Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 September 2016 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 Interest

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

The Chair reminder the meeting that Remembrance Services would be taking place on Sunday, 13 November 2016 at Hazel Grove War Memorial and Stockport War Memorial at 11am.

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.  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 and members of the Area Committee on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code in Practice.

Two questions had been submitted by members of the public who were not present at the meeting. It was reported that, in accordance with the Code of Practice, a written response would be provided.

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 Chief Executive 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.

Change of Use from B2/ B8 Industrial Use to D2 (Leisure Use).

The Area Committee is recommended to invite the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee to grant conditional planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 62449 for the change of use from B2/ B8 Industrial Use to D2 (Leisure Use) at Unit 2, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

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.

Chris Pollitt, Senior 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 update was provided:-

·         Ongoing Highway Safety Inspections would take place during November.

·         Minor drainage repairs and investigations had taken place on Alldis Street, Great Moor; Talbot Street, Hazel Gove; Offerton Road, Hazel Grove; Islington Road, Great Moor. A trial dig was planned at Offerton Road.

·         Work was due to take place to replace pedestrian guard railings on London Road, Hazel Grove outside the Three Tonnes Public House following damage caused by a road traffic accident.

·         The leaf clearance programme had commenced across the borough.

·         Routine gully cleansing had commenced in the Stepping Hill area.

·         Carriageway repairs were due to take place on the A627 Offerton Road, Hazel Grove, between Torkington Road and Brinkburn Road.

·         United Utilities would be undertaking work on a utility cover on Torkington Road near Avondale Road and Avenue, and the National Grid were undertaking work on Buxton Road connected to the A6MARR scheme.

·         An enforcement notice had been issued to a local business for burning wood outside of the times stated in an Environment Agency permit.

·         An abandoned vehicle had been removed from the car park on Torkington Park.

·         There had been 14 reported cases of fly tipping, all of which had been removed.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         A potential water leak on the A6 near the McDonald’s restaurant was becoming dangerous as temperature decreased.

·         Flytipping was occurring along the footpath between Newby Road and Green Lane Park.

·         There had been damage to the pedestrian barriers on Torkington Road.

·         Drains had been blocked on the A6 near Spring Gardens caused by concrete being disposed of improperly.

·         Surfacing water was accumulating outside the Three Tonnes Public House and being splashed into the pub by passing vehicles.

·         The surface of the footway on Berkley Road and Offerton Road was uneven and in a poor condition.

·         Concerns were expressed that overgrown hedges on Bean Leach Road had not been addressed. In response it was stated that part of the hedge was not covered by the contract with Solutions SK and was inaccessible without specialist equipment, so arrangements were being made for this work to take place.

·         Fly-tpping between the ASDA Supermarket and Bower Avenue, Hazel Grove had not been removed.

·         Leaf debris on Marple Road between Brookside Avenue and Hall Pool Drive was causing a slipping hazard for pedestrians.

·         United Utilities had informed businesses on the shopping parade on Turnstone Road, Offerton that drainage problems at this location were the responsibility of the Council. Resolution was needed for the problems experienced by business owners.

·         The container on Oxenhurst Avenue, Offerton put there by Your Housing was attracting fly-tipping and no response had been received to concerns raised in September.

·         A burst water main near the junction of Woodsmoor Lane and the A6 needed attention.

·         Lighting had not been replaced successfully on Mount Pleasant, Hazel Grove.

·         The footway on Cooperative Street was in poor condition and needed inspection.

RESOLVED – That Chris Pollitt be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

To consider a presentation from Wendy Sinfield (Community Relations Manager, Manchester Airport).

The presentation will detail the way in which aircraft currently operated and how they currently affect the Stepping Hill Area Committee area. The presentation will also discuss the impact on local airspace in the future associated with navigation changes. 

Wendy Sinfield (Community Relations Manager, Manchester Airport) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to ongoing developments at Manchester Airport with particular regard to the way in which aircraft currently operated in and around the airport site and the impact on local airspace in the future associated with navigation changes.

The presentation covered the following issues:-

·         The ambitious building programme on the site to cater for the anticipated growth in passenger numbers and replace old buildings that were no longer fit for purpose. This would include removing some of the terminal buildings and upgrading the existing Terminal 2.

·         Plans to improve the facilities for aircraft to allow for more efficient manoeuvring around the terminals and aprons. This would involve reconfiguration of existing space including the relocation of multi-storey parking facilities.

·         The Airport was keen to involve local business and employ local people in a variety of aspects of the project, working closely with local partners to offer apprenticeships.

·         An ongoing international review of how aircraft were managed would likely result in changes to the flight paths in and out of the airport as aircraft used more precise forms of navigation thereby reducing the width of the flight paths and concentrating movements in narrower channels.

·         The Airport was engaged in a range of educational initiatives with schools across the region.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         While the aspiration to employ local people in the Airport redevelopment projects was laudable, concerns were expressed that due to the scale of the contracts large national companies would inevitably draw employees from a very wide area and that by contracting with companies based in the 10 Greater Manchester authority areas it was more likely to ensure local people were employed. In response, the challenges were acknowledged but it was stated that contractors would be expected to report to the Airport Group on the how they were fulfilling such requirements.

·         Concerns about the road layout around Terminals 1 and 3 were highlighted. In response it was stated that as part of the Terminal redevelopment it was proposed to reconfigure the access to ensure it was more direct.

·         The Airport’s commitment to apprenticeships was welcomed, but the importance of ensuring meaningful skills and qualifications was stressed. In response, the concerns were acknowledged, but assurance was given that the multi-agency approach being adopted would allow apprentices to experience a range of work areas and develop a broad range of skills. The Airport was working with the Chamber of Commerce, and through existing links to local colleges including Stockport, to provide the best opportunities possible. The Airport had a very good record in securing employment for those taking part in its Airport Academy courses.

RESOLVED – That Wendy Sinfield be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution)

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) attended the meeting to present the Executive’s proposals to address the financial challenges for 2017/18 and beyond, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers. The Executive wished to engage with councillors and with residents and seek views on the proposals before any final decisions were taken.

Comments were made/ issues raised in relation to the following proposals:-

Three-weekly black-bin collections

·         Concerns had been raised by residents about the proposed changes to black bin collections, particularly for residents who had medical needs and products that could not be recycled. It was suggested that other local authorities who had moved to a three-weekly collection had seen an increase in fly-tipping and rat populations.

·         Residents had suggested that the frequency of recycling bin collections should be decreased, rather than the black bin.

·         Concerns were expressed about the potential savings to be accrued from the proposals, and whether any possible increase in recycling rates from domestic collections would be offset by increased enforcement costs, increased use of refuse ‘tips’ as well as by the likely increases in recycling in other boroughs that would reduce the Council’s savings through the waste levy. Evidence from elsewhere suggested that any increase in recycling rates as a result of the changes would soon fall back again.

·         Could more be done to burn waste or use for green energy to avoid landfill charges?

·         Clarification was sought that there were no proposals to introduce ‘chips’ into bins to monitor usage.

·         It was important to understand the psychological barriers to recycling.

·         If the aim of the changes was to increase recycling, the black bins should not be replaced by bigger bins but the current size should be retained.

·         People would find ways to circumvent the changes, including using the local tip. Any improvements would only be temporary. Greater emphasis needed to be given to education and informing the public.

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged the challenges that the change would have on some residents who had particular needs but he stated that the Council would retain an Exceptions Policy that would take account of these. The Leader also stressed the importance of increasing recycling rates to reduce the overall cost of waste collection. Changing the frequency of recyclable collections would not make savings. Fly-tipping enforcement would be reviewed in any case, and the Council was undertaking a study of recycling habits to understand how to maximise the effectiveness of the collection service. The burning of waste was a matter for the GMWDA and could not be addressed by the Council in isolation. Assurance was given that there were no plans to introduce ‘chips’ to bins.

Council Tax Discount Scheme

·         Concerns were expressed about whether the proposed changes would simply lead to less honesty from property owners seeking to avoid charges for empty properties. In response, the risk was acknowledged but the need to address housing demand in Stockport was a further imperative to incentivise bring homes back to the market. Assurances were given that the scheme would retain exemptions for special circumstances.

Digital by Design

·         The skill base of officers being developed as part of this work could be further used in providing consultancy to other local authorities or local businesses.

·         It was important to remember that the most vulnerable in the community would be most in need and least able to engage with the Council digitally.

·         Investment in the programme should allow for increased capacity at the Council’s call-centre to aid those who were not able to use internet-based services, but this needed time to adjust before changes were made to call-centre capacity.

·         It was the previous Executive that had begun this programme.

In response, the Leader of the Council accepted that there would be residents who were unable to engage digitally and provision would be made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(iii)

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

Residents of Bosden Hall Road attended the meeting and presented a petition containing 28 signatures from residents of Bosden Hall Road and Bowden Street, Hazel Grove requesting that the Council investigate the introduction of a Permit Parking Scheme in the area in light of the problems of inconsiderate parking caused by users of the nearby shops, Stepping Hill Hospital and local schools.

RESOLVED – That the petition be received and referred to Traffic Services for investigation.

The Area Committee is invited to consider an application for funding toward the cost of formalising one of the footpaths across Davenport Green.

Sue Dunscombe and Phil Browne of the Davenport Park Committee attended the meeting to present their application for Area Flexibility Funding requesting a contribution toward the cost of formalising the footpaths crossing Davenport Green.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £824 to Davenport Park Committee toward the cost of formalising the footpaths over Davenport Green.

To consider an application from Hazel Grove Allotment Association toward the cost of improvements to the footpaths on the site.

(NOTE: this item was omitted from the original agenda in error)

Stephen Morrell of the Hazel Grove Allotment Association attended the meeting to present an application for Area Flexibility Funding requesting a contribution toward the cost of improvements to footpaths within the allotment site.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £1000 to the Hazel Grove Allotment Association toward the cost of the footpath improvements.

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

This report covers a number of issues arising from the flooding in Stockport during June 2016, including the outcome of an independent investigation into the causes of the flooding, the Council’s initial response to the flooding, its response to the recovery phase and the actions that the Council could take to minimise the impact of future flooding events. The report also sets out work the Council has undertaken in light of the Independent Review.

The further flooding that took place in September will be the subject of a separate investigation and report.

This report pulls together all the various aspects of work concerning the flood incidents in June and specifically incorporates the following:

·           The draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) on the investigation into the flooding incidents undertaken by Jacobs Consulting Engineers;

·           A review into the Council’s response to the flooding and a review of the multi-agency response undertaken by the Civil Contingencies and Resilience Unit, Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA),

·           An update on the implementation of the Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report.

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

Sue Stevenson (Interim Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to present the findings of an independent investigation into the flooding incidents in Stockport in June 2016, including those on the Bosden Farm Estate, Offerton. The report sought to establish whether the Council and other partners could have done more to prevent the flooding, or to better respond to the flooding that had occurred. The report also identified what actions could be taken to minimise the risk of future occurrences.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concerns were expressed about the distribution of sandbags and the perception that this was not done according to an open and fair process. In response, it was stated that a policy for sandbags would be developed.

·         During the floods a number of drivers ignored warnings and road closure signage and drove through flood waters, forcing water into houses and causing distress and conflict. Residents themselves resorted to physically blocking the road. Having an early response team to ensure compliance might be advisable.

·         It was difficult for Councillors to access emergency information, and this would be more difficult for residents affected as they would not have easy access to the internet.

·         Concerns were expressed about how robust the jetting of the gullies had been following the floods.

·         In relation to suggestions that the A6MARR project had contributed to the flooding, it was stated that there were insurance claims ongoing and so this had not been featured significantly in the report. Nevertheless, it was stated that the Poise Brook had discharged water onto the A6MARR site, rather than the other way around. Problems had also been encountered due to a constriction in the flow of the Brook near Golf Course Road.

·         Clarification was sought on the programme of gulley cleansing. In response it was stated that all gullies were subject to cleansing at least every 18 months, although areas of high risk or those particularly prone to blocking were cleansed more frequently.

·         The Council and partners were undertaking work to better understand the drainage network, including the location of culverts etc.

·         Improvements were needed to the current facilitates on the Council website to allow for the public to report problems and faults on the drainage network, as well as providing more information about cleansing schedules etc.

·         It was queried whether debris from Torkington Park contributed to the blocking the culvert in the park. In response it was stated that the responsibility for the water course was with the Environment Agency, though the Council would of course be working to ensure that as part of the maintenance of the park unnecessary materials that may impact on the water course and culvert were removed.

·         What more could the Council do to ensure property owners were aware of their responsibilities to maintain water courses through their property? In response it was stated that the Council would seek to offer advice to property owners on their responsibilities.

·         Many of those areas flooded had not been identified as high risk areas in the Council’s recent Flood Risk Management Strategy.

·         The importance and role of community groups in providing resilience and support in these circumstances was acknowledged.

RESOLVED – (1) That Sue Stevenson be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(2) That the comments of the Area Committee be considered as part of the development of the proposals relating to flooding.

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

This report is to provide an overview of the current Road Safety provision in and around the educational facilities in Stockport. It gives information about the current road safety training provision in the schools and a review of the current issues faced in terms of road safety around education sites in peak periods. The report also considered the potential for the introduction of further provision in regards to Road Safety in and around educational facilities and the resource implications of expanding these areas of work to develop a comprehensive approach to road safety around schools.

The report will be considered by the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee on 2 November 2016.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report and identify any local issues or priorities.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, Nick Whelan, 0161-474-4351 / 4907, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk / nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

Sue Stevenson (Interim Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to providing an overview of the current Road Safety provision in and around the educational facilities in Stockport.  A report was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) that detailed the current road safety training provision in the schools and a review of the current issues faced in terms of road safety around education sites in peak periods.

The report also considered the potential for the introduction of further provision and the resource implications of expanding these areas of work to develop a comprehensive approach to road safety around schools.

The views of the Area Committee were sought, particularly in relation to schools within the area committee area.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The expansion of Warren Wood School had been accompanied by an unacceptable delay in developing and implementing further safety measures. This delay needed to be avoided in any future school expansion plans.

·         The report made a lot of reference to pupils, but the majority of complaints were caused by the poor driving and parking by parents.

·         Speed calming measures near schools, such as Moorfield Primary, often did not address inconsiderate and selfish parking. A formal crossing point was also needed at this location.

·         There was a lack of enforcement of parking and speeding restrictions.

·         Schools being expanded were often in locations not designed for the volume of vehicles that would seek to access them. There were often inadequate facilities for pick-up and drop-off, and for staff parking.

·         Concerns were expressed about the accuracy of the figures relating to accidents involving children on a journey to school as it was believed these were higher than recorded.

·         In response to a query about the cause of the increase in the number of tickets issued for parking on zig zag lines, it was stated that this was due to the additional focus and priority given to enforcement, including changing work patterns to be better able to deploy resources when they were needed.

RESOLVED – (1) That Sue Stevenson be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(2) That the comments of the Area Committee be considered as part of the development of the proposals to improve road safety near schools.

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

The report details a consultation by BT on proposals to remove 35 public payphones in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposed removal of BT payphones within its purview.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead on 0161 218 1982 or email: suzanne.broomhead@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) detailing a consultation by BT about the removal of 35 public payphones throughout the Borough, including five within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There are no outstanding matters to consider.

There were no outstanding appeal decisions or enforcement matters to consider.

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

The report seeks approval to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay fronting 46 Kennerley Road, Davenport.

Please Note: This proposal is within the Central Stockport Area Committee area but has been submitted to the Stepping Hill Area Committee due to its proximity to boundary between the two area committees.

The Stepping Hill and Central Stockport Area Committees are recommended approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

Revocation of the Traffic Regulation Order for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay fronting 46 Kennerley Road, Davenport.

(Note: the cost of the scheme is to be met from the Davenport & Cale Green Ward Delegated Budget)

Officer contact: Vivian Butterworth, 0161 474 4848, vivian.butterworth@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 a proposal to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay fronting 46 Kennerley Road, Davenport. The proposal was within the Central Stockport Area Committee area but this Area Committee was being consulted due to its proximity to the boundary between area committees.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

To consider objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a 20mph Speed Limit Zone in High Lane and a 7.5 Tonne Environmental Weight Limit covering High Lane and parts of Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is invited to consider the report and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) make the Order as advertised.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider objections received to a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit zone in High Lane and a 7.5 Tonne Environmental Weight Limit covering High Lane and parts of Hazel Grove. These proposals formed part of the mitigation measures for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme. The report also set out the response of Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to the concerns raised by the objectors.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Executive Councillor (Communities & Housing) be recommended to make the Order as advertised.

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 with implementing decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position of the Area Flexibility budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.