Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20 November 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:-

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

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.

Greater Manchester Energy Switching Scheme

This scheme is being organised by the ten councils within Greater Manchester and brings together a number of people who want to switch providers into one ‘auction’. Energy providers then bid for their business by

offering the best available prices. The more people join the collective scheme, the better a deal everybody gets. On average we expect residents to save up to £250 a year by switching energy suppliers through this scheme.

There will also be a number of dedicated switching sessions at the following locations:

•             Tuesday 15th Jan – Fred Perry House

•             Thursday 17th Jan – Abacus Children’s Centre

•             Tuesday 22nd Jan – Fred Perry House

•             Thursday 24th Jan – Central Library

A briefing note is attached for more information.

(a)  The Chair reported that Councillor John Smith had recently suffered a broken leg and was unable to attend the meeting. On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair expressed her best wishes to Councillor Smith and wished him a speedy recovery.

(b)  A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the commencement of the Greater Manchester Energy Switching Scheme and inviting residents to sign up to a Greater Manchester-wide collective scheme that would take part in an ‘auction’ where energy providers would bid for their business by offering the lowest prices. Details of the scheme were available online at www.gmfairenergy.com

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 about neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised:-

·         Ongoing work with Stepping Hill Hospital to address crime and anti-social behaviour.

·         Continuing reductions across main crime indictors, although there had been an increase in violent crimes.

·         The recent high profile operation in the Norbury Moor area following a series of burglaries had been welcomed by residents.

·         The Police continued to work with partners and licensees in Hazel Grove and along the A6 corridor. Concerns were raised about the unacceptably large quantity of glass left in the street over the weekend period.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant 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 question had been submitted asking what progress was being made with the redevelopment of the Offerton Precinct and whether the Council would continue to have the Precinct maintained and kept tidy.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager replied that the Council planned to declare an intention to make a General Vesting Declaration and if brought into force this March, would vest title to the land in the Council by July 2013, enabling the Council to take possession of the Precinct. The Council was currently working with Tenbest and Aldi to agree a date for the development to start and in the meantime the Council would continue to endeavour to encourage owners and occupiers to keep the Precinct safe and secure.

The 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 and highway quality.

Kay Williams, Public Realm Inspector, attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         Following concerns raised at the last meeting about the cleansing programme of the Hazel Grove District Centre Steward it had been confirmed that the programme had been altered to ensure a more balanced workload, but that its operation would be monitored.

·         Gulley patching work had been undertaken on Hatherlow Lane. Councillors expressed concern about the quality of work undertaken at this location.

·         The surfacing of the road humps on Moorland Road were due to be assessed.

·         Issues with the advancement of waste and recycling containers in the Great Moor area were known to the Public Realm Service and were being addressed.

RESOLVED – (1) That Kay Williams be thanked for her attendance.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate the possibility of widening the road hump on Moorland Road, Woodsmoor to make a table at the point where one side of the footway ceased with a view to enabling this to be used as a raised crossing point from footway to footway, and to report back to the Ward Spokesperson.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

(a)  Hazel Grove Allotment Association

(b)  Offerton Community Choir – Roses Blooming Voices Choir

(a)       Hazel Grove Allotment Association

Mr George Wilson, of the Hazel Grove Allotment Association, attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee about the Group’s application for funding toward the cost of improvements to the surfacing of the access ways at the site.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £500 to the Hazel Grove Allotment Association toward the cost of improving access and health and safety at the site.

(b)       Offerton Community Choir – Roses Blooming Voices Choir

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application from Offerton Community Choir requesting assistance with the cost of room hire and procuring training materials.

Members expressed concern that the application sought revenue funding which was not an appropriate use of the Area Flexibility Fund, but that they would welcome a revised application to be submitted to a future meeting.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to invite the Offerton Community Choir to resubmit a revised application for for capital or project funding.

To consider a report of the East Area Housing Manager (Stockport Homes)

The report details progress with the delivery of Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Plans for the areas of Stockport Homes housing stock in Offerton, Offerton North and Hazel Grove and seeks comments from members about this progress and any future actions for inclusion in the 2013- 2014 action plans.

Jacky Allatson, Stockport Homes, attended the meeting to provide members with an update on the work being undertaken by Stockport Homes and partners to implement the Neighbourhood Action Plans for the housing areas of Offerton, Offerton North and Hazel Grove. A report on progress was submitted (copies of which had been circulated).

Members welcomed the successful You Say We Pay event held in Autumn 2012 and the improvement in community cohesion and activity associated with these events, and with the success of the new community centre in Offerton.

RESOLVED – That Jacky Allatson be thanked for her attendance and progress with the implementation of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans be welcomed.

As part of the on-going consultation on the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Roads representatives of the project team will be attending open forums at the Area Committees directly affected by the scheme. This will be an opportunity for questions and comments on the scheme to be addressed by the project representatives. General questions and comments will be welcome as well as junction specific questions and comments in line with the consultation leaflet that has been issued for information. The project team will give a short presentation which will introduce the road scheme to the Area Committee.

Jim McMahon (Service Director (Major Projects)), Stockport Council, attended the meeting to update the Area Committee on developments with the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme and to highlight the on-going public consultation.

The following issues were raised:-

·         There had been a healthy level of feedback received so, particularly at the well-attended exhibitions and liaison groups.

·         Feedback so far had been very informed and would be used to help identify the preferred scheme and what mitigation measures would be necessary.

·         The budget for the scheme had been developed to cover all the options set out in the consultation and decisions would not be made on the basis of what option was cheapest.

·         Further work would be needed to determine what mitigation measures might be needed to lessen the projected increases in traffic generation on some of the roads in Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That Jim McMahon be thanked for his attendance.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

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.

The Area Committee is invited to make suggestions for a site to be visited as part of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee Annual Review of Outcomes Tour taking place on 15 March 2012.

Two sites have been recommended by members that are:

·         Stockport Grammar School

·         Offerton Community Centre

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager invited the Area Committee to confirm a site to be put forward for inclusion on the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee Review of Outcomes Tour on 15 March 2013, and to nominate councillors to attend.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to include the new building at Stockport Grammar School on the Review of Outcomes Tour 2013 and that the following councillors be nominated to attend:-

·         Cllr Laura Booth

·         Cllr Wendy Meikle

·         Cllr Wendy Orrell

·         Cllr Mark Weldon

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

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on work to introduce traffic management improvements on Dialstone Lane since the matter was considered by a joint Ward Committee on 5 March 2012. The report detailed proposals to introduce a package of measures that would improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

RESOLVED – (1) That, as part of the proposed traffic management improvements along Dialstone Lane, the following Traffic Regulation Orders be approved:-

No Waiting at Any Time

Cherry Tree Lane

South East side from a point 17 metres South West of the Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 10 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Lisburne Lane

Both sides from a point 15 metres East of the Easterly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 10 metres in an Easterly direction.

Mile End Lane

South side from a point 15 metres West of the Westerly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a Westerly direction.

Hillcrest Road

Both sides from a point 15 metres East of the Easterly kerb line of Dialstone Lane for a distance of 28 metres in a Easterly direction.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve those proposals contained in Schedule III of the report, subject to the following amendments:-

·         Extend the proposed No Waiting at Any Time on Dialstone Lane and Dial Park and Katherine Roads on the north side approximately 10 metres to bring the restriction to the corner of the bend in the carriageway to improve visibility at the bend and improve safety.

·         Extend the proposed No Waiting at Any Time on Dialstone Lane and Brooklyn Road on the north side approximately 5 metres to improve safety at the junction.

·         Reduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Dialstone Lane and Bonis Crescent to account for the fact the junction is permanently closed to motorised traffic.

·         Reduction in the extent of the parking bays on Dialstone Lane nearest Cruttenden Road to improve visibility at the junction.

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

The report summarises the responses received to a consultation to introduce tactile paving to assist vulnerable road users at the junctions of Garth Road and Whalley Road at Hempshaw Lane in Offerton and to introduce an associated extension to existing No Waiting restrictions.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the following,

Extend No Waiting at Any Time:

Garth Road

Both sides from the Southerly kerb line of Hempshaw Lane for a distance of 7 metres in a Southerly direction.

Whalley Road

Both sides form the Southerly kerb line of Hempshaw Lane for a distance of 5 metres in a Southerly direction.

Hempshaw Lane

South side, from the Easterly kerb line of Whalley Road for a distance of 5 metres in an Easterly direction.

Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the construction of tactile paving at the existing dropped crossings on Garth Road and Whalley Road.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 introduce a Traffic Regulation Order and tactile paving at the junctions of Hempshaw Lane with both Garth Road and Whalley Road, in order to assist vulnerable pedestrians and protect these facilities from parked cars.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order and surfacing treatment be approved, at a cost of £870 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Offerton Ward allocation):-

Extend No Waiting at Any Time

Garth Road

Both sides from the southerly kerb line of Hempshaw Lane for distance of 7 metres in a southerly direction.

Whalley Road

Both sides from the southerly kerb line of Hempshaw Lane for distance of 5 metres in a southerly direction.

Hempshaw Lane

South side, from the easterly kerb line of Whalley Road for a distance of 5 metres in an easterly direction.

Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the construction of tactile pacing at the existing dropped crossings on Garth Road and Whalley Road.

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

The report proposes a Traffic Regulation Order on Cavendish Road and Dean Lane, Hazel Grove to overcome significant parking problems on Cavendish Road near the junction with Dean Lane associated with short-stay visitors and deliveries to the Five Ways Shopping Parade on Dean Lane.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve those elements of the proposed order that fall within its delegation (Parts I and II of the schedule of the report) and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) approve the remainder (Parts III and IV).

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 proposals to introduce No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time restrictions on Cavendish Road and Dean Lane, Hazel Grove to alleviate parking problems and improve road safety.

RESOLVED – That consideration of the proposals be deferred until the April meeting of the Area Committee to allow for the Service Director (Place Management) to

·         reassess the situation on Cavendish Road/ Dean Lane following completion of the small housing development;

·         consider extending the No Waiting Restrictions further at the bend in Cavendish Road to improve visibility for traffic;

·         to re-consult affected residents on whether the parking problems have persisted and on the possibility of the extension described above; and

·         to assess the condition of the Cavendish Road carriageway to determine whether any resurfacing work needed to be undertaken.

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

The report details objections received to the proposal to introduce Residents Permit Parking on Bramhall Moor Lane (cul-de-sac end). The report also sets out the comments of the Service Director (Place Management) in response to the issues raised by objectors.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the report and agree that the Order be made as advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allan, 0161 474 3138, zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Service Directors (Legal & Democratic Services) and (Place Management) was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of objections received to the proposal to introduce residents permit parking on the cul-de-sac end of Bramhall Moor Lane.

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

There are no outstanding vacancies.

There were no vacancies to consider.

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

The Area Committee is invited to grant permission to Circus Starr to hold a Big Top Circus in Torkington Park on Wednesday, 24 April 2013.

Officer contact: Amanda Evans, 0161 218 1177, Amanda.evans@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order to allow the application to be considered in good time before the proposed date of the event)

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from Circus Starr for the use of Torkington Park in April 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application for the use of Torkington Park on 24 April 2013 for the Big Top Circus be approved.

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 & Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.