Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 September 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 Interests

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

No 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. 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 Area Committee on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Three public questions were submitted.

(1)  The first question sought an update on previous Area Committee resolutions in respect of the Secret Garden in Torkington Park, specifically the outcome of discussions with the developer of the Care Home adjacent to the Garden and the possibility of additional planting to mitigate the impact of the new building.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager responded that the Council had investigated whether the development was in accordance with the permission granted and that it was satisfied that it was. It was further reported that the Council’s Greenspace Team had already given a commitment to work with the Friends Group to provide appropriate planting.

Councillors encouraged the Friends Group to submit an application for area flexibility funding toward the cost of planting.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to provide the Friends of Torkington Park with details of the Area Flexibility Funding Scheme.

(2)  The second question sought clarification on the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council in relation to proposed Waiting Restrictions on The Broadway, Offerton that was to be considered by the Area Committee later in the meeting (see Minute 5 below). Concerns were expressed that the consultation provided insufficient opportunity for residents affected to discuss their views.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration responded by stating that the Council had followed its usual procedure in respect of consultation, which was to write to all residents seeking comments. Meetings with individual residents could have been arranged at their request. It was also stated that there were not the resources available to respond directly to comments received.

(3)  The third question asked what additional parking provision would be made for residents should the proposed Waiting Restrictions on The Broadway, Offerton be agreed (see Minute 5 below).

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration confirmed that no further parking provision was planned but that the professional opinion of Council Traffic Engineers was that there was sufficient on and off street parking available  to accommodate any vehicles displaced by the proposed restrictions.

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 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 comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Ongoing efforts to have untidy land cleared through dialogue with landowners.

·         Cleansing was now taking place following a traveller incursion on Melford Road. Concerns were expressed about the delays taken in responding to the incursion and in particular in the delay in attendance by other agencies, such as health visitors. Concerns were also expressed about the costs of reactive cleansing this site without taking preventative measures.

·         A number of letters hand been sent relating to incorrect presentation of refuse and for overgrown vegetation.

·         Ongoing efforts to cleanse gullies that were heavily parked.

·         Problems with a sunken gulley near the junction of Buxton Road/ Norwood Road.

·         The work to resolve a pot hole on Aber Avenue was welcomed and residents had been pleased with the speed and quality of the work.

·         The cutting back of vegetation on Marple Road adjacent to ’17 Windows’ and on the corner or Fulmar Drive and Turnstone Road, Offerton was requested.

·         Further investigation was needed of gullies on Offerton Road, Offerton Lane, and Torkington Road as there were broken covers on this section of highway.

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

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide an update to members of the Area Committee on the costs of cleansing for recent traveller incursions on Melford Road and the timescales and procedures followed in the event of such incursions.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of a 15 signature petition from residents of Cedar Road, Woodsmoor requesting a permit parking scheme.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management for further investigation.

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 reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application from Stockport County Community Sports & Education Foundation for funding toward the cost of a ‘Stockport County Christmas Football Road Show’ for children aged 7-11.

Mr Matthew Bailey of the Stockport County Community Sports & Education Foundation attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for area funding (copies of which had been circulated) toward the cost of ‘Stockport County Christmas Football Roadshow’ involving children and young people in the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £960 to the Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation towards the cost of a ‘Stockport County Christmas Football Roadshow’.

To consider an application for funding from Targeted Youth Engagement Services C.I.C. toward the cost of detached youth projects with young women around health, safety and emotional wellbeing.

Mr Simon Leroux of Targeted Youth Engagement Services CIC attended the meeting in relation to an application for area funding (copies of which had been circulated) towards the cost of providing a series of intensive sessions covering issues around self-esteem, sexual exploitation, appropriate relationships and sexual health culminating in a film being presented in schools across the borough by the young women who made it.

Councillors expressed concern about whether this work duplicated activity already undertaken by the Council in relation to sexual health and about ensuring that work with vulnerable young people was appropriately co-ordinated with the Council.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this application be deferred and the applicant be requested to liaise with the Council’s Integrated Safeguarding and Prevention Service with a view to discussing jointly commissioning this work.

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

To report sets out a proposal to introduce No Waiting restrictions on Broadway in Offerton to prevent double parking and keep the Turning Head clear, particular for refuge and emergency vehicles.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the following at a cost of £550 to be funded from the Highway Maintenance and Local Initiatives Ward delegated budget

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

Broadway

East side from a point 4 metres South of the Southerly boundary line of No. 29 in a Northerly direction for a distance of approx. 60 metres up to and around the Turning Head to finish on the Westerly side at a point 10 metres South of the limit of the cul-de-sac.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 proposals to introduce Waiting Restrictions in the turning circle and on one-side of the Broadway, Offerton in order to improve access for emergency and refuse vehicles. Consultation with residents had indicated a majority in support of the proposals.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be approved at a cost of £550 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time

Broadway

East side from a point 4 metres South of the Southerly boundary line of No.29 in a Northerly direction for a distance of approx. 60 metres up to and around the Turning Head to finish on the Westerly side at a point 10 metres South of the limit of the cul-de-sac.

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

The report sets out proposals to introduce No Waiting and No Loading restrictions at the junction of Macclesfield Road, Haddon Road and Chatsworth Road in Hazel Grove to improve visibility and improve road safety.

The Area Committee is invited to recommended that the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) approve the following measures, at a cost of £600 to be funded from the Strategic Budget:-

No Waiting at Any Time & No Loading at Any Time:

Macclesfield Road

West side from the Northerly kerb line of Haddon Road in a Northerly direction for a distance of 9 metres and to tie in with existing. From the Southerly kerb line of Haddon Road for a distance of 18 metres in a Southerly direction.

East side from the Northerly kerb line of Chatsworth Road for a distance of 5 metres in a Northerly direction and to tie with existing. From the Southerly kerb line of Chatsworth Road for a distance of 15 metres in a Southerly direction.

Haddon Road

Both sides from the Westerly kerb line of Macclesfield Road in a Westerly direction for a distance of 15 metres.

Chatsworth Road

Both sides from the Easterly kerb line of Macclesfield road for a distance of 20 metres in an Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 the introduction of No Waiting restrictions at the junctions of Macclesfield Road with Haddon Road and Chatsworth Road, Hazel Grove, in order to improve access and visibility for motorists and to improve safety.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) be recommended to approve the following measures at a cost of £600 to be funded from the Strategic Budget:

No Waiting at Any Time & No Loading at Any Time:

Macclesfield Road

West side from the Northerly kerb line of Haddon Road in a Northerly direction for a distance of 9 metres and to tie in with existing. From the Southerly kerb line of Haddon Road for a distance of 18 metres in a Southerly direction.

East side from the Northerly kerb line of Chatsworth Road for a distance of 5 metres in a Northerly direction and to tie with existing. From the Southerly kerb line of Chatsworth Road for a distance of 15 metres in a Southerly direction.

Haddon Road

Both sides from the Westerly kerb line of Macclesfield Road in a Westerly direction for a distance of 15 metres.

Chatsworth Road

Both sides from the Easterly kerb line of Macclesfield road for a distance of 20 metres in an Easterly direction.

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

The report sets out the results of an investigation following a request for Traffic Calming on Knypersley Avenue.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the matter could be considered promptly)

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the outcome of speed surveys undertaken on Knypersely Avenue, Offerton in response to a petition from residents. The surveys indicated that the 85^th percentile speed was 26.6mph, and as such it was not the opinion of Traffic Services that traffic calming measures could be justified at this location.

An additional indicative plan for traffic calming (speed humps) was submitted (copies of which were circulated) and it was reported that the installation of such measures would be in the region of £45,000. It was also reported that the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Knypersley Avenue would cost between £10-15,000. It was further stated that the introduction of this reduced limit without additional calming measures was unlikely to have a significant impact on speed and would not be recommended by Traffic Services.

RESOLVED – (Five in favour; two abstentions) That no further action be taken in respect of the Knypersley Avenue, Offerton in view of the outcome of the investigation by Traffic Services.

Councillors Booth and Meikle requested that their abstentions be recorded.

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 on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration provided additional updates in relation to the following issues:-

·         It was anticipated that further proposals in relation to the speed table on Moorland Road would be sent to Ward Spokespersons in the coming weeks.

·         A report on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Bosden Hall Road was to be submitted to the next meeting following completion of the public consultation.

·         Work was due to begin on improvements to parking at Hazel Grove Station.

·         Following consultation with the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) it was not proposed to take any further action in relation to a proposed Permit Parking Scheme on Southwood Road, Great Moor, as a number of surveys had been undertaken in recent years.

Councillors thanked officers for the highway works completed on Flowery Fields, Woodsmoor.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

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

(i)            Provide a note to Stepping Hill Ward Councillors in relation to the decision note to proceed with a survey of residents on Southwood Road in relation to a Permit Parking Scheme.

(ii)          Provide an update to councillors in relation to the delays in relation to the Hazel Grove Station car park improvement scheme.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details any outstanding or recent determined planning appeals and enforcement activity 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 (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries, informal hearings for planning appeals and enforcement action in the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Deputy Chief Executive be informed that the enforcement action listed in the report was not within the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

There are no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.