Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 February 2014 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair highlighted that Wednesday, 12 March 2014 was national Give Up Smoking Day.

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 https://www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions .

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair and members 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.

Two public questions were submitted.

The first asked what improvements were likely to take place to roads in the Woodsmoor area as a consequence of the recently announced highway investment programme, in particular Flowery Field and Cromley Road.

In response, Councillor Alexander stated that the investment programme was due to begin in the 2014/15 financial year and that officers were currently developing the programme. Some of the roads in Woodsmoor, such as Cedar Road and Moorland Road, had many dropped kerbs which made resurfacing more problematic and expensive. In relation to Flowery Field, Councillor Alexander acknowledged its poor condition but stated that it was not considered a priority due to the relatively low usage. In relation to Cromley Road, Councillor Alexander stated that because of the poor construction of this road, resurfacing would require such extensive work as to have made it prohibitively expensive to rectify.

The second question asked what the Council would do to prevent children from causing damage to properties on Old Hall Drive by throwing stones that had previously been laid by the Council on Offerton Hall Recreation Ground.

In response, Councillor Booth stated that she had been in contact with the Police about this matter and would contact the questioner when she had an update.

Councillor Smith stated that the stone had been laid because of the recent prolonged wet weather in order to assists allotment holders accessing their plots. He had contacted the Public Realm department to discuss options to address the questioners concerns, as a matter of urgency.

RESOLVED – (1) That the public questions and answers provided be noted.

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

·        Provide the Stepping Hill Ward Highways Spokesperson with details of the recent speed survey on Moorland Road.

·        Contact Offerton Ward Councillors with proposals to address problems with the surface treatment on Offerton Hall Recreation Ground.

The local Public Realm Officer 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:-

·        Fixed Penalty notice issued for improper use of the refuse collection; warning issued for flyposting; ongoing efforts to work with companies to find legal means of advertising; ongoing work with fast food outlets to minimise littering around their premises.

·        Barlows Lane South was shortly to be resurfaced.

·        Concern about construction waste being left on Blackstone Field near the children’s play area and the danger of this being a source of anti-social behaviour.

·        Concern that no action was being proposed to address the condition of Dorchester Road. Although the initial assessment indicated that it did not meet the intervention level, local residents with mobility issues were experiencing difficulties. It was suggested that a further assessment take place.

·        There was a discussion about the process for the temporary filling of potholes before more thorough patching and the cost effectiveness of this approach.

·        An update was requested in relation to the damaged gullies on the A6 near The Grapes Public House.

·        There had been a traveller incursion on land and the highway at Melford Road, Hazel Grove. Concern was expressed about the cost to the Council of cleansing after incursions on Council land and whether the Council was pursing action promptly.

·        Bricks and other litter had been tipped into the trees and hedges along Marple Road.

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

(2) That the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee be invited to consider the costs to the Council of cleansing and enforcement activity resulting from illegal traveller incursions on Council owned land.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide appropriate ward spokespersons with an update on the following issues:-

·        the gulley repairs on the A6 near The Grapes Public House;

·        progress with investigation of traffic management measures on Great Moor Street;

·        possible highway maintenance schemes in the Stepping Hill Ward.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To receive a presentation from Mr John Leatherbarrow, Co-ordinator for Shopmobility in Stockport, on the activity of the organisation.

Mr John Leatherbarrow of Stockport Shobmobility attended the meeting to provide the Area Committee with an overview of the activity of his organisation and the impact it had on the quality of life of residents in the borough.

Mr Leatherbarrow highlighted the following:-

·        Shopmobility in Stockport was founded in 1997 and received its core funding from the Council’s Main Grants Scheme. The aim of the organisation was to give those with mobility difficulties greater independence and prevent isolation by helping them get about and shop in Stockport Town Centre.

·        It was estimated that Shopmobility generated £125,000 of economic activity to the Town Centre, with 2,500 trips facilitated in the last year. 75% of its members state they would not be able to use the Town Centre without the support of Shopmobility.

·        The organisation also provided training and support for those who had their own mobility support vehicles to ensure they were proficient in their usage.

Councillors welcomed the work of the Shopmobility. A number of councillors reported that they had taken part in awareness raising events with Shopmobility in the past and emphasised the importance of the service they provided.

RESOLVED – That Mr John Leatherbarrow be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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

Manchester Rugby Club – Under 15s

To consider an application for funding toward the cost or replacement kits.

Mr Gareth Jones of Manchester Rugby Club attended the meeting to present an application for Area Flexibility Funding seeking assistance toward the cost of new kit for the under 15s team who would shortly be undertaking a tour of Switzerland. The application had been submitted to other area committees for their consideration.

RESOLVED – (1) That Manchester Rugby Club be invited to provide additional information about how many of their members were from the areas covered by this Area Committee.

(2) That the decision on whether to make a grant to Manchester Rugby Club be delegated to the Chair once details of the other grants made by other area committees were known.

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

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

A development application was 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 for Place Management and Regeneration 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 replacement fencing (retrospective application)

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 50195 for the erection of replacement fencing (retrospective application) at 1, Mirrlees Drive, Hazel Grove,

a member of the public spoke against the application, and

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

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the development would be detrimental to visual amenity and the character and openness of strategic open space.

In favour of the motion two, against six.

MOTION NOT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (Six in favour, two against) That planning permission be granted subject to a condition requiring the removal of the fence and re-siting as shown on the amended plan within 1 month of the date permission was granted.

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 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 Council Solicitor.

The appeal decisions for the Area Committee and of the Borough as a whole are contained within the report. Information is also provided on success according to the maker of each decision, application for costs and the amount received or paid.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Karen Hillen, 0161 474 3640, karen.hillen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (copies of which had been circulated) detailing appeal decisions for the Area Committee and for the Borough as a whole for 2012/13. Information was also provided on success according to the maker of each decision, applications for costs and the amount received or paid.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report sets out objections received to proposed waiting restrictions on Torkington Road and Offerton Road, Hazel Grove, and a response of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to the concerns raised.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the Order as advertised.

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

A joint report of the Head of Legal & Governance and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) summarising objections received to proposed No Waiting restrictions on Torkington Road and Offerton Road, Hazel Grove.

Councillors discussed whether the proposed restrictions were proportionate to the problems being caused by parked vehicles, and whether the implementation of more limited restrictions would be more appropriate.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to make the Order as advertised, but that only the restrictions adjacent to Woodbury Court be implemented.

To consider a report of the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board.

The Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board has made significant progress in Offerton Priority Area (referred to as Offerton for the rest of the report) over the last 3 years.  The first 2 years of the Board’s existence saw remarkable change in levels of engagement with community, increased trust, reduced crime and anti-social behaviour, improved infrastructure and a network of relationships which provided a platform for change. This report sets out the detail of this progress.

The Area Committee is asked to:

(i)    note the progress made by the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board in the last 12 months (January 2013 – January 2014) and

(ii)  to support the recommendations made within each theme.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson, Neighbourhood Coordinator for Offerton, Carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress in delivering the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Plan and the work of the Board in the preceding 12 months. The report highlighted particular success and challenges, and proposed further actions.

A representative of the East Area Local Housing Manager, Stockport Homes, also attended the meeting.

The following areas were highlighted:-

·         Offerton Community Centre was the busiest community centre in the Borough, which demonstrated its value to the local community.

·         Recent Housing Innovation Award for the engagement of tenants and residents.

·         Work to develop a befriending network for isolated older people, and work between the allotment association and local schools to encourage healthy eating.

·         ‘You Say We Pay’ event planned for 29 March 2014.

·         The increasing amount of activity being developed and organised by the community itself.

Councillors welcomed the report and the positive outcomes from the work of the Neighbourhood Management Board.

The following additional comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The success of the Board was due in part to the work put in by volunteers and they should be commended. The increasing use of the community centre was extremely positive, as was the increasing use made of the Children’s Centre.

·         While the overall decrease in anti-social behaviour was welcomed, there had been complaints connected to the community centre, though some of this may simply be noise related. As a community-run facility it was hoped to work in partnership with the community to find a solution to these concerns.

·         Concerns were expressed about the levels of smoking in pregnancy, and the links this had with other lifestyle concerns. The priority area would shortly be part of a pilot seeking to address health inequalities and this would include measures to address lifestyle behaviours.

·         The new Aldi supermarket was a huge benefit to the area and local councillors and former councillors were commended for their efforts to secure the redevelopment of the precinct. The supermarket would help promote healthy eating by giving access to reasonably priced fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as providing jobs and improving the image of the area.

RESOLVED – (1) That the progress made by the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Board during January 2013 to January 2014 be welcomed.

(2) That the recommendations for further activity in the Offerton Neighbourhood Management Area as detailed in the report be supported.

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

The report provides an update on progress in delivery of Stockport Homes Limited  (SHL) Neighbourhood Action Plans and seeks the Area Committee’s comments on progress to date and any future actions for inclusion in the 2014- 2015 action plans.

The Area Committee is invited to

(i)            note and comment upon the progress relating to the neighbourhood actions plan; and,

(ii)          provide views on actions for the development of Neighbourhood Action plans for 2014/ 15.

Officer contact: Rebecca Cullen (East Area Housing Manager), 0161 474 4372, rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

A representative of the East Area Local Housing Manager, Stockport Homes, submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans for the areas covered by the Area Committee, and setting out actions for inclusion in the 2014/15 plans.

Councillors welcomed the communication from Stockport Homes and their engagement with local councillors, particularly the estate ‘walk-abouts’.

A suggestion was made that further consideration be given to providing additional small play areas on the Offerton Estate.

RESOLVED – That progress with delivering the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans be welcomed.

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

The A6 Corridor Study considers the impact on the A6 of potential traffic generated by proposed housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommends an action plan to encourage more sustainable forms of transport along the corridor. The report provides information on the context of the study and an overview of its outcomes and requests comments on the attached Final Draft Summary Report.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the A6 Corridor Study Final Draft Summary Report in Appendix 1.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of the A6 Corridor Study and inviting the Area Committee’s comments. The Study assessed the likely impact on the A6 of potential additional traffic generated by housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommended a number of measures to encourage more sustainable transport along the corridor.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·        The possible extension of Hazel Grove Rail Station car park would, in the short term, impact on available spaces and so further consideration would need to be given to providing spaces for the displaced cars.

·        Concerns were expressed about the suggestion of re-routing the 199 Bus Service as this provided a much needed route into Stockport from High Lane and beyond, as well as from Stockport to the Airport.

·        Implementing a range of improvements on the local rail network, particularly for trains coming into Greater Manchester, would be beneficial but would take time to come to fruition. A Train and Tram Strategy was currently being developed for Greater Manchester.

·        Concern was expressed that the projected impact on the A6 in Stockport was in the main as a consequence of decisions taken or to be taken by other local authorities with inadequate consultation with Stockport Council.

·        Concerns were expressed about any suggestion of removing lanes from the A6 or for the further use of Poynton Town Centre style traffic management schemes. It was also suggested that the signalised junction at Windlehurst Lane should be reconsidered.

·        A significant improvement on traffic generation would be achieved by the completion of both stretches of the A6 bypass.

·        Concerns were expressed about the appropriateness of encouraging traffic onto Jackson’s Lane.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be informed of this Area Committee’s concerns with many of the premises, assumptions and recommendations contained in the A6 Corridor Study.

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

The report sets out proposals for the provision of No Waiting restrictions and associated measures to improve road safety and traffic management at the junctions of Woodsmoor Lane with Flowery Field and Moorland Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the following measures, at a cost of the £950:

No Waiting at Any Time:

Woodsmoor Lane

North side from a point 12 metres West of the projected Westerly kerb line of Flowery Field in a North Easterly direction to a point 24 metres North East of the projected Easterly kerb line of Flowery Field.

South side from a point 10 metres West of the Westerly kerb line of Flowery Field in a North Easterly direction to a point 32 metres North East of the Easterly kerb line of Flowery Field.

Flowery Field

West side from the South Westerly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 10 metres in a Southerly direction.

East side from the South Westerly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a Southerly direction.

Moorland Road

North side from the South Easterly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 13 metres (following the kerb line) in a South then Easterly direction.

South side from the South Easterly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 20 metres in an Easterly direction.

Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the introduction of give way markings and carriageway markings as indicated on the scheme drawing.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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) summarising the response to a consultation with residents on the introduction of waiting restrictions to improve safety on Woodsmoor Lane and Moorland Road, Woodsmoor.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order and associated measures be approved, at a cost of £950 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation):-

(i)        No Waiting at Any Time

Woodsmoor Lane

North side from a point 12 metres West of the projected Westerly kerb line of Flowery Field in a North Easterly direction to a point 24 metres North East of the projected Easterly kerb line of Flowery Field.

South side from a point 10 metres West of the Westerly kerb line of Flowery Field in a North Easterly direction to a point 32 metres North East of the Easterly kerb line of Flowery Field.

Flowery Field

West side from the South Westerly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 10 metres in a Southerly direction.

East side from the South Westerly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a Southerly direction.

Moorland Road

North side from the South Easterly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 13 metres (following the kerb line) in a South then Easterly direction.

South side from the South Easterly kerb line of Woodsmoor Lane for a distance of 20 metres in an Easterly direction.

(ii)     Not forming part of the Traffic Regulation Order, the introduction of give way markings and carriageway markings as indicated on the scheme drawing contained in the report.

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

The Area Committee is asked to approve an application received from Mr Teddy Morley to use Torkington Park on the 3rd July to 7th July 2014 for a family funfair, subject to subject to the applicant paying the event fee, event bond and having the relevant PRS licenses and Public Liability Insurance for all the rides.

Officer contact: Richard Booker, 0161 474 4829, Richard.booker@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 consider an application for the use of Torkington Park from 3 - 7 July 2014.

RESOLVED – That the application from Mr Teddy Morley for the use of Torkington Park from 3 - 7 July 2014 for a family fun fair be approved.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application from the Council’s Play Development Team for the use of Torkington Park on the 22nd July 2014, subject to receipt of a comprehensive risk assessment, traffic management plan and bond.

Officer contact: Richard Booker, 0161 474 4829, Richard.booker@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 consider an application for the use of Torkington Park on 22 July 2014.

RESOLVED – That the application from Play Development, Stockport Councilfor the use of Torkington Park on 22 July 2014 for a National Play Day event be approved.

There are no vacancies to consider.

There were no governor 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 the Highway Maintenance & Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.