Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 26 February 2013 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 & Prejudicial Interests

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

No announcements were made.

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

The Chair reported that no representative of Greater Manchester Police was able to attend the meeting.

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.

Two questions were asked.

The first question sought clarification on the details of possible changes to the parks maintenance service contained in the Council’s consultation on future savings proposals and the responsibilities of the Council in relation to play equipment funded by Friends of Groups.

In response, Councillor Weldon outlined the financial challenges facing the Council and context in which these proposals should be considered. Councillor Hogg outlined the rationale for the proposals. It was stated that it was not possible to provide a breakdown of the costs of all the activity listed in the consultation. In relation to play equipment, Cllr Hogg stated that the Council would continue to maintain all equipment until the end of its life. Cllr Weldon emphasised that no decisions had yet been taken and would not be until the consultation was concluded. Both councillors emphasised the importance of Friends Groups and the invaluable contribution they make to the vitality of open space in Stockport.

The second question sought clarification on the reasons for uncommitted resources within the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget and the Area Committee’s plans to allocate this money.

In response, Councillor Alexander stated that resources were allocated per ward and that some wards had spent all of their allocation for 2012/13. In some cases it was proposed to undertake work the cost of which was in excess of any one year’s allocation and so money was saved to meet these costs. A number of councillors stated that schemes were being prepared for approval that would account for most of the unallocated resources and this year’s resources.

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.

Adam Cunningham (Public Realm Enforcement Officer) 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:-

·         Ongoing highway inspections and work to repair defects was taking place.

·         A number matters were being investigated in relation to flyposting, flytipping and the advancement of refuse.

·         Work was ongoing to resolve waste accumulation behind the former Blockbuster Rentals in Great Moor and the thanks of the officers was noted for the work of local residents in the vicinity of Subway in Great Moor.

·         Problems with full litter bins on Jackson’s Lane and with dog bins in Poise Brook Road park were highlighted.

·         Concerns about the condition of the surface of Marple Road were highlighted.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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 report that no organisations 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.

-       Torkington Allotment Association

-       Stockport Greenspace Forum on behalf of Friends of Mile End Meadow

-       Friends of Mirlees Fields

(a)  Torkington Allotment Association

Mr Geoff Bohan of the Torkington Allotment Association attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee in relation to the Group’s application for funding toward the cost of a replacement recirculating toilet.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £462.62 to the Torkington Allotment Association toward the cost of a replacement recirculating toilet.

(b)  Friends of Mile End Meadow

Mrs Phoebe Spence of the Friends of Mile End Meadow attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee in relation to an application for funding toward the cost of improvements to the access of the site of the Meadow to facilitate maintenance and public access.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £500 to the Friends of Mile End Meadow toward the cost of a improvements to the access to the Meadow.

(c)  Friends of Mirrlees Fields/ Mirrlees Action Group

Mr David Kemp of the Friends of Mirrlees Fields/ Mirrlees Action Group attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee in relation to an application toward the cost of new signage on Mirrlees Fields, a series of community events and the production of a spatial plan.

Members welcomed the statements made by Mr Kemp in relation to improved cooperation between the Friends Group and MAN Diesel who owned the site.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £1000 to the Friends of Mirrlees Fields/ Mirrlees Action Group toward the cost of a signage improvements to the fields, community events and the development a spatial plan.

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:-

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).

Erection of 3 no two storey house & 1 bungalow in addition to the partial demolition of 1 existing dwelling (to convert to two storey dwelling), with associated parking and landscaping.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and payment of a commuted sum for the provision of recreation and amenity open space.

In respect of plan no 51549 for the erection of three no. two storey houses and one bungalow in addition to the partial demolition of one existing dwelling (to convert to storey storey dwelling), with associated parking and landscaping at 171 Dialstone Lane, Offerton

a residents 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 planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposed partial demolition of 171 Dialstone Lane would result in a form of dwelling by virtue of its size, siting, design and configuration of the plot, which would be out of keeping with the established character and pattern of development in the locality and result in a cramped form of development, harmful to the amenity of the area, and as such would be contrary to policies SIE-1 "Quality Places", T-3 “Safety and Capacity on the Highway Network” of the adopted Stockport Core Strategy DPD and the Council’s “Design of Residential Development” Supplementary Planning Document.

Proposed demolition of existing dwelling and build 2no. new dwellings (resubmission of DC050260).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no 51708 for the proposed demolition of existing dwelling and the building of two no. new dwellings (resubmission of DC050260) at April Cottage, 1B Flowery Field, Woodsmoor,

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

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns about the accuracy of the plans, in particular the proposed amenity space to the rear and the driveway areas to the front of the proposed dwellings, and the applicant be requested to mark out the dimensions of the proposed dwellings.

Demolition of existing double garage, partitioning of existing residential dwelling plot with new detached dwelling in existing side garden.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission but to defer and delegate the final decision to officers to determine upon the securing of commuted sum in respect of the provision or recreation and amenity open space.

In respect of plan no. 51864 for the demolition of existing double garage, partitioning of existing residential dwelling plot with new detached dwelling in existing side garden, at 18 Ravenoak Road, Woodsmoor,

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

a representative of the applicant spoke in support.

It was then

RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred to allow for verification of the separation distances between habitatable room windows of the proposed new dwelling and those of nos. 2, 4, 6 Edmonton Road, nos. 56 and 58 Woodsmoor Lane and no. 18 Ravenoak Road.

At this stage in the procedings (10.00pm) the provisions of the Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 relating to the duration of the meeting were invoked.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9 the meeting continue until the remaining business has been considered.

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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report summarises the background to the possible development of ‘play streets’. There has been an upsurge in interest across England in the potential for closing roads for the purposes of children being able to play out near their homes. Several local authorities, most prominently Bristol, have started to facilitate closures of roads for a limited period of time on a regular basis for the use of children to play. There are now groups in Stockport which are also interested in pursuing this type of closure. The report seeks feedback from the Area Committee on the proposed introduction of play streets in Stockport as described in the guidance detailed in the report.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposals:

•           to allow streets to be closed on a regular basis for children to play;

•           that the Area Committees make the final decision on whether a closure can go ahead;

•           that the cost of play streets is covered through the budget of the Area Committee.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351 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 the introduction of play streets in Stockport following a number of expressions of interest in the potential for closing roads for the purposes of children being able to play out near their homes.

Clarification was sought on whether the closures would prevent access to properties by residents and what the requirements would be for organisers to have public liability insurance.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be informed that the Stepping Hill Area Committee supports the proposals contained in the report in relation to the introduction of play streets with the exception of the proposal for the costs of the road closure being met from Area Committee delegated budgets.

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

This report proposes changes to the current pay and display tariff through the introduction of an hourly charge and highlights the likely effects of this change. This hourly charge will enable visitors to easily extend their parking time in one hour increments. This will enable people to spend more time in the boroughs car parks and on street parking if needed and encourage them to spend more time in the boroughs centres and so support their economies.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposals.

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) outlining proposed changes to the current pay and display tariff through the introduction of an hourly charge and highlighting the likely effects of this proposed change.

A query was raised about whether the projected income from the 20p Sunday Charge for parking in Merseyway would be sufficient to cover the cost of enforcement.

RESOLVED – Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be informed that, subject to the query as to the cost-effectiveness of the 20p Sunday Charge for Merseyway parking, the Area Committee supports the proposals contained in the report in relation to the introduction of 1 hour parking tariffs.

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

Following a review by the Council’s Internal Audit Team; the report is to inform the Area Committees of the proposal to make recommended changes to the Council’s residential parking policy and ask for their comments.

That the Area Committee comments on the attached policy and proposed changes with particular attention to the introduction of paid residents permits in the Town Centre and First Team Match and Event Time schemes around Edgeley Park Stadium.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make amendments to the Council’s residential parking policy and seeking the comments of the Area Committee on the proposed changes.

The following issues were raised:-

·         Councillors queried the financial information contained in the reports. In particular, the cost per household was queried. It was also suggested that the income from general parking enforcement had not been factor into the analysis, nor had the specific income from Resident Permit Parking enforcement been taken into account.

·         Concerns were expressed about the increase in the cost of the permit scheme, in light of the assurances given when the scheme was adopted that increases would be in line with inflation.

·         Concerns were expressed about the number of permits being issued per zone and whether the number meant that residents were not receiving value for money.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to give consideration to the comments of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report sets out a proposal to accept a surrender of a lease granted by the Council to The Together Trust in respect of premises known as Bridge College, Curzon Road, Offerton, Stockport.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposal.

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 accept the surrender of a lease in respect of premises known as Bridge College, Curzon Road, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That proposal to accept the surrender of the lease of the premises known as Bridge College, Curzon Road, Offerton be supported subject to the Together Trust being invited to cover the costs of securing the site up to 2018 should an alternative user not be found.

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

The report details proposals for additional road safety measures in the vicinity of Norbury Hall Primary School following concerns raised about parked vehicles at junction hampering safety and visibility for children and parents.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders on Shepley Drive, Oaklands Drive, Brooklands and Castleton Road and Haddon Road as detailed in the report and the introduction of dropped crossing with tactile paving to on Haddon Road at the junction with Castleton Road, at a cost of £1,400 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

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 for the introduction of road safety improvements in the vicinity of Norbury Hall Primary School following concerns raised by parents.

RESOLVED – That, in order to improve safety for pedestrians, the following traffic scheme be approved, at a cost £1,400 be funded from the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation):-

(i)            No Waiting at Any Time:

Shepley Drive

Both sides from a point 10 metres West of the projected Westerly kerb line of Oaklands Drive to a point 10 metres East of the projected Easterly kerb line of Oaklands Drive

Oaklands Drive

Both sides from the Northerly kerb line of Shepley Drive for 10 metres in a Northerly direction

Brooklands Road

Both sides from the Southerly kerb line of Shepley Drive for 10 metres in a Southerly direction

Castleton Road

West side from a point 10 metres South of the Southerly kerb line of Haddon Road to a point 10 metres North of the Northerly kerb line of Haddon Road

Haddon Road

Both sides from the Westerly kerb line of Castleton Road for a distance of 10 metres in an Easterly direction

(ii)          Extend No Stopping Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm on School Markings:

Shepley Drive

South side from a point 15 metres West of the projected Westerly kerb line of Castleton Road for a distance of 21 metres in a Westerly direction

(iii)         Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, dropped crossings with tactile paving to be constructed on Haddon Road at the junction with Castleton Road.

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

The report sets out proposals to use commuted sums from planning contributions for enhancements to local parks and areas of play. The proposals in the report include allocating sums for use in Green Lane Recreation Grond (£501.93), Clarendon Road Park (£1338.48) and Great Moor Park (£2,509.65).

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the use of the commuted sums as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley, 0161 474 4382, ian.walmsley@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 the allocation of commuted sums received from planning permissions for use in local parks and open spaces.

RESOLVED – That the following allocation of planning commuted sums be approved:-

Green Lane Recreation Ground - £501.93 from development no.1039

Clarendon Road Play Area - £1338.48 from development no. 1040

Great Moor Park - £2676.96 from development nos. 1072 (£2,509.65) and 1078 (£167.31).

To consider the following reports of the Service Director (Place Management):-

To consider an application from Stockport Play Development Team to hold a Play Day as part of a national campaign.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) informing the Area Committee of an application received for the use of Torkington Park on 7 August 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Stockport Council’s Play Development Team to hold a National Play Day in Torkington Park on Wednesday 7 August 2013 be approved.

To consider an application received from Teddy Morley Funfairs to hold the annual Family Funfair in Torkington Park from 4 to 8 July 2013.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) informing the Area Committee of an application received for the use of Torkington Park from 4 to 8 July 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application from Teddy Morley Funfairs to hold the annual Family Funfair in Torkington Park from 4 to 8 July 2013 be approved.

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

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at Lisburne School (Conservative Group nomination)

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 474 3847 or email: 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 provide a nomination for a Local Authority Governor vacancy at Lisburne School.

RESOLVED – That the report 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 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 Area Committee delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.