Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 June 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

(a)               On behalf of the Area Committee the Chair expressed condolences to the families of those patients involved with the recent tragic events at Stepping Hill Hospital.

(b)               The Chair reported that two successful events had recently taken place at Torkington Carnival and Hazel Grove Carnival.

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

Inspector Brendan O’Brien (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer question 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 issues were raised/ comments made:-

• The public needed to ensure windows and doors on both homes and cars were locked when unattended to prevent opportunist thefts.
• Likely increase in anti-social behaviour as the weather improves. Increased use of Special Constables to support the NPT. Increased action to ensure young people were not gaining access to alcohol from either off-licenses or from parents.
• Recent County Court judgement in relation to the possession of Offerton Social Club.
• The recent police operation at Stepping Hill Hospital.

RESOLVED – That Inspector O’Brien 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 at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

No public questions were submitted.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at previous committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environment quality.

Chris Pollitt (Assistant Streetscene Co-ordination Manager) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer question from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were made/ issues raised:

• Repairs to drainage and water systems on Marple Road
• Completion of road marking replacement on Torkington Road.
• Planned gulley works on Offerton Road, Hazel Grove to take place over the summer.
• Improved performance in replacing stolen gulley covers and grids and the tasking of highways crews to replace missing grids whenever they were encountered.

RESOLVED – That Chris Pollitt be thanked for his attendance.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report details proposed highway improvements to Avondale Avenue, Hazel Grove (Footway Resurfacing); Biddulph Avenue, Offerton (Footway Reconstruction), and Magda Road, Offerton (Carriageway Resurfacing).

The Area Committee is recommended identify which of the schemes detailed in the report are to be progressed, to be funded from the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt, 0161 474 5689, chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed highway improvement schemes.

RESOLVED – That the following highway improvement schemes be approved, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

Hazel Grove Ward (to be funded from the Hazel Grove Ward allocation)

• Avondale Avenue, Hazel Grove – to carry out Slurry Seal treatment to footways – full length – approximate cost £8,000

Offerton Ward (to be funded from the Offerton Ward allocation)

• Biddulph Avenue, Offerton – to carry out footway reconstruction (odd number side) – approximate cost £14,000

• Magda Road, Offterton – to resurface carriageway located at the junction of Beaufort Road – approximate cost £2,500

Adam Cunningham (Area Conditions Officer)attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised / comments made:-

·         A notice had been served on properties on Oxonhurst Green in relation to the advancement of refuse.

·         Action taken regarding car sales on the highway on the A6 in Great Moor.

·         Ongoing investigations into improving the privately owned passageway adjacent to Claremont Road

·         Reminder to the public that litter bins should not be used for domestic waste disposal.

·         Problems with car sales on the highway on Bean Leach Road and Shearwater Road.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for his attendance.

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 Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisation had indicated they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

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 grating or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plan. The Corporate Director of Place 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 copying charges).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Two storey side extension, single storey side extension, single storey rear extension, re-roofing of existing dwelling, detached garage to side and provision of hardstanding to front

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission

In respect of plan no. 47128 for a two storey side extension, single storey side extension, single storey rear extension, re-roofing of existing dwelling, detached garage to side and provision of hardstanding to front at 3 Ripley Close, Hazel Grove

a resident spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to an additional condition requiring the boundary fence to the side of the property adjacent to the new garage access to be 1.8m in height in order to safeguard the amenity of the neighbouring property.

Demolition of existing buildings, mixed employment and residential development comprising, 3,712 sq m of employment space B2/B8 (move-on units) and up to a maximum of 203 dwellings.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement and subject to no contrary decision by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

In respect of plan no. 46079 for the demolition of existing buildings, the provision of a mixed employment and residential development comprising 3,712 sq m of employment space B2/B8 (move-on units) and up to a maximum of 203 dwellings at MAN Diesel & Turbo UK Ltd, Mirlees Drive, Hazel Grove,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant outline planning permission, subject to:-

• The inclusion of an informative advising the applicant to liaise with Parks & Recreation Service of the Council on the provision of appropriate and sustainable equipment in the Local Areas of Play.
• The Committee being aware of the Area Committee’s concerns about the drainage and sewage capacity of the site
• Further consideration of a sensitive and complementary boundary treatment to the site to avoid the unnecessary removal of trees.
• Further discussion with the applicant on possible works to improve links to Hazel Grove Rail Station via the footbridge from the Newby Road estate.

Proposed detached garage and front boundary wall.

The Area Committee is recommended to refuse planning permission on the grounds that the proposal does not comply with Core Strategy SIE-3, UDP Policy CDH 1.8, Core Strategy Saved Policy GBA 1.5, Core Strategy Policy SIE-3, PPS5 and Core Strategy Policy SIE-1.

In respect of plan no. 47252 for a proposed detached garage and front boundary wall at Norbury House, Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove, it was

RESOLVED – (1 against) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission on the grounds that the proposal would:-

·         Enhance the visual amenity of the area in comparison to the impact of the larger buildings already to the rear of the site.

·         The overall scale of the boundary treatment being no greater than the existing hedge and being set back from the highway.

·         The high quality of the build of the dwelling already built on the site.

·         The limited views of the greenbelt through the site due to other buildings to the rear of the site limiting the impact of the proposed development.

and that the Committee be recommended to remove permitted development rights.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services)

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: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements with the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) be requested to provide clarification as to the outcome of the enforcement appeal in respect of 10 Devonshire Park Road.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

This report announces the intention to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday 14 October 2011 and requests the Area Committee to submit their recommendations for a completed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition the Area Committee is asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review Tour and nominate Members to attend the Tour on October 14 2011.

Officer contact: Kevin Brooks, 0161 474 4905, kevin.brooks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to make a recommendation to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee on a recently completed development site to be visited as part of the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour to take place on 14 October 2011. The Area Committee were also invite to nominate Councillors to attend the Tour.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to visit the sheltered accommodation on Offerton Fold/ The Broadway, Offerton as part of the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour 2011 and that Councillors Meikle, Orrell and Wragg be nominated to attend the Tour.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report sets out proposed revisions to the existing waiting and loading restrictions on the A6 to facilitate the new traffic signalised junction being constructed on the A6 to improve the access/egress to the Asda store’s car park. The revisions include prescribed ‘Turn Left’ signs at Angel Street, a prohibited right turn in to Angel Street; Limited Waiting Bays on Brewer’s Green and associated Traffic Regulation Orders as set out in Schedule 1 of the report.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the Traffic Regulation Orders as detailed in Schedule 1 (subject to public consultation).

Officer contact: Georgina Summers, 0161 474 4853, georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposals for a package of alterations to waiting and loading restriction and the prohibition of certain manoeuvres into and out of Angel Street onto the A6, Hazel Grove in order to improve traffic movements when the new signalised traffic junction at the Asda Supermarket had been completed.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the Traffic Regulation Orders on the A6 in the vicinity of the new signalised junction at the Asda Supermarket, as detailed in Schedule 1 of the report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report provides an update to the Area Committee on the work of Children and Young People’s Directorate (CYPD) in the Stepping Hill Area, including management information on the performance of Children and Young People’s services at a local and national level.

The Area Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Rebecca Eddleston, 0161 474 3845, rebecca.eddleston@stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the work of the former Children & Young People’s directorate in the Stepping Hill Area Committee area, including statistical information on the performance of the service both in a local and national context.

The following issues were highlighted:-

• Improving breast feeding rates;
• Improving achievement by pupils at all levels in local school;
• Reducing instances of absence from school;
• Reducing numbers of young people Not In Education, Employment or Training.

Members asked questions and made comments on the report, including:-

• Many small areas of deprivation were not captured in the statistical information contained in the report.
• Concern about the large number of young people in care from the Central Stockport area in comparison to other areas, and how this may reflect the significant deprivation and difficulties experienced by many families in this area.
• Statistically Stepping Hill was a ‘microcosm’ of Stockport as a whole.
• The excellent Ofsted Inspection results in the area were very welcomed, and reflected the strong performance of schools across Stockport as a whole.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be welcomed.

(2) That the Corporate Director for People be requested to provide additional analysis of the reasons for the higher than average and increasing number of alcohol related admissions to hospital of young people from the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Service and the Corporate Director of Place.

The report details a proposal to acquire land adjacent to Bean Leach Road to facilitate the diversion of the Poise Brook in order to carry out maintenance to the retaining wall at this location.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the content of the report and provide any comment with regard to the Council’s proposals to acquire the land. 

Officer contact: Ian Keyte (NPS), 0161 495 6093, ian.keyte@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and the Corporate Director of Place (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to acquire an area of land at Bean Leach Road, Hazel Grove to facilitate work to stabilise the retaining wall adjacent to the road, requiring the temporary diversion of the a section of Poise Brook.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to acquire land at Bean Leach Road to facilitate retaining wall repairs be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to note the vacancies at Great Moor Junior School and Stockport School (Labour Group nominations), to recommend the reappointment of existing Governors to positions at Stockport School (Cllr Goddard, Mr D Gosling), Hazel Grove High School (Mrs C Corris) and Lisburne School (Mrs J Humphreys) and note a proposed reappointment at Stockport School (Mr W Barrett).

Officer contact: Libby Evans, 0161 474 3847, libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Schools and School Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing Local Authority Governor vacancies at Great Moor Junior School and Stockport School (Labour Group nominations) and setting out a number of proposed reappointmenst of LA Governors at various schools.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be recommended make the following reappointments of LA School Governors:-

(3) That the vacancies at Great Moor Junior and Stockport School (Labour Group nomination) and the proposed reappointment of Mr W Barrett at Stockport School (Labour Group nomination) be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

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: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions by the Area Committee, the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to seek to expedite the work to alter the speed limit on part of Chester Road and on the proposal to install new signage to discourage HGVs from using Chester Road/ Grundy Street.