Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Dave Goddard be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

Councillor Dave Goddard in the Chair

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Ben Alexander be appointed Vice – Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 June 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 June 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 interests were declared:-

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

No Chairs Announcements were 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.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

No public questions were submitted.

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 answer questions from Councillors and members of the public highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The need to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum in relation to the emergency highways repairs at Shearwater Road.

·         There were a number of potholes on Shearwater Road which required attention.

·         The surface on the pedestrian crossing at Buxton Road at its junction with Poplar Grove, Stepping Hill was badly/worn and required attention.

·         There was an overgrown highway tree at 24-26 Corfe Crescent which required attention.

·         Whether the Highway Inspection Routes were up to date. 

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham be thanked for her attendance.

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

The Democratic Services Manager reported upon the receipt of the following petitions:

·       ‘Save our carnival (Stockport and Hazel Grove) with 193 signatures

·       ‘Bring back the seclusion and privacy of our secret garden’ (Torkington Park)

RESOLVED - (1) That the petitions be referred to the appropriate Executive Councillors.

(2) That the response of the Executive Councillor be included within the ‘Progress report’ to the next meeting of this Area Committee.

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

Inspector Stephen Palmer (Greater Manchester Police) and Karen Pimlott (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 2013/14 and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

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

·         The need to monitor conditions attached to successful applications for an extension to their opening hours at licenced premises within Hazel Grove.

·         The benefits of the Pub Watch Scheme.

·         It was noted that the majority of vehicle crime related to ‘theft from vehicles’.

·         The problems created by vehicles parking around Hazel Grove train station.

·         Councillors were encouraged to attend the quarterly Integrated Neighbourhood Partnership Team meetings. 

RESOLVED – That Inspector Palmer and Karen Pimlott be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

To consider an application from the DWN Dance Group seeking funding toward the cost of a dance production for young people.

The Democratic Services Manager reported that the applicant had not attended the meeting.

RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred and the Democratic Services Manager be requested to invite the applicant to a future meeting.

To consider an application from Stockport Hydro for funding of £1,440 towards the cost of the erection of an informative sign at the entrance to the site.

Mr Lawrence Jackson representing Stockport Hydro attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors about an application for Area Flexibility Funding to assist with the cost of the erection of an informative sign at the entrance to the site.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £500 to the Stockport Hydro toward the cost of the erection of an informative sign at the entrance to the site.

To consider an application from Dial Park Garden Club for funding of £704.73 towards the cost of provide seating, fencing and raised planters.

Mrs Lauretta Bradley and Mrs Susan Banahan representing Dial Park Garden Club attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors about an application for Area Flexibility Funding to assist with the cost of provide seating, fencing and raised planters.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £704.73 to the Dial Park Garden Club toward the cost of provide seating, fencing and raised planters.

To consider feedback from the Offerton Active Seniors Group on their Area Flexibility Funding.

The Democratic Services Manager reported that a representative from Offerton Active Seniors had not attended the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to invite a representative from Offerton Active Seniors to a future meeting.

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

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 for Place Management & 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).

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Amendments to Planning Application Ref. DC/050476 for the redevelopment of part of 'Blackstone Field' site for a new Medical Centre (1,900m2) incorporating GP Practices, Pharmacy (190m2), Local Convenience Store (280m2), the provision of a Community Hub (1,770m2) including a library, sports hall, community space, gym, all weather and grass pitches and service zones, open space and access from Lisburne Lane and 126 car parking spaces with 27 new houses, associated roads, infrastructure, open space and children’s play area.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer contact: Dominic Harvey on 474 3544 or email: dominic.harvey@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 050476 for the redevelopment of part of 'Blackstone Field' site for a new Medical Centre (1,900m2) incorporating GP Practices, Pharmacy (190m2), Local Convenience Store (280m2), the provision of a Community Hub (1,770m2) including a library, sports hall, community space, gym, all weather and grass pitches and service zones, open space and access from Lisburne Lane and 126 car parking spaces with 27 new houses, associated roads, infrastructure, open space and children’s play area,

a member of the public spoke against the application, and

the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit and that section drawings should be available for consideration by the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee

(2) That this Area Committee would wish to see the following conditions should the application be granted:

·         The replacement children’s play area being at least of a similar standard to the present equipment/ surfacing etc.

·         That within the landscaping scheme there should be a ‘Community Orchard’.

·         No development shall take place until an investigation and risk assessment into contamination at the site has been provided to the satisfaction of the Council.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (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 Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report details proposals for the acquisition of an ambulance depot building from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust at Beech Avenue, Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 474 3019 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposals for the acquisition of an ambulance depot building from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust at Beech Avenue, Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be informed that this area Committee would support the acquisition of an ambulance depot building from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust at Beech Avenue, Hazel Grove.

To consider a joint report of the Council Solicitor and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report details four objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Woodsmoor Lane and Moorland Road, Woodsmoor.

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

Officer contact: Max Townsend or Zoe Allan on 0161 474 4861/ 3138 or email: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk or zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to the proposals to introduce waiting restrictions on Woodsmoor Lane and Moorland Road, Woodsmoor.

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

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

The report outlines that there are three longstanding allotments which are still classed as temporary (namely Dial Park Road, Torkington Road Allotments, and Norbury Church Allotments) although the most recent site was acquired in 1949. 

On behalf of the Individual Allotment Associations and Allotments Stockport (formally SMAGA) The Council is consulting in regards to changing the status to that of Statutory which would better reflect the permanency of the sites and allow their associations to access funding streams that are currently closed to them.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposal and note the report.

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes on 474 3278 or email: josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) reporting that there are three longstanding allotments which are still classed as temporary (namely Dial Park Road, Torkington Road Allotments, and Norbury Church Allotments) although the most recent site was acquired in 1949. 

On behalf of the Individual Allotment Associations and Allotments Stockport (formally SMAGA) the Council was consulting in regards to changing the status to that of Statutory which would better reflect the permanency of the sites and allow their associations to access funding streams that are currently closed to them.

RESOLVED – That this Area Committee would support changing the status of the following allotments to that of ‘Statutory’:

·         Dial Park Road

·         Offerton

·         Torkington Road

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

The report provides details of the Cheshire East Council Consultation on the proposed Poynton Relief Road scheme and requests views from Members on the scheme proposals and route options.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the scheme proposals including the scheme options, which will be reported back through on-going dialogue with Cheshire East Council colleagues.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of the Cheshire East Council Consultation on the proposed Poynton Relief Road scheme and requests views from Members on the scheme proposals and route options

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That this Area Committee would wish to see the modelling of the Macclesfield Road junction in relation to both the proposed green and blue routes.

(3) This Area Committee are surprised that there are appears to be no proposal to provide direct access from either route to the Adlington Business Park.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson protocol is attached for information.

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following councillors be appointed as Ward Spokesperson/ Joint Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Hazel Grove Ward – Kevin Hogg/ William Wragg

Offerton – Laura Booth/ Wendy Meikle/

Stepping Hill – Ben Alexander/ John Wright

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

That the Area Committee is requested to make nominations to represent the Council on the Hazel Grove Community Association and the Torkington Centre Management Committee.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to nominate representative of the Council on outside bodies for 2014/15.

It was reported that the Torkington Management Committee no longer existed.

RESOLVED – That the following be nominated to represent the Council during 2013/14 on Hazel Grove Community Association:

Councillors Kevin Hogg, Oliver Johnstone and William Wragg

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

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at St Philip’s RC Primary School.

Officer contact: Pam Dunham on 474 3847 or email: pam.dunham@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for People (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to provide a nomination for a Local Authority Governor vacancy at St Philip’s RC Primary 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 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 on 474 3201 or email: jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

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 Budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That in relation to Knypersley Avenue, the area Traffic Officer be requested to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to report on progress in relation to the previous decision of this Area Committee requesting a traffic scheme be prepared.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place and Regeneration be requested to investigate the extension of the 20mph zone on Bosden Hall Road and report back to the next meeting of this Area Committee.

(4) That the Democratic services be requested to include within the Progress report, regular updates in relation to mitigation measures discussed by the Area Committee on 3 June 2014 at the secret garden in Torkington Park.

(5) That in relation to  Moorland Rd & Woodsmoor Lane, the area Traffic Officer be requested to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to report the outcome of his investigation in relation to the alleged speeding on these roads.

(6) That in relation to Melford Road the area Traffic Officer be requested to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to provide details of the Park & Ride scheme and estimated cost.

(7) That in relation to the proposed refuge island at Marple Road near Hillcrest Road, the Corporate Director for Place and Regeneration be requested to confirm when the funding from Developer to introduce the island will be released.