Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 November 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of agenda item 8 ‘Award of costs for planning appeal for 224A Dialstone Lane, Offerton’ which contains information “not for publication by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 8 ‘Award of costs for planning appeal for 224A Dialstone Lane, Offerton’ (see Minute 14 below) should the content of the appendix need to be discussed.

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

There were no announcements made.

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.

One questions was submitted.

The questioner asked whether the non-functioning street lights on the paths connecting Reevey Avenue, Aldwyn Crescent and Chester Road could be repaired and whether additional lighting could be provided to help allay residents’ concerns about safety.

In response, Councillor Ben Alexander undertook to look into the cost and feasibility of installing additional lighting, and advised the questioner to provide details of the non-functioning lighting columns so these could be repaired.

Representatives of United Utilities have been invited to the meeting to discuss the repairs needed to Marple Road, Offerton in the vicinity of the junction with Shearwater Road.

Jonathan Brown (Traffic Management and Streetworks Co-ordination Engineer, Stockport Council) and Steve Smith (Project Engineer, United Utilities) attended the meeting to provide an update to the Area Committee on progress with the repair of the wall adjacent to the footway of Marple Road opposite the junction with Shearwater Road. The wall had initially been damaged following a road traffic accident in August but the foundations of the wall had been undermined by water from a burst water main on 25 September.

Following the burst and collapse of the wall, the section of Marple Road at the junction with Shearwater Road had been subject to temporary two way traffic signal control to limit the use of the carriageway and Shearwater Road itself had been closed with traffic diverted. Due to the nature of the damage to the supporting embankment caused by the water from the burst main it would not be possible to replace the wall with a similar structure to that which had previously been in place. Additional engineering works were needed to prevent the collapse of the carriageway and embankment into the valley below. The extra work which required extensive design and survey work to be undertaken prior to commencement of work on site had been the cause of the delay in completing the repairs and reopening the road, although work had now started on site.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There was a significant amount of concern locally about the time taken for progress to be made and the inconvenience caused by the closure of the Shearwater Road junction. There were persistent attempts to circumvent the closure which was causing danger for other road users and damaging verges. Recent changes to the physical measures had helped to alleviate this problem.

·         Previously the wall had simply functioned as a boundary wall, although its replacement would be a full highway structure, which was the reason for the extra time taken to replace it. Piling was currently taking place in preparation for the concrete needed to support the new wall structure, but this would need to cure before the wall could be built and this was process was sensitive to temperatures. It was anticipated that the work would be completed within six weeks, weather permitting.

·         Concerns were expressed about the frequency of the mains leaks on Marple Road and assurances were sought that the current work would not be damaged by any further bursts. In response it was stated that the mains in this area were older cast iron pipes, but that the recent series of bursts was due to the a faulty pressure reducing valve elsewhere on the network. This valve had since been replaced so it was not anticipated that there would be any further bursts.

·         Members expressed their thanks to United Utilities for attending the meeting and welcomed continued dialogue with ward members.

RESOLVED – That Steve Smith and Jonathan Brown be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

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 quality.

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A number Section 46 Notices had been issued to residents on Lyme Street, Hazel Grove for incorrect presentation of waste; a notice had been issued for incorrect presentation at the Arundel Avenue bring site.

·         A recent operation on the Offerton Estate had led to a number of letters being sent to residents on the Offerton Estate regarding inappropriate presentation of waste. As part of the operation 26 cases of graffiti had also been identified, and residents were encouraged to report such instances.

·         There had been a successful prosecution for fly-tipping on Norcross Close.

·         Excessive vegetation had been removed from Network Rail land adjacent to pathways on Reevey Avenue so that the area was in a sufficiently manageable condition to be added to future maintenance schedules. Councillors stressed that maintenance in this area needed to be handled carefully to ensure that hedges that protected properties were not removed.

·         An update on the condition of The Crescent and Egerton Road was sought. In response it was stated that all actionable defects had been repaired to make the area safe. Ongoing concerns from residents were about the aesthetic quality of the surfacing. The area had been highlighted to the Asset Management Team for consideration as part of future planned maintenance programmes.

·         Concerns were expressed about waste collection operatives not taking sufficient care when returning empty bins and these being left obstructing the pavement. It was suggested that if there were any issues with this then providing the date of the incidence would allow Public Realm to identify the crew involved.

·         Problems with unmaintained vegetation at Cherry Tree Court had been resolved as the land ownership had been clarified. Property owners had been made aware of their responsibilities and support was being offered to residents to meet their obligations.

RESOLVED – That Kay Williams be thanked for her attendance.

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) Stockport Building Preservation Trust

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a copy of an application for Area Flexibility Funding (copies of which had been circulated) received from Stockport Building Preservation Trust seeking funding from area committees to support their application for charitable status, which would enable them to access other sources of funding to help protect buildings of heritage value.

Members welcomed the application and the proposal to establish an organisation that would help protect valuable historical assets in the borough.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make an initial grant of £600 to the Stockport Building Preservation Trust to support their application for charitable status;

(2)   That should the Stockport Building Preservation Trust fail to reach their funding target from area committees, that the Democratic Services Manager, in consultation with the Chair, be recommended to consider making an additional grant to meet any funding shortfall.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report sets out recent planning appeal decisions and enforcement actions in the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The Area Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3219, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (copies of which had been circulated) listing an outstanding or recently determined 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 Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy, Policy, Transformation and Reform).

The report sets out the final proposals for polling arrangements within the area and seeks the Area Committee’s views in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be reported to the Executive and taken into consideration in making recommendations to the Council meeting.

Officer contact: Steve Callender, 0161 474 3184, steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy, Policy, Partnerships & Transformation) (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Area Committee’s views on the proposed polling arrangements within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area in order to inform the Council Meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

Councillors again raised concerns about the arrangements for the use of St Simon’s School as a polling station and the need to ensure that the school gates were left unlocked and accessible for electors, as the alternative routes into the school were extremely inconvenient.

RESOLVED – That the Returning Officer be informed of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to the use St Simon’s RC Primary School, Hazel Grove as a polling station and that he be requested to ensure that the school gates be left open for the duration of the voting times to ensure accessibility for electors.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out a proposed Local Area Initiative scheme to resurface the full length of the carriageway on Malton Drive, Hazel Grove at a cost of £5,550.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to resurface Malton Drive, Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That the scheme to resurface the full length of the carriageway on Malton Drive, Hazel Grove be approved at a cost of £5500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report seeks the Area Committee’s approval to use commuted sums from planning permissions towards future improvements to play equipment in local parks. The sums currently available for allocation are:-

•           £334.62 to either Boothby Street Park or Dysart Street Play Area.

•           £501.93 to Blair Close Play Area.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the report and allocate the sums available.

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley, 0161 474 4382, ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to determine the use of commuted sums for play provision received from local developments in the Area Committee’s area.

RESOLVED – That the currently available commuted sums for play provision for the use in the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee be allocated as follows:-

·         £334.62 from development no. 52524 (306 Buxton Road, Great Moor) towards future playground improvements at Dysart Street Play Area.

·         £501.93 from development no. 1116 (DC052832, 104 Chester Road, Hazel Grove) towards future playground improvements at Blair Close Play Area.

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

The report sets out a proposals to dispose of a small parcel of surplus land on Dialstone Lane, Offerton which borders to the Offerton Ward. The report is also being considered by the Central Stockport Area Committee as the land in question is within the Manor Ward.

The Area Committee is invited to provide comments.

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 dispose of a parcel of surplus land on Dialstone Lane. The land in question fell within the Manor Ward (Central Stockport Area Committee) but due its proximity to the boundary with the Offerton Ward had been submitted to both area committees.

Members commented that this land was a desirable location and should be referred to as a ‘building plot’, rather than a ‘parcel of land’. Members emphasised the need to ensure that the valuation and sale price reflected the fact that this site would be suitable for housing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to give consideration to the Area Committee’s comments.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is invited to consider the nomination of Cllr Wendy Wild for the LA Governor Vacancy at Stockport School (Labour Group nomination)

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 consider a nomination received for an LA Governor vacancy at Stockport School.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager further reported that Councillor Kevin Hogg’s current term of officer on the Governing Body of Norbury Hall was drawing to a close and requesting that the Area Committee consider his reappointment.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to agree to the following appointments and reappointments to the governing bodies below:-

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 – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to confirm:-

·         whether the further speed survey on Morland Road had been programmed;

·         the date for the realigning/remarking of the carriageway markings on Torkington Road at the junction with London Road.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report inform the Area Committee of a recent decision by the Planning Inspectorate to award costs against the Council in respect of a planning appeal for 224A Dialstone Lane, Offerton.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ contained in its appendix that has been circulated to members of the Area Committee only).

The Area Committee is requested to give consideration to how it will meet the costs.

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) informing the Area Committee of a decision by the Planning Inspectorate to award costs for a successful appeal against a decision by the Area Committee to refuse planning permission at the 224A Dialstone Lane, Offerton, and inviting the Area Committee to consider how it wished to meet the costs.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ contained within one of its appendices that had been circulated to area committee members only.)

RESOLVED – (1) That consideration of the matter be deferred until the next meeting to allow the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to provide councillors with details of the correspondence sent on behalf of the Council as part of the appeal against the refusal of planning application DC049501.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to ensure that all the relevant conditions relating to the planning permission granted by the Planning Inspectorate in relation to DC049501 had been discharged.