Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 January 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

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

Councillor Meikle invited the public to a Charity Band Concert featuring the Ashton-on-Mersey Showband to be held at the Town Hall on Friday 1 March 2013. All proceeds would be donated to the Mayor’s Charity.

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 submit 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 by a questioner who was not present at the meeting. It was stated that, in accordance with the Code of Practice a written response would be provided.

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.

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 quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

·         Concerns were raised about overgrown vegetation on Corfu Crescent, which had previously been maintained by a member of the public. It was reported that clarification had been sought on ownership and that in future this would be included on the Council’s maintenance programme.

·         Clarification was sought on the Council’s policy for the removal of flyposting and it was stated that this should be applied consistently.

·         Further information would be provided to ward councillors in respect of an accident on Milford Grove, Offerton.

·         Urgent repairs carried out on the A6 were welcomed.

·         Work to rectify problems with previously cleared gullies on Offerton Road had taken place and further work was planned for gullies on Torkington Road.

RESOLVED – That Kay Williams be thanked for her attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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

This item was considered in conjunction with item 4 (vi) ‘Open Forum – Community Safety and Neighbourhood Policing Annual Report’ (see Minute 4 (iv) below)

Representatives from the Community Safety Unit (Stockport Council) and Greater Manchester Police will attend the meeting to provide an update on their activities in the area represented by Stepping Hill Area Committee.

Inspector Stephen Palmer (Greater Manchester Police) and Jonathan Hedlem (Community Safety Unit, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to make a presentation in respect of the work of the Safer Stockport Partnership to reduce crime in 2012/13 and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

The presentation highlighted the following areas:-

·         Reducting levels of crime overall and in all crime categories. There had been a recent spike in domestic burglaries in the East Neighbourhood Policing Team area.

·         Specific operations targeting specific crimes or priorities, such as metal thefts and burglaries.

·         Continued focus on reducing demand from Stepping Hill Hospital and working with licensed premises along the A6.

·         Imminent restructure of Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Stockport.

Councillors made the following comments/ raised the following issues:-

·         Both the Police and Council were to be congratulated for 8 years of continuous decreasing crime.

·         The positive work between the Police, the Council and licensed premises in Hazel Grove was welcomed, but there remained problems with glass on the streets. Concerns were also expressed about the level of training and awareness of officers in respect of licensing laws and regulations. It was stated that issues connected with licensed premises continued to be a priority for the East Area Team.

·         In response to a question about hate crimes, it was stated that this was not a particular problem in the Division, but was continually monitored.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Palmer and Jonathan Hedlem be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

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

For Offerton Revival

Tony Fisher, Chair of the For Offerton Revival group attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for Area Flexibility Funding toward the cost of a community event.

Councillors expressed concerns about the detail provided in the application.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £250 to the For Offerton Revival Group as start-up money and that the Group be recommended to reconsider their application in relation to community events and resubmit with additional information.

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).

Formation of outside beer garden area and erection of canopy to rear

of building.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 488894, for the formation of outside beer garden area and erection of canopy to the rear of the building at The Wilfred Wood, 204 London Road, Hazel Grove

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposal would lead to increased activity, noise and disturbance to the rear of the application site which would be detrimental to the residential amenity of the surrounding area and contrary to the provisions of saved Policies SIE-1 "Quality Places" and "Protecting, Safeguarding and enhancing the Environment" of the adopted Core Strategy DPD.

First floor rear extension and single storey rear extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 51453 for a first floor rear extension and single storey rear extension at 3 Capesthorne Close, Hazel Grove

local residents spoke against the application, and

the applicants spoke in support of the application.

It was then

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 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 in the next report on the timescales for the appeal in respect of Bower Avenue.

To consider a report of the Report of the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board

The report outlines progress across the range of Action Plan actions for the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board since January 2012 but also highlights challenges and areas for improvement. 

The Area Committee is invited to:-

·         note the progress made by the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board in the last 12 months (January 2012 – January 2013) and

·         to support the recommendations made within each theme.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson/ Steve Brown,   Carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk/ steve.brown@stockport.gov.uk or

April Higson (Chair of Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board); april.higson@stockporthomes.org

A representative of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Strategy, Partnerships & Transformation) submitted a report of the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with the implementation of the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board Action Plan, and highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The following comments were made:-

·         There had been a significant improvement in the Offerton community, due in part to the changes connected to the new community centre, but also down to the work of partners and the community itself.

·         The work to tackle loan sharks was particularly successful and the report should make stronger recommendations in respect of boosting resilience and improving access to the Credit Union.

·         Ensuring sustainability of the work taking place was vital. The fact that most of the activity was community lead was welcomed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be welcomed and the recommendations for further actions included in the report be endorsed, subject to the insertion under paragraph 3.3(a) of the report “in line with the Council’s broader budget strategy”.

(2) That all those involved in the Neighbourhood Management work in Offerton be congratulated for their achievements thus far.

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

The report contains amended proposals at Brookfield Terrace, following the meeting between Councillors and residents regarding a permit parking scheme, after the deferment of the scheme by Area Committee in November 2012.  Councillors are asked to consider the amended proposals to introduce a permit parking scheme at Brookfield Terrace as shown in Appendix 4.

The Area Committee is invited to approve the following:

Revocation of No Waiting At Any Time

Bosdenfold Road, Hazel Grove, North side, from the existing termination point outside No.1 Brookfield Terrace for a distance of 4.8m in a westerly direction.

Proposed Residents Permit Parking at any time Monday-Sunday inclusive   

Bosdenfold Road (AKA Brookfield Terrace), Hazel Grove

i) Northerly side, from a point 0.6 metres east of the westerly gable wall of 1 Brookfield Terrace for a distance of 40 metres in a Easterly direction.

Properties eligible for on-street parking permits:

1 to 11 Brookfield Terrace

1 Nelson Street

Officer contact: Graham Price, 0161 474 4893, graham.price@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider amended proposals for a permit parking scheme at Brookfield Terrace. The scheme had been amended in light of concerns raised by Councillors and members of the public about the impact of previous proposals on parking provision in the wider area.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved at a cost of £900 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

Revocation of No Waiting At Any Time

Bosdenfold Road, Hazel Grove

North side, from the existing termination point outside No.1 Brookfield Terrace for a distance of 4.8m in a westerly direction.

Proposed Residents Permit Parking at any time Monday-Sunday inclusive          

Bosdenfold Road (AKA Brookfield Terrace), Hazel Grove

Northerly side, from a point 0.6 metres east of the westerly gable wall of 1 Brookfield Terrace for a distance of 40 metres in a Easterly direction.

Properties eligible for on-street parking permits:

1 to 11 Brookfield Terrace

1 Nelson Street

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

The report contains a proposal to accept a surrender and the granting of a new long ground Lease in respect of land at Dooley Lane, Offerton, Stockport as shown single hatched on the attached plan.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of this report with a view to recommending that the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services accepts a surrender of the present lease and that a new 125 year lease be granted in respect of the site in question.

Officer contact: Murray Carr, 0161 474 3649, murray.carr@stockport.gov.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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to surrender a current lease and grant a new long ground lease to Marple Rifle and Pistol Club for land at Dooley Lane, Offerton to enable the leasee to make appropriate investment and improvements to the facilities on site.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for the Corporate and Support Services be recommended to accept a surrender of the present lease and the granting of new 125 year lease to Marple Rifle and Pistol Club for land at Dooley Lane, Offerton.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission for the Stockport Cats Protection League to hold a family fun day in Torkington Park on Saturday 3 August 2013.

Officer contact: Amanda Evans; 0161 218 1177, Amanda.evans@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider a request from Stockport Cats Protection League to hold a family fun day in Torkington Park on Saturday 3 August 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Stockport Cats Protection League for a family fun day in Torkington Park on Saturday 3 August 2013 be approved.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education).

The Area Committee is requested to (i) provide a nomination for the Authority vacancy at Lisburne School (Conservative Group Nomination); and (ii) recommend that Mr J Biggins be reappointed at Warren Wood Primary.

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 (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to make a nomination for a Local Authority Governor vacancy at Lisburne School (Conservative Group nomination) and to approve a reappointment of a Governor at Warren Wood Primary School.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to approve the following reappointment:-

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

To provide an update on the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets up to the end of January 2013.

The Area Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Carl Taylor / Simon Sherry 0161 474-2430 / 2420, carl.taylor@stockport.gov.uk / simon.sherry@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) providing the Area Committee with the current position on its Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget. It was intended to provide quarterly updates to the Area Committee on its budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Democratic Services Manager be requested to provide indicative budget information as an appendix to the Progress on Area Committee Decisions Report between the quarterly updates.

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 at by the Area Committee and the current position on the Area Flexibility Budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to provide an update to the Chair and Ward Spokesperson in respect of the improvements requested at Moorland Road, Woodsmoor.