Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 January 2023 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 Interests

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

It was reported that, in relation to the Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan, members of the Women’s Institute attended the stakeholder workshop to review the draft action plan and welcomed a discussion around the points raised later in the meeting.

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

It was reported that the Neighbourhood Police Sergeant was unable to attend the meeting due to a change in personnel. The Chair informed the Committee that representatives would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee in April 2023.

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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:

·         Relating to progress made in relation to the Travel Plan and whether an update had been provided by the NHS Foundation Trust.

In response it was commented that Members share residents frustration and the Cabinet member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services was scheduled to meet with a representative from the Hospital later this month, after which a comprehensive update on the travel plan would be provided to the Area Committee. 

·         Relating to item 7 on the agenda - Mirrlees Fields - Asset of Community Interest concerning the ownership of the land within the boundary of the nominated site and whether consideration should be given to this application being resubmitted with the correct landowners named.

It was commented that the red line boundary plan included in the nomination does not clearly indicate the boundaries of the land or any adjoining land and therefore the definite boundary of the land nominated to be an Asset of Community Value cannot be determined by the plan alone. However, the Assets of Community Value (England) regulations 2012 require that the nomination must include a description of the nominated land including its proposed boundaries which had been provided within the nominating form. It was commented that the application appeared to correctly identify the landowners and occupiers who had been notified of this nomination

As the questioner was not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to investment in leisure facilities and green space in Offerton, in particular the state of Blackstone Fields and closure of Life Leisure.

In response it was stated that following the temporary closure of Offerton Life Leisure, the building had been deemed irreparable. Several meetings between Council officers and local councillors had taken place to find a long-term solution to leisure facilities in Offerton and although no arrangements had been finalised, they were in ongoing discussions. In relation to Blackstone Field it was stated that this was not a park but a former slurry field. It was noted that a £400,000 investment was being made in Torkington Park, which was within Offerton’s boundaries, for tennis, a skate park and cycle paths among other facilities.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

A representative of the 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 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 ward allocations) 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.

It was noted that the webcast to a previous meeting that the applicant was in attendance was shared with Members of the Committee and Members had supported the application via email.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Bee Sober CIC for a grant of £178.60 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£37.60 from Hazel Grove, £70.50 from Offerton and £70.50 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) 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.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £300 (£100 from Hazel Grove, £100 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the Kings Coronation.

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget toward the cost of organising a community fun day for the King’s Coronation.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Autisk for a grant of £300 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£100 from Hazel Grove, £100 from Offerton and £100 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the King’s Coronation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 (£47.61 from Hazel Grove, £47.61 from Offerton and £47.61 from Stepping Hill ward allocations) towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Help the Hatters for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

It was commented that the Area Committee would welcome a revised application for funding from Help the Hatters relating to the refurbishment of the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That the application from Help the Hatters be declined on this occasion Area Committee has declined to make a grant to Help the Hatters on this occasion on the grounds that elements of the proposed activity were not in keeping with the spirit of the funding guidelines. 

There are currently no development applications to consider.  

No development applications were submitted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance.

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 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Estate and Asset Management.

The report provides information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid, and asks Members to determine the nomination whether Mirrlees Fields should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that Mirrlees Fields should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value.

Officer Contact: Paul Edgeworth on 0161 218 1934or email: paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Estate and Asset Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and requesting members to determine the nomination whether Mirrlees Fields should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the Council had received correspondence from the Friends of Mirrlees group who were opposing this nomination.

·         It was felt that the nomination met the requirements of the Act, however queried what the consequences would be to the council if not agreed as an Asset of Community Value.

·         In response, it was stated that no legal action could be taken in response to the Area Committee decision to not agree the site as an Asset of Community Value and community groups who qualify under the Act could nominate the land at a later date which would be considered on its individual merits.

·         It was queried whether permission from the landowner had any bearing on the eligibility of the site being considered as an Asset of Community Value.

·         In response, it was stated that it did not appear so under the strict wording of the Localism Act and accompanying regulations as the test in Section 88 of the Act related to actual use of the land and did not reference lawful use of the land. It was stated that there was evidence in the nomination of extensive community uses, which potentially further the social interest and social wellbeing of the community.

·         It was queried whether the moratorium could be dispended with or shortened under any circumstances.

·         In response, it was stated that if the land was recognised as an Asset of Community Value it would be added to the list for a period of five years. If the asset owner wished to make a relevant disposal they would be required to inform the council who would advertise the land for sale and eligible community groups could be treated as a bidder. It was noted that there was an initial moratorium period of six weeks where no sale, except an exempted sale, could take place to allow the groups to notify the council of their wish to be treated as a bidder. If no group comes forward, the asset owner is free to dispose of the land as they wish, however if a group did come forward it would trigger the full moratorium of six months and the Act did not specifically contain a provision for the six month moratorium to be shorted or amended in any way.

·         It was queried whether the right to buy was limited to the nominating group.

·         In response, it was confirmed that any qualifying community group could make a bid to purchase or trigger the moratorium.

·         It was queried whether a community group could make a partial purchase of the land if they were unable to raise all the funds required.

·         In response, it was stated that if the asset owner was minded to entertain a partial purchase, it would be legal and permissible under the terms of the Act.

·         It was noted that Members had received correspondence from several interested groups in relation to Mirrlees Fields and whilst there was no consensus about the preferred way forward, all groups had the best interests of the site at heart.

·         It was noted that in considering this nomination, Members were not able take account of the views of residents and must simply determine whether the nomination met the requirements set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

·         It was felt that Mirrlees Fields clearly met the requirements to be approved as an Asset of Community Value under the Act.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on developing an Action Plan for Hazel Grove including recommendations on how the £5,000 for 2022/23 is to be allocated.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1) Note the partnership approach to developing the Hazel Grove Action Plan;

(2) Comment on the actions within the Hazel Grove Action Plan;

(3) Comment on the allocation of funding to priority projects listed in Section 4.3 of the report.

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

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the developing an Action Plan for Hazel Grove including recommendations on how the £5,000 for 2022/23 is to be allocated.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Thanked officers for their work and for engaging with ward Members and the community.

·         Requested that improved signage be considered to direct residents to the less well-known carparks within the district centre.

·         Welcomed the proposals detailed within the District Centre Action Plan 2023.

·         With regard to the planting and tidy ups of three sites including the Civic Hall, it was requested that officers liaise with members of the Women’s Institute as they had previously done similar work.

·         welcomed the proposed community noticeboard and noted the importance of location in light of previous vandalism.

·         In response, it was confirmed that the proposed site for the community noticeboard was the Civic Hall.

·         It was commented that there was an appetite from Hazel Grove traders to become involved with this action plan and Members offered their support to facilitate these meetings.

·         It was reported that the new benches in the district centre provided by NHS Property Services were showing signs of rusting and requested that the NHS be contacted to be made aware.

·         With regard to the planting and tidy ups of three sites, it was queried what the proposals were for the Commercial Road site.

·         in response it was stated that additional planters were proposed, and the local church group had shown an interest in helping to maintain that particular site. It was reported that the council were seeking support from the night time economy traders to support a clean-up of the area;

·         Welcomed the addition of greenery and planters within the three proposed sites within the district centre, along with coordinated plans to support and maintain the planters.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the Area Committee with proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informs the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application will enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations are in force.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Brown on 0161 474 4843 or email: jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informed the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers which would enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations were in force.

It was reported that there was an error within the report as the location cited as ‘A6 London Road/Moor Road – Yellow Box Markings’ should be cited as ‘A6 London Road/New Moor Lane – Yellow Box Markings’

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Requested clarification in relation to the location of A6/Bramhall Lane – No Right and No Left Turn.

·         In response it was confirmed that the location was at the junction with Bramhall Lane as travelling northbound.

·         It was queried how the five sites for enforcement were determined.

·         In response it was confirmed that the weight restriction at Demmings Road was suggested to protect the highways infrastructure particularly as the location was adjacent to an industrial estate, other locations were proposed following concerns raised in relation to the movement at these junctions and some of the junctions were already enforced by the police.

·         It was queried which cameras would be used for enforcement purposes.

·         In response, it was confirmed that the cameras with automatic number plate recognition technology, currently used on bus lanes and school keep clears, would be installed attached to lighting columns in order to survey the number of contraventions of traffic regulations at each site and could be moved as required.

·         It was queried if the Moving Traffic Order Locations detailed within Appendix B were for information only.

·         In response it was confirmed that the Moving Traffic Order Locations within Appendix B were proposed site locations for this scheme which required assessment in order to determine if the order in place was fit for purpose.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposed highway maintenance scheme which involves the replacement of one existing blocked paved speed ramp with a new bitmac ramp.  

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work, at a cost of £5,400 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill ward allocation).

Officer Contact: Simon Sherry on 0161 474 2420 or email: simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed highway maintenance scheme involving the replacement of one existing blocked paved speed ramp with a new bitmac ramp.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was commented that the proposal was in response to feedback from residents of Cedar Road who had complained about the noise of vehicles driving over the speed bumps, particularly at night.

·         It was noted that the scheme was for a large sum of money and the report lacked information around the details of the proposal. It was requested that future reports for similar proposals contain further detail such as images. In response, it was stated that a similar proposal was completed on Woodsmoor Lane.

·         In relation to the Delegated Budget, it was queried whether any remaining funds would be rolled over into the next municipal year particularly in light of the proposed changes to ward boundaries.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the maintenance scheme at Cedar Road, Woodsmoor for the replacement of one existing blocked paved speed ramp with a new bitmac ramp and the Director of Place Management be authorised to order the work, at a cost of £5,400 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 an application from SKC Leisure in conjunction with Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold the Hazel Grove Community Easter Event at Torkington Park over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend; Saturday 8 to Monday 10 April 2023.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the organisers providing the appropriate insurances, health and safety documentation and paying the fee.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from SKC Leisure in conjunction with Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold the Hazel Grove Easter Event at Torkington Park over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend; Saturday 8 to Monday 10 April 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from SKC Leisure in conjunction with Hazel Grove Community Hub to hold the Hazel Grove Community Easter Event at Torkington Park over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend; Saturday 8 to Monday 10 April 2023, subject to the organisers providing the appropriate insurances, health and safety documentation and paying the fee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Stockport Harriers & AC to hold their annual Offerton 5 running event at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Park on Wednesday 17 May 2023. The run route also includes Woodbank Park/ Poise Brook (Offerton Ward) and Daisy Fields (Bredbury & Woodley Ward).

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer Contact: Kath Hughes on 0161 474 4418 or email: kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Stockport Harriers & AC to hold their annual Offerton 5 running event at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Park on 17 May 2023 between 7 and 8.30 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport Harriers & AC to hold their annual Offerton 5 running event at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Park on 17 May 2023 between 7 and 8.30 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has undertaken a review of the council’s electoral arrangements and made recommendations for new warding patterns, to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of the borough’s new warding arrangements is that the existing boundaries of the council’s seven area committees are no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the revised boundaries for area committees and to make a recommendation for consideration by the Cabinet prior to a final decision being made by the Council Meeting on 30 March 2023.

Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of the Council’s electoral arrangements and recommendations for new warding patterns to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of those new warding arrangement was that the existing boundaries of the Council’s seven area committees were no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be in place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the Council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that there was an error in the map contained within the appendix as the Davenport & Cale Green ward was not named.

·         It was commented that there was only a small change applicable to the Stepping Hill Area Committee boundaries.

·         Members noted the relative size of the Area Committee boundaries and that some Area Committees encompassed two wards, and others four.

·         It was commented that there had been discussions to review the function and composition which was welcomed.

·         It was commented that whilst a review was welcomed, residents needed to relate to the area of community within the boundaries.

·         It was felt that there would be problems in relation to police coverage around the Norbury & Woodsmoor ward which were covered by different neighbourhood policing teams.

·         In considering changes to Area Committee boundaries, it was requested that Cabinet take account of the potential for greater alignment with other boundaries including the NHS and police.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations contained within the report be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance.

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: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email:  jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on the decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members queried the ‘refund/ grant declined’ status in relation to the Ward Flexibility Funding application from Alcoholics Anonymous.

·         In response, it was confirmed that the Ward Flexibility Funding application submitted by Alcoholics Anonymous and considered at the October meeting of the Committee had been withdrawn by the applicant as funding was no longer required. A such, the funds were returned to the Area Committees Area Flexibility Funding budget.

·         It was noted that there had been no further update on the status of the travel plan since 29 November 2022 and requested that an update be provided in advance of the next meeting of the Area Committee.

·         An update was requested in relation to the traffic issues at School Street.

·         An update was requested in relation to the priority markings scheme on Boscombe, Aldwyn and Mostyn Roads.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.