Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 January 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

There were no announcements made.

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

Sergeant David Fullerton (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public on neighbourhood policing matters within the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Overall there had been a reduction in crime across a range of indicators.

·         There had been a Force wide focus on targeting .vehicle crime.

·         Consultation with the public had indicated that there was a lack of confidence in the Police connected with a perception of a lack of visible presence. An Action Plan had been developed to address this.

·         Action was on-going connected to Operation Alloy to target metal theft. A Day of Action was planned for March.

·         Positive use was being made of Restorative Justice with young offenders.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant David Fullerton 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 your question 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 within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One question was submitted asking whether there were any proposals to establish a Traveller site within the Stepping Hill area.

Councillor Dave Goddard reported that there were no such proposals.

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

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 and highway issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

In relation to highway issues, the following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There was a faulty street light on a pedestrian refuge on Marple Road between the junction with Shearwater Road and the junction with Marple Old Road.

·         A pot hole was reported on Sanderling Road near the junction with Martin Close

·         Concerns were raised about pigeon fouling Macclesfield Road and Chester Road associate with the non-netted areas of the railway bridges. Problems with pigeons flocking on Corinthians Playing Fields on Cromley Road was also discussed.

·         Concern was expressed about high hedges on Marple Road.

·         Damaged and dangerous carriageway surfacing had been reported on the A6 between Lever Street and Oak Street, particularly around the grids. There was also damage caused to the footways outside no.10 Lever Street caused by tree roots.

·         There was a problem with flooding/ ponding of water on Brinkburn and Clarendon Road junction.

·         A large pot hole had developed between no. 2-4 Beaumaris Crescent.

In relation to environmental services issues, the following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There had been a recent successful community litter pick in the Stepping Hill ward involving local residents and councillors.

·         The public were reminded that it was there responsibility to ensure any waste they had removed from their home was done so by a licensed waste carrier.

·         Work was on-going to reduce the height of hedges on Cow Lane to reduce the impact of litter that was caught in the hedges.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for his attendance.

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

The report sets out a proposal to carry out footway reconstruction on Chiltern Drive, Woodsmoor.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the scheme, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to carry out footway reconstruction work on Chiltern Drive, Woodsmoor.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager clarified that the cost of the scheme was £27,000.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to carry out footway reconstruction on the full length of Chiltern Drive, Woodsmoor be approved, at a cost of £27,000 to be funded from the 2011/12 Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation) with any overspend being met from the 2012/13 allocation.

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

Councillor William Wragg submitted a 135 signature petition on behalf of residents and users of Clarendon Road Park, Hazel Grove, calling on the Council to improve the facilities in the park.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for further 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 Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisation had indicated that 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 granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. 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 charges).

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

Change of use to soft-play facility and facility for children with complex needs.

The Area Committee is recommended to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to the permission being limited to use as a children’s play facility within the D2 assembly and leisure Use Class.

In relation to plan no. 47435 for the change of use to soft-play facility for children with complex needs at Plot 3, 1 Pepper Road, Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove,

the applicants spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be strongly recommended to grant planning permission subject to the permission being limited to use as a children’s play facility within the D2 Assembly and Leisure Use Class.

Demolition of redundant hospital buildings and submission for outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except the main point of access into the

site) comprising :-

·         refurbishment and re-use of locally listed Lodge and Administration Buildings for residential use (Class C3) with private amenity space;

·         redevelopment of the remainder of the site for residential use (Class C3), creation of a protected nature zone, children’s play facility (LAP), car parking, pedestrian and cycle routes, services and infrastructure, highway works, landscaping and associated works.

The Area Committee is recommended to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to the preparation of a S106 agreement to secure affordable housing, a commuted sum for open space and recreation provision and the funding of a Traffic Regulation Order on Dialstone Lane.

In respect of plan no. 48004 for the demolition of redundant hospital buildings and submission for outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except the main point of access in the site) comprising:-

·         refurbishment and re-use of locally listed Lodge and Administration Buildings for residential use (Class C3) with private amenity space

·         redevelopment of the remainder of the site for residential use (Class C3), creation of a protected nature zone, children’s play facility (LAP), car parking, pedestrian and cycle routes, services and infrastructure, highway works, landscaping and associated works

at Cherry Tree Hospital, Cherry Tree Lane, Great Moor

a resident spoke against the application,

and

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 planning permission subject to the preparation of a S106 agreement to secure affordable housing, a commuted sum for open space and recreation provision and the funding of a Traffic Regulation Order on Dialstone Lane.

Installation of a door and roller shutter and box to side elevation, together with installation of roller shutter and shutter box to front elevation.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 48316 for the installation of a door and roller shutter and box to side elevation, together with installation of roller shutter and shutter box to front elevation at No. 4 the Boulevard, Hazel Grove, it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and 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 Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) (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.

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) reported that the appeal for 73 The Crescent, Davenport had been allowed.

Concern was expressed about the quality of the information provided to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Council in defending the decision in relation to 73 The Crescent.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to require that all information submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in relation to appeals connected to Area Committee decisions is done so only after consultation and agreement of the Chair of the Area Committee.

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

The report summarises the key issues and elements of the Draft Obstruction Policy for Highways, Draft Highways Café Policy, Draft Control of Skips, Containers, Scaffolding, and Hoardings on the Highway Policy, and the Draft Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions Policy. The Draft Policies themselves are appended to the report.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the policies.

Officer contact: Andrew Suggett/ Sue Stevenson/Graeme Vout, 0161 474 4351, andrew.suggett@stockport.gov.uk / sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk / graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to comment on the draft Obstruction Policy for Highways, the draft Highways Café Policy, the draft Control on Skips, Containers, Scaffolding and Hoardings on the highway and the draft Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions Policy.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was suggested that further consideration should be given to another option within the report to simply enforce current legislation.

·         Concern was expressed about the potential impact of a charge for A-Board advertising on small businesses.

·         It was hoped that the Policy would provide clarity for businesses on what advertising was acceptable and the charge, while small, would provide resources to enforce and advise on the policy.

·         Concern was expressed about the lack of flexibility in the Policy in relation to charities and not-for-profit clubs and the need to have and display licenses.

·         It was suggested that the 28 day notice to remove an obstruction was too long a period.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to give consideration to the comments made in respect of the Obstruction to Highways Policy.

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

The report details the results of a post-scheme consultation exercise carried out in November/December 2011 on measures introduced as part of the Chester Road Traffic Calming Scheme implemented in 2010.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Neville Kay, 0161 474 4836, neville.kay@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a post-implementation consultation exercise in relation to the measures introduced as part of the Chester Road Traffic Calming Scheme in 2010.

There had been a high level of response to the questionnaires from residents (30%) with further responses received online from motorists who used Chester Road. Overall, there had been a mixed response to the measures, with the pedestrian facilities having been mostly welcomed, motorists being generally unsatisfied with the speed humps and concerns raised generally about the quality and timeliness of the works. Traffic Services had learnt lessons from the scheme and consultation and the issues identified would help in the development of future schemes.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Councillors echoed the concerns of respondents in relation to the quality of the works.

·         There was discussion about whether the original consultation of the proposed measures was too extensive and gave undue weight to those residents not living on Chester Road. Councillors felt that the concerns about speeding vehicles was a legitimate concern for all residents in the area.

·         Councillors commented on the significant reduction in the speed of vehicles on Chester Road and expressed disappointment that it had not been permitted to provide this data to residents as part of the consultation.

·         Overall Councillors welcomed the reduction in speed as a result of the measures.

RESOLVED (1) That the report and results of the post-implementation consultation on Chester Road be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the cycling provision on Chester Road introduced as part of the Traffic Calming Scheme and to report back to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

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

The report informs the Area Committee of the results of an investigation into alleged speeding and HGV activity on the section of Chester Road from the A6 London Road to Station Street (including Grundey Street) and proposes measures to reduce speeds.

Area Committee is invited to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the implementation of the proposed 20mph limit at Chester Road (from the A6 to south of Station Street) and Grundey Street and approves the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix 2 of the report subject to the completion of a public consultation exercise.

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) detailing the results of an investigation into concerns about speeding and HGV activity on the section of Chester Road from the A6 London Road to Station Road, Hazel Grove.

Councillors expressed concern that the number of ‘accidents’ referred to in the report did not accord with the number of ‘incidents’ that residents had notified them of.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the implementation of the proposed 20mph limit at Chester Road (from the A6 to south of Station Street) and Grundey Street and to approve the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, subject to the completion of a public consultation exercise.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to monitor the usage of

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Goddard.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Dave Goddard.

Councillor Goddard suggested that the Area Committee request officers to consider whether it was feasible to provide hard-standing along the rear of properties 22 to 32 Lisburne Lane, accessible via Chelburn Close and to provide off road parking for these properties when the new facilities were built at Dialstone/ Blackstone Field as there was a suggestion Lisburne Lane would be subject to further waiting restrictions.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director of Place be requested to investigate the feasibility of providing hard-standing along the rear of properties 22 to 32 Lisburne Lane, accessible via Chelburn Close and  to provide off road parking for these properties and if so whether this could be funded by the developer of the new development at Blackstone Field/ Dialstone Centre.

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

The report details the results of the public consultation exercise which was carried out in March 2011 regarding proposed traffic management measures at Dialstone Lane and seeking approval to proceed with the implementation of a reduced traffic management scheme and associated Traffic Regulation Orders.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the implementation of the scheme and the introduction of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders as detailed in Appendix 1 and shown on the Post Public Consultation Layout drawings Sheets 1 to 7 (Appendix 3).

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) providing details the results of the public consultation exercise which was carried out in March 2011 regarding proposed traffic management measures at Dialstone Lane and seeking approval to proceed with the implementation of a reduced traffic management scheme and associated Traffic Regulation Orders.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the establishment of a Joint Ward Committee for the Offerton, Stepping Hill and Manor Wards and that a meeting be held as soon as possible to discuss the proposed traffic management scheme for Dialstone Lane, Offerton.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services

The report details a proposal to provide a high quality care home facility at the Blackstone Field redevelopment in Offerton which would incorporate such nursing provision that could replace both Belmont and Lisburne Court facilities operated by Boroughcare.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposals.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to develop a new care home facility by Boroughcare on land at Blackstone Road, Offerton that could replace the existing facilities at Belmont Court, Heaton Norris and Lisburne Court, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the proposed development of a new care home facility at the development at Blackstone Road, Offerton be supported, subject to final negotiation over the financial arrangements for the proposal.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Communities)

The report details commuted sums for play provision accrued in the area from developments and sets out proposals for where these sums are to be spent.

That the Area Committee is invited to:

·         approve the use of £334.62 towards the provision of new junior equipment at Torkington park

·         decide the allocation of the commuted sums to the parks as outlined in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.5 in the report.

Officer contact:  Vanessa Brook, 0161 474 4446, vanessa.brook@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of Service Director (Communities) (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of the accrual of commuted sums for play provision from developments in the Stepping Hill Area Committee area and detailing options where these sums could be spent.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the following allocations of commuted sums be approved:-

·                The allocation of £334.62 accrued from development no.1003 toward the cost of junior play equipment at Torkington Park.

·                The allocation of £669.24 accrued from development no.1008 toward the cost of new junior equipment at Boothby Street play area.

·                The allocation of £1003.96 accrued from development no.1024 toward the cost of new junior equipment at Boothby Street play area.

·                The allocation of £2009.65 accrued from development no.1025 toward improvements of the play area at Macclesfield Road.

·                The allocation of £500.00 accrued from development no.1025 toward improvements of the play area at Blair Close.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Communities)

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application from Morley’s Fun Fairs to hold a Family Fun Fair at Torkington Park on between 5– 9 July 2012.

Officer contact: Tim Devine, 0161 474 4419, tim.devine@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Communities) (copies of which had been circulated) reporting on the receipt of an application for the use of Torkington Park between 5-9 July 2012.

RESOLVED – That the application from Morley’s Fun Fairs for the use of Torkington Park on 5-9 July 2012 for the Annual Family Fun Fair be approved.

There are no vacancies to consider.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager requesting to consider Liberal Democrat vacancies at Great Moor Junior School and Offerton Nursery School.

RESOLVED - That the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be recommended to make the nomination to the Governing Body vacancy at Great Moor Junior School:-

School                                   Name                                                 Nominating Group

Great Moor Junior                Cllr B Alexander                   Liberal Democrat

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 taken by the Area Committee and the current position on the Area Flexibility Budget and Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.