).

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Cheshire Regiment Association for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of supporting 4 ex-soldiers attend the Ballykelly Commemoration Service on 4 December in Ballykelly, Ireland

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the Cheshire Regiment Association for a grant of £94.74 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£31.58 from Hazel Grove, £31.58 from Offerton and £31.58 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of supporting 4 ex-soldiers attend the Ballykelly Commemoration Service on 4 December in Ballykelly, Ireland.

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

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

A development application was 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 Corporate & Support Services 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Outline planning application with all matters reserved proposing the erection of a residential development for up to 200 dwellings, with associated landscaping, site infrastructure and the provision of new public open space.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to a Section 106 Agreement.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton on 0161 474 3657 or email: chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/081719 for an outline planning application with all matters reserved proposing the erection of a residential development for up to 200 dwellings, with associated landscaping, site infrastructure and the provision of new public open space at Mirrlees Fields, Stockport,

a member of the public spoke against the application,

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

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED – That Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the benefits of the proposed development do not demonstrably outweigh the harm that would be caused due to the loss of open space in an area that had one of the lowest numbers of useable greenspaces in Stockport, biodiversity loss and the adverse impact on roads and schools.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - (1) That Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the benefits of the proposed development do not demonstrably outweigh the harm that would be caused due to the loss of open space in an area that had one of the lowest numbers of useable greenspaces in Stockport, biodiversity loss and the adverse impact on roads and schools.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the local area.

For the amendment 7, against 0.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

A named vote was requested in relation to the voting on the amendment and the voting was recorded as follows:-

Those members who voted for the amendment were:-

Councillors Lou Ankers, Grace Baynham, Christine Carrigan, Will Dawson, Oliver Johnstone, Rory Leonard and Wendy Meikle.

The amendment was then put as the substantive motion and it was

RESOLVED – (1) That Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the benefits of the proposed development do not demonstrably outweigh the harm that would be caused due to the loss of open space in an area that had one of the lowest numbers of useable greenspaces in Stockport, biodiversity loss and the adverse impact on roads and schools.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the local area.

At 8.45 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 8.51 pm

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 Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance (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 Development & Regeneration.

The report provides an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

The Area Committee is requested to:-

(1)  Note and comment on the final report from the Institute of Place Management on Hazel Grove District Centre.

(2)  Authorise the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to develop an Action Plan for Hazel Grove District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3)  Request that the District Centre Manager reports progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

Officer contact: Helen Walters on 07800 618140 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Thanked the officers for the work that had been undertaken in relation to the development of Hazel Grove District Centre.

·         It was noted that the benches outside the health centre had fallen into disrepair and officers had contacted NHS colleagues to resolve this issue, however a resolution had not been reached. It was queried whether there was any support that councillors could offer to reach a resolution.

·         In response it was commented that there had been some progress and officers were in discussion with NHS colleagues who completed a review of the site. Although the that the funding had not been finalised, once agreed it was hoped that the issue would be rectified. The council were currently seeking local organisations, with some interest, to provide ongoing maintenance to the site.

·         Expressed disappointment that there wasn’t more long term planned work for district centres across the borough and raised concerns in relation to the £5,000 of funding for each of the district centres which were likely to fund one project.

·         Welcomed the focus on the poorly maintained public realm including the shop fronts as an identified improvement.

·         It was commented that a focus on smaller centres would be welcomed in the future.

·         Requested additional information in relation to the ‘One for the Pot’ trial.

·         In response it was stated that it was a trial that the Economy, Work and Skills team were exploring for local hospitality businesses and would involve residents paying for additional items which they did not consume to enable residents who may not be able to afford item to receive an item free of charge.   

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, be authorised to develop an Action Plan for Hazel Grove District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3) That the District Centre Manager be requested to report progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the results of a recent monitoring exercise carried out on site following the completion of the Bramhall Park to A6 MCF Scheme.

The Area Committee is asked to:-

(1)  Note the results of the recent monitoring exercise.

(2)  Recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration approves the proposed associated traffic regulation orders.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the results of a recent monitoring exercise carried out on site following the completion of the Bramhall Park to A6 MCF Scheme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Welcomed the report and protections on Macclesfield Road.

·         It was queried whether it was necessary for the line markings to stretch 27 metres from the junction as there were some concerns in relation to residential parking.

·         It was noted that a number of signs had been removed as a result of the work and had not yet been replaced including school, neighbourhood watch and no vehicles overnight signs.

·         It was reported that residents were using the pavement after the shared space ends and it was queried whether a sign could be erected to provide clarity.

·         In relation to the roundabout at the junction of Dorchester and Jackson's Lane, it was queried whether the traffic island could be reviewed as part of the scheme.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the implementation of the proposed measures and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in Appendix B to the report, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals for Hempshaw Lane for measures including road widening, bus stop improvements, parking restrictions and a new controlled crossing.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on the report and recommend that

the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration gives approval for the

following schemes:-

·         Sheet 1 of 7 – Tactile paving at side roads and bus stop upgrades.

·         Sheet 2 of 7 - Bollards on Hempshaw Lane, both sides of Thirlmere Road, reduced pedestrian guard railing length, footway widening on Hulme Street and removal of one bollard.

·         Sheet 3 of 7 – Bus stop relocated adjacent to Stockport Lads Club, continuous footways across Stockport Lads Club entrance/exit, carriageway widening adjacent to Electricity North West sub station/No. 384 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 4 of 7 – Build out, heritage style guard rail, bollards and directional sign adjacent to the Finger Post Hotel. Widened traffic islands and upgraded traffic signal equipment plus a new diagonal crossing.

·         Sheet 5 of 7 – Bus stop upgrades, continuous footways across existing minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Sydney Street and Whalley Road, parking bay on Sydney Street, resurfacing and lighting of path to rear of property No’s 463 to 473 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 6 of 7 – Continuous footway across minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Milford Grove and Filey Road.

·         Sheet 7 of 7 – Relocated bus stops, toucan crossing, raised table, footway build outs each side of Offerton Fold, parking bay between No. 530 and No.550 Hempshaw Lane. New refuge and widened footways.

Officer contact: Katy Ferrer on 0161 474 4907 or email: katy.ferrer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals for Hempshaw Lane for measures including road widening, bus stop improvements, parking restrictions and a new controlled crossing.

It was commented that, following the amendments, overall there were support for each of the proposals going forwards and Members were happy to support the schemes.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the following schemes:-

·         Sheet 1 of 7 – Tactile paving at side roads and bus stop upgrades.

·         Sheet 2 of 7 - Bollards on Hempshaw Lane, both sides of Thirlmere Road, reduced pedestrian guard railing length, footway widening on Hulme Street and removal of one bollard.

·         Sheet 3 of 7 – Bus stop relocated adjacent to Stockport Lads Club, continuous footways across Stockport Lads Club entrance/exit, carriageway widening adjacent to Electricity North West sub station/No. 384 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 4 of 7 – Build out, heritage style guard rail, bollards and directional sign adjacent to the Finger Post Hotel. Widened traffic islands and upgraded traffic signal equipment plus a new diagonal crossing.

·         Sheet 5 of 7 – Bus stop upgrades, continuous footways across existing minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Sydney Street and Whalley Road, parking bay on Sydney Street, resurfacing and lighting of path to rear of property No’s 463 to 473 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 6 of 7 – Continuous footway across minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Milford Grove and Filey Road.

·         Sheet 7 of 7 – Relocated bus stops, toucan crossing, raised table, footway build outs each side of Offerton Fold, parking bay between No. 530 and No. 550 Hempshaw Lane. New refuge and widened footways.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal to consolidate the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) on Grosvenor Street in Hazel Grove.

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 for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services approves those parts that are within 15 metres of a Strategic Route, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £960 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation):-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Grosvenor Street

North West side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 21 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 31 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Revoke No Waiting and No Loading Monday to Friday 7.00am – 9.30am & 3.30pm – 6.30pm:

Grosvenor Street

Both sides from the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 15 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading Monday to Friday 7.00am –

9.30am & 3.30 – 6.30pm:

Grosvenor Street

Both sides from the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 15 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Grosvenor Street

North West side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 21 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 5 metres in a North Easterly direction.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to consolidate the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) on Grosvenor Street in Hazel Grove.

It was commented that there had been issues on Grosvenor Street with residents not adhering to double yellow lines and the proposal would seek to rectify the issue.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders under Stepping Hill Area Committee jurisdiction and the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services be recommended to give approval those parts that are within 15 metres of a Strategic Route, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £960 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation):-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Grosvenor Street

North West side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 21 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 31 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Revoke No Waiting and No Loading Monday to Friday 7.00am – 9.30am & 3.30pm – 6.30pm:

Grosvenor Street

Both sides from the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 15 metres in a North Easterly direction.

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

Grosvenor Street

Both sides from the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 15 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Grosvenor Street

North West side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 21 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from a point 15 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of London Road for a distance of 5 metres in a North Easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for a Zebra crossing proposal on Bosden Fold Road in Hazel Grove funded by the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Allocation 2022-23.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval the proposed ITB - Bosden Fold Road Zebra Crossing scheme, as shown on Drawing No. F/5210/03/BF/001 in Appendix B, including progression of the establishment notice for the crossing (as described within Appendix A and shown on Drawing No. F/5210/03/BF/004) via Legal Services to be funded from the ITB budget 2022-23 allocation.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for a Zebra crossing proposal on Bosden Fold Road in Hazel Grove funded by the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Allocation 2022-23.

It was commented that Members welcomed the proposals and felt it would be well received by residents and families using the route.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed introduction of a Zebra Crossing on Bosden Fold Road, as shown on the plans appended at Appendix B to the report, and the progression of the associated establishment notice as detailed at Appendix A to the report, to be funded from the 2022-23 Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Allocation.

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 Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance (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.

Members requested that the report relating to Carisbrooke Avenue, Hazel Grove be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.