Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 August 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 August 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

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

·         The Chair reported that on 27 September 2012, a number of Olympians, Paralympians, Games Makers and Torch Bearers from Stockport had attended a reception held by the Mayor to honour their achievements and contributions to the 2012 Olympic Games.

·         The Chair reported that she had taken part in a charity abseil event on Saturday, 6 October 2012 in aid of the Mayor’s Charity.

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

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         On-going work with Stepping Hill Hospital to reduce crime and disorder on their site. So far this had achieved a 25% reduction. This activity was welcomed.

·         The annual Operation Treacle had begun to address anti-social behaviour connected to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

·         Overall there had been a 10% reduction across all crime indicators in comparison with the same period last year. This was welcomed.

·         Significant progress was being made in reducing serious acquisitive crime, including vehicle crime, which had been a Divisional priority.

·         Tackling anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the Offerton Estate Community Centre and Library was a Team priority and the area was regularly subject to patrols.

·         Glasses being left outside licensed premises and in the street along the A6 in Hazel Grove remained a problem. Officers working during the evening and night enforced vigorously the ban on taking glasses outside. A new officer had been assigned responsibility for co-ordinating activity connected to licensed premises in Hazel Grove and a number of high profile policing operations were planned.

·         In relation to drugs and schools, significant work was done with pupils in school as well as targeting drug operations, such as cannabis farms.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Mike Cooper 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 and at local libraries and information centres.  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 within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted asking what checks the Council had undertaken on THI, the Council’s development partner for the site of the former Dialstone Centre and Blackstone Field.

In response it was stated that THI was an umbrella organisation that brought together a number of other development companies, and as such it may not be possible to find details of the accounts of the umbrella company.

The local Public Realm Inspector 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 or highway matters.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that it was not possible for a representative of the Public Realm Service to attend the meeting but that a written update had been provided.

The update highlighted the following issues:-

·         Two investigations about fly-tipping on the Offerton Estate had begun.

·         The Community Payback scheme has been involved in clearing the passageway on Lake Street, Great Moor

·         Highway improvement schemes had been completed on Lisburne Lane, Hollymount Road, Hatherlow Lane, Moorland Road and Marple Road.

·         There had been a recent Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweep (SIPS) for the Offerton area involving Public Realm, Stockport Homes, and the Community Safety Unit to address issues of environmental quality. A further update on the activity would be provided to future meetings.

RESOLVED – That the Public Realm update be noted.

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

No petitions were submitted.

Stockport Kill the Chill / Toasty Stockport

Stockport Council’s Housing Strategy Team is keen to ensure that all private sector residents are aware that the FREE cavity wall and loft insulation scheme will be coming to an end in December; any vulnerable residents are offered a support programme from the Council who will work with them to improve their energy usage and maximise their income.

Stockport ‘Kill the Chill’/ Toasty Stockport

Clare Redfern (Strategic Housing, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to advise the Area Committee that the ‘Toasty Stockport’ campaign which offered free cavity wall and loft insulation to all residents of private housing (subject to particular restrictions) was scheduled to end in December 2012 and that those residents who had not yet availed themselves of the service needed to register by the end of November.

Clare also reported on the Warm Homes Discount that was available as a credit on energy bills for those in vulnerable groups to encourage them to not sacrifice their heating during the winter months.

Councillors expressed regret that the Toasty Stockport scheme was ceasing. Stockport was ranked the highest in Greater Manchester for the number of residents taking up the offer of free insulation.

RESOLVED – That Clare Redfern be thanked for her attendance.

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 joint report of the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management)

The report details a number of objections received by the Council to a proposed Residents Permit Parking Scheme and an alteration to waiting restrictions at Brookfield Terrace, Hazel Grove. The report also sets out the response of Traffic Services to the issues raised by the objectors.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the Order as advertised, notwithstanding the objections received.

(Note: this item was deferred from the last meeting held on 28 August 2012)

Officer contact: ZoeAllan, 0161 474 3138, zoe.allan@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) detailing objections received to the introduction of a permit parking scheme at Brookfield Terrace off Bosdenfold Road, Hazel Grove. Consideration of this item had been deferred from the previous meeting.

MOVED AND SECONDED

That the Order not be made as advertised.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED

That consideration of the report be deferred and the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate the possibility of introducing a permit parking zone on Nelson Street, Wellington Street, Cooper Street and Bosdenfold Road, to include Brookfield Terrace.

For the amendment four, against two.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED (Four in favour, two against) – That consideration of the report be deferred and the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate the possibility of introducing a permit parking zone on Nelson Street, Wellington Street, Cooper Street and Bosdenfold Road, to include Brookfield Terrace.

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

Officer contact: Karyn Clarke, 0161 474 3551, karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk

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

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).

Retrospective application for the retention of two timber chalets and a fence.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of the plan no 49501, a retrospective application for the retention of two timber chalets and a fence at The Cenacle Treatment Centre, 224A Dialstone Lane, Offerton

a resident spoke against the application, and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the additional buildings and car parking would constitute overdevelopment of the site and that the proposed parking arrangements would cause displacement of cars onto the highway to the detriment of highway safety given the proximity of the site to the junction of Dialstone Lane and Cherry Tree Lane.

Variation of Conditions 14 (hours of use of classroom development) and 16 (house of external illumination of building) of planning approval DC045969 - erection of two storey teaching accommodation (resubmission of DC044989).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 50191 for the variation of Conditions 14 (hours of use of classroom development) and 16 (hours of external illumination of the building) of planning approval DC045969 (erection of two storey teaching accommodation) (resubmission of DC044989) at Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Great Moor

a member of the public spoke against the application on behalf of local residents, and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred until the next meeting to allow the applicant to discuss further with representatives of the objectors site possible revisions to the proposed change to the hours and frequency of the operation of the building adjacent to Woodsmoor Lane.

Proposed redevelopment of part of Blackstone Field site for a new Community Hub incorporating a Community Centre with multi-function community room and library and kitchen facility, four court sports hall, gym, male and female toilet facilities, viewing area, and all weather floodlit five-a-side football pitch, one seven-a-side grass football pitch, medical centre with consultancy, pharmacy (200m²), convenience store (200m²), 80 bed Dementia/Nursing Home and 25 person Day Centre, 60 bed Care home, car parking, landscape enhancements to Blackstone Field and new site entrance to be provided off Lisburne Lane.

The Area Committee is invited to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission and recommended that the relevant Executive Councillors agree to transfer Council owned from the ‘Housing’ to ‘Highways’ portfolio.

In respect of plan no. 50476 for the proposed redevelopment of part of the Blackstone Field site for a new Community Hub incorporating a Community Centre with multi-function community room and library and kitchen facility; four court sports hall, gym, male and female toilet facilities, viewing area and all weather floodlit five-a-side football pitch, one seven-a-side grass football pitch; medical centre with consultancy, pharmacy (200m²); 80 bed Dementia/ Nursing Home and 25 person Day Centre; 60 bed Care Home; car parking; landscaping enhancements to Blackstone Field and new site entrance to be provided off Lisburne Lane at Blackstone Field, Lisburne Lane, Offerton

it was MOVED AND SECONDED

That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns about impact of the proposal on traffic generation and highway safety, with particular reference to the deletion from the proposals of the right turn filters on Lisburne Lane and the installation of road humps/ cushions in close proximity to a fire station; the removal of a mature tree from the site adjacent to Lisburne Lane; and the impact of construction on residents.

For the motion two, against two

MOTION NOT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED (Three in favour, two abstentions) – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to:-

·                    the creation of a Tree Preservation Order for the mature tree on the Lisburne Lane side of the site;

·                    the proposed speed humps/ cushions not being installed without additional consultation on their siting with residents on Lisburne Lane;

·                    further consideration of whether the removal of the right turn lanes from Lisburne Lane for the entrances to the Blackstone Field and Dialstone Centre redevelopments would cause detriment to highway operation and safety.

(2) That in order to facilitate the highway improvement works associated with this and the connected development at the former Dialstone Centre, the Executive Councillors (Public Realm) and (Sustainable Communities) be recommended to approval the transfer of land identified in the report from the ‘Housing’ to the ‘Highways’ property portfolio.

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 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 Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services)

The report summarise planning appeal statistics for the Stepping Hill Area Committee for 2011/12 and provides a comparison with the previous year, as well as with the Borough as a whole.

Details of performance for other areas of Stockport can be found at http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s21796/Planning%20Appeal%20Statistics%202011%202012.pdf

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) summarising planning and enforcement appeal statistics for the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee and providing a comparison with Stockport as a whole.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management)

The report details an objection received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at the junction of Hempshaw Lane and Milford Grove, Offerton. The report also includes a response from Traffic Services to the issues raised by the objections.

The Area Committee is recommended to the make the Order as advertised, notwithstanding the objections received.

(Note: this item was deferred from the last meeting held on 28 August 2012 to allow the Order to be re-advertised following a drafting error in the originally advertised Order)

Officer contact: ZoeAllan, 0161 474 3138, zoe.allan@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) summarising an objection received to proposals to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order at the junction of Hempshaw Lane and Milford Grove, Offerton. Consideration of the report had been deferred from the last meeting to allow the Order to be re-advertised due to typographical errors in the original legal notice.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised.

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

The report provides an opportunity for the Area Committee to comment on potential cycle projects that could be included within the transportation capital programme in 2012/13. The Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) has identified £100k funding from a variety of sources to implement a programme of cycle improvements to encourage cycling to local and district centres in 2013.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the list of potential schemes and identify their priorities to enable a final programme to be developed for approval by the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration).

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 3451, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for potential cycle projects that could be included within the Transportation Capital Programme 2012/13 to encourage cycling to district and local centres, and seeking the Area Committee’s views.

Councillors suggested that consideration should be given to trialling the use of pavements for both walking and cycling where the pavements were wide enough to accommodate this, such as parts of Dialstone Lane and Offerton Road, with clear markings and signage to delineate the two uses.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments of the Area Committee be referred to the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) for consideration.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the following schemes to be funded from their Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

Hazel Grove Ward

Bosden Hall Road, Hazel Grove - To remove flagged footway and reconstruct using bituminous materials. Estimated costs £14,000.00.

(Note: this item was deferred from the last meeting held on 28 August 2012)

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt, 0161 474 2419, chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a highway improvement scheme on Bosden Hall Road, Hazel Grove. Consideration of the proposal had been deferred from the previous meeting.

RESOLVED – (1) That the following Highway Maintenance scheme be approved, at a cost of £14,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

Bosden Hall Road, Hazel Grove – to remove flagged footway and reconstruct using bituminous materials.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate and report back on the possible installation of bollards on Bosden Hall Road, Hazel Grove.

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

The Area Committee is asked to consider the proposals to revoke sections of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at Brewer’s Green, Hazel Grove, as shown on Appendix 1, to improve parking facilities in the area to assist shoppers, clients to the local businesses/ amenities and residents/ visitors to the residential properties.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the revocation of the sections of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions as detailed in Schedule 1 to this report at a cost of approximately £600 to be funded from developer contributions.

Officer contact: Georgina Summers, 07800 618 087, georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to revoke sections of No Waiting At Any Time Restrictions on Brewer’s Green, Hazel Grove to improve parking facilities in the area for residents, shoppers and visitors to nearby residences and businesses.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved, at a cost of £600 to be funded from developer contributions:-

Revocation of No Waiting At Any Time

Brewer’s Green

North side from a point 6 metres west of the easterly end of the cul-de-sac for a distance of 11 metres in a westerly direction.

South side from a point 9.5 metres east of the southerly side of Green Lane for a distance of 21 metres in an easterly direction.

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

The report provides details on the provision of the borough’s festive lights & festive trees following the establishment of a single core festive lights budget. 

The Area Committee is recommended to note the proposals outlined in the report.

Officer contact: Graeme Vout, 0161 474 4562, graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the provision of the Borough’s festive lights and festive trees in Stockport Town Centre, District Centres and several key Local Centres.

The representative of the Service Director (Place Development) also circulated detailed plans of the proposed location of festive lights and trees within the Hazel Grove District Centre and Great Moor and Offerton Local Centres, with examples of the type of lights that would be installed as part of the programme.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager

The Area Committee is invited to nominate a Councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Sunday Service in Hazel Grove on Sunday, 11 November 2012.

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) inviting the Area Committee to appoint a councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Hazel Grove Remembrance Day Service.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Kevin Hogg be appointed to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Hazel Grove Remembrance Day Service on 11 November 2012.

To consider referrals from Ward Committees, if any.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a note (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the key issues raised by residents following a session held on 2 October 2012 in lieu of the Hazel Grove Ward Committee which had not taken place due to the meeting being inquorate.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There are no outstanding vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

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 and Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to:-

·         Submit a report on the proposed traffic management measures on Dialstone Lane to the meeting on 20 November 2012 or provide a further explanation for the delays in bringing forward proposals;

·         Confirm whether the installation of bollards would be included in the traffic management scheme being prepared for Cherry Tree Lane.