Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 November 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 November 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 & Prejudicial 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.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to submit questions on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Two questions were asked.

(1)  The first question asked what actions ward councillors were taking to enable the redevelopment of brown field sites in Offerton, such as the former Dial Park Primary School site and the former St Stephen’s Primary school site, particularly in the context of 7,500 people on the Stockport Homes waiting list.

In response, Councillor Booth stated that the St Stephen’s site had already been partially developed for housing, and what she was working with the Bosden Farm Community Group to seek permission from the Education Funding Agency for some of the playing fields at this site to be released for use as allotments.

Councillor Meikle stated that the former Dial Park Primary site had been part of the comprehensive redevelopment scheme of Blackstone Fields, but as a site within the greenbelt it was not easily redeveloped. She stated that local councillors were working with the Council to encourage redevelopment opportunities.

(2)  The second question sought an update on previous requests to prevent the opening of access from Swanage Avenue to the new Offerton Park estate and the prevention of sat navs directing traffic to Swanage Avenue.

In response, Councillor Meikle stated that she had agreed with officers of the Council that additional signage would be provided to discourage drivers from accessing Swanage Avenue, and a request had been made to have this route removed from sat nav systems.

The Chair and a representative of the Democratic Services Manager stated that legal advice was being sought on options that remove the need to open this access, but given that it was a condition of the planning permission for the redevelopment of the Dialstone Centre site it was a complex issue.

A further question had been submitted by a questioner who was not present at the meeting. A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that in accordance with the agreed procedure a written response would be provided.

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:-

·         A trail dig had been completed on Offerton Old Road.

·         The damaged section of pedestrian guard railings outside the Three Tonnes pub on London Road had been replaced.

·         Gullies had been jetted and found to be running on Spring Gardens.

·         United Utilities had been requested to repair a damaged manhole cover on Buxton Road between Sainsbury’s and Wynsor’s shops

·         Carriageway resurfacing had been completed on Charnwood Crescent, Hazel Grove.

·         Carriageway resurfacing was due to begin on 12 December on Woodlands Drive, Offerton.

·         Resurfacing was due to take place on part of Newby Road.

·         Since the last meeting there had been 15 reports of fly-tipping, all of which had been removed.

·         Since the last meeting, there had been eight reports of abandoned vehicles, and a 15 day Notice had been served on the private landowner of one of the vehicles, with the intention of having it removed within the next seven days.

·         An order had been raised for the removal and disposal of planters at the junction of Dean Lane and Cavendish Road, Hazel Grove.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         Councillors commended the responsiveness of the Public Realm Officer.

·         Concerns were expressed about why partial resurfacing of Offerton Road could not have been more comprehensive.

·         An update was requested in relation to the problems with drainage on the pavement outside the Three Tonnes Public House. In response it was stated that due to the constraints of the site there were few viable options, but that further discussions would take place with officer to identify any possible solution.

·         In relation to Turnstone Road, there were a number of pot holes in the vicinity of the shops and bus stops, and fly tipping taking place near existing litter bin facilities.

·         A request was made to cut back high hedges on Marple Road near ‘17 Windows’ as this was obstructing the pavement.

·         There was a loose utility cover at the junction of Lisburne Lane and Marple Road.

·         Lighting column 5 on Green Park, Hazel Grove was non-functional.

·         The litter bins outside the shops on Hazelwood Road were subject to fly-tipping.

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

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider an application from Dial Park Primary School for funding toward the cost of a Restorative Garden.

Ms Gold, year 6 Teacher, and pupils from Dial Park Primary School attended the meeting to present their application for area flexibility funding toward the cost of a Restorative Garden within the school that would support the delivery of the curriculum and pastoral programme.

Councillors commend the pupils for their presentation and the quality of their proposal.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £700 to Dial Park Primary School toward the cost of a Restorative garden.

To consider an application from Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons for funding toward the cost of replacing the Scissor Lift on the New Horizon’s boat.

Mrs Sue Woodgate, from Stockport Canal Boat Trust attended the meeting to submitted an application for area flexibility funding seeking a contribution toward the cost of a new lift for the New Horizons canal boat. The application was being considered by a number of area committees during this cycle of meetings.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £142.86 to the Stockport Canal Boat Trust as a contribution to the cost of a new lift for the New Horizons canal boat.

Mr Graham Trickey of the Goyt Valley SOS Group will attend the meeting to discuss the activity of the Group and their concerns about the possible A6 to M60 Relief Road.

Mr Graham Trickey and Mrs Rachel Houghton of the Goyt Valley SOS Group attended the meeting and made a presentation on their concerns about the impact of the possible A6 to M60 Relief Road.

The presentation covered the following issues:-

·         The environmental impact on the Goyt Valley, which was an area of natural beauty and an area of biological importance. The Valley was a diverse habitat for many species of wildlife.

·         The bypass, while not covering the whole Valley, would be oppressive and have a detrimental effect on the whole area.

·         Local people valued the openness of the Valley as an area of greenspace bounded by very busy A-roads.

·         The bypass would impact on local people, as the route passed near existing homes and schools.

·         Existing communities would be physically separated from amenities.

·         Arguments advanced in favour of the bypass stressed that the damaging effects were offset by improvements in traffic that currently blighted communities, but it was likely that traffic would still queue to get onto the bypass, in particular for traffic from Bramhall Moor Lane.

·         The bypass carried significant risk of increasing air pollution as additional junctions designed into the scheme would increase queueing, to slow traffic, leading to higher emissions.

·         The growth in car traffic was unsustainable in Stockport, and would not be mitigated by the bypass. There needed to be greater investment in public transport solutions.

·         As Stockport became increasingly urban, valued areas of natural greenspace needed to be protected.

·         There were historic buildings and homes that would be negatively affected by the bypass and these should be protected.

·         An online petition against a bypass was gaining support.

Councillors thanked the Group for their presentation. The following comments were made:-

·         There was currently no proposal for a bypass scheme, and the previous proposal was over 10 years ago so would need to be revisited to ensure it was fit for the changed circumstances.

·         There were many areas affected by traffic congestion, and any bypass would need to be able to demonstrate that it would alleviate these problems, as this would be a precondition of attracting the necessary funding for the scheme.

·         As there was no application or proposal being made for the bypass, it would be premature to give a view on how a councillor might vote on such a scheme. The environmental impact would nevertheless be a consideration in such a decision.

RESOLVED – That Graham Trickey and Rachel Houghton be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

Local residents are being invited to attend their local Area Committees and to learn more about the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) proposals.

The GMSF plan seeks to build 19,000 homes in the next two decades across Stockport, as well as bring new jobs and new infrastructure (such as transport links, utility networks, schools and health provision) required to achieve this.

Mr Richard Wood, Stockport Council’s Technical Policy and Planning Manager, attended the meeting and made a presentation in respect of the consultation being undertaken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework was a joint development plan document which was being prepared by the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester. It would be a strategic plan which ensured that Greater Manchester protected and enhanced the current infrastructure and had the right land in the right places to deliver the homes and jobs needed up to 2035, along with identifying the new infrastructure required to achieve this. It aimed to ensure that Greater Manchester became as well known for the quality of its environment as for its economic success.

If adopted the plan would be the overarching development plan within which Greater Manchester’s ten local planning authorities could identify more detailed sites for jobs and homes in their own area. As such the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework would not cover everything that a Local Plan would cover and individual districts would continue to produce their own Local Plans.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concerns were expressed that the proposed sites in the High Lane and Hazel Grove areas would not contribute significantly to the solution of the housing shortage as they would be larger, expensive properties.

·         Concerns were expressed that the plan gave primacy to housing development over infrastructure, although this was the more pertinent issue for existing communities.

·         The SEMMMS Strategy was designed to solve existing problems with transport infrastructure, without the additional pressures these proposals would create. Given the likely demands on resources for infrastructure investment across Greater Manchester arising from this Plan, there was a danger that any development would not be supported with the promised infrastructure investment.

·         Why was higher density of town centre development not being considered?

·         Investing funds to support brownfield reclamation would offset the cost of new infrastructure on greenbelt.

·         Concerns were expressed by members of the public that the consultation website was not easy to use and may discourage engagement. In response, it was acknowledged that this facility was not ideal, but that improvements were difficult to achieve while the consultation was active. Feedback would be considered as part of the next phase of consultation.

·         Had any consideration been given to whether the level of development was desirable?

·         Concerns were expressed about the unprecedented scale of building that may be taking place.

·         Would the refreshed SEMMMS Strategy given consideration to the potential impact of the GMSF?

·         What safeguards were there to prevent developers ‘cherry picking’ sites?

·         A public question asked earlier in the meeting referenced the need for greenbelt to act as a ‘buffer; between communities or built areas. Given the proposals in the Plan, it would seem to contradict this earlier response. In response, the seeming contradiction was acknowledged, and it was stated that this ‘buffer’ might not be achievable in all cases. It was also stated that the value of the greenbelt land itself needed to be considered.

·         Clarification was sought on the process for adopting the Plan. In response it was stated that unanimous agreement of all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, and the future Greater Manchester Mayor and their cabinet was needed.

·         How were the infrastructure improvements to be funded?

In response to issues raised, it was stated that in order to release greenbelt, partners would need to be have exhausted other sites, including brownfield sites, in order to demonstrate special circumstances for the release of greenbelt. There had to be a reasonable certainty that the plan was deliverable in order for it to accepted by the Planning Inspectorate, and part of this would include ensuring brownfield development first and that the infrastructure improvements were achievable, and this would include work associated with SEMMMS. The Council was continuing to engage in work to identify sites and increase the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(viii)

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

Raise roof to form full two story dwelling, front porch with canopy and remodel with render and brick finish.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 63398 to raise the roof to form a full two story dwelling, front porch with canopy and remodel with render and brick finish at Talland, 18 Marple Old Road, Offerton,

the applicant spoke in support of the applicant.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to conditions, including a requirement that the bathroom window be obscure glazing and that there be no loss or damage to existing trees on site.

Construction of Poynton Relief Road (whole route) incorporating:-

-       A two way single carriageway;

-       Combined cycleway and footway on the western side of the carriageway;

-       Modifications to existing road junctions;

-       New public rights of way/accommodation bridges;

-       Balancing ponds for drainage purposes; and

-       Associated landscaping, lighting, ancillary operations, engineering and infrastructure works.

Within Stockport:-

-       A two way single carriageway;

-       Combined cycleway and footway on the western side of the carriageway;

-       Modifications to existing road junctions;

-       A new road junction;

-       Two new structures;

-       New public rights of way;

-       A pedestrian and cycle route adjacent to the road;

-       Balancing ponds for drainage purposes; and

-       Associated ancillary landscaping, lighting, engineering and infrastructure works.

The Area Committee is invited to recommend to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee that it grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 63174 for the construction of the Poynton Relief Road, south of junction with the A6MARR, heading South East under the A5149 (Chester Road) for approximately 1.1km to the boundary with Cheshire East Council, continuing to the A523 (London Road) South of Poynton, it was

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

There are no outstanding appeal decisions or enforcements to consider.

There were none to consider.

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

The report seeks authorisation to part-revocation of No Waiting at Any Time on Reevey Avenue in Hazel Grove to provide additional parking space for residents.

The Area Committee is invited to approve the following:-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time on Reevey Avenue, North side from the projected boundary line between No’s 3 & 5 in an Easterly direction for a distance of 1.5 metres.

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) inviting the Area Committee to consider proposals to for the part-revocation of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Reevey Avenue, Hazel Grove following representations made by a resident from an effected frontage. The proposal would create additional parking space for residents without having a detrimental effect on road safety.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the following scheme, and subject to the receipt of no objections, the subsequent making of the Order

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:-

Reevey Avenue

North side from the projected boundary line between no.’s 3 and 5 in an easterly direction for a distance of 1.5 metres.

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

The report details commuted sums received by the Council from housing developers toward the cost of play provision. The Area Committee’s approval is sought for the allocation of these sums.

The report also sets out the criteria that must be used in allocating sums for play provision.

That the Area Committee approve the allocation of the commuted sums for play provision as follows:-

·         £49,691.07 from development no.1164 (DC050793, Former Dialstone Centre , Offerton) to Half Moon Lane Play Area

·         £45,518.04 from development no.1194 (DC050984, Former Cherry Tree Hospital, Cherry Tree Lane) to both Boothby Street Play Area (£15,000) and Great Moor Park (£30,018.04)

·         £334.62 from development no.1210 (DC052209, 107 London Road, Hazel Grove) to Great Moor Park

·         £1,003.92 from development no.1230 (DC047211) to Great Moor Park.

·         £669.24 from development no.1231 (DC59857, 285 Dialstone Lane) to Great Moor Park

·         £501.93 from development no.1197 (DC057193, The Dialstone Centre, Lisburne Lane) to Half Moon Lane

·         £2,509.65 from development no.1025 ( 127 Cavendish Road) to Torkington Play Area.

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) detailing proposals for the use of commuted sums for play provision in the Stepping Hill area and locations of the play areas where those sums were proposed to be spent.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager provided the following verbal update to the report:-

·         Planning reference in paragraph 3.2 to read DC048027

·         Remove paragraph 3.3 as this planning application was refused

·         Insert reference ‘DC060396 (1 Maple Close, Heavily)’ into paragraph 3.5.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager also reported that the proposal at paragraph 3.5 would also be considered by the Central Stockport Area Committee as the planning application was within the boundaries of that Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following allocations of commuted sums for the Stepping Hill Area Committee area:-

·         the use of £45,518.04 from development no.1194 (DC050984, Former Cherry Tree Hospital, Cherry Tree Lane) allocated to Boothby Street Play Area (£15,000) and Great Moor Park (£30,018.04)

·         the use of £669.24 from development no.1231 (DC59857, 285 Dialstone Lane) to Great Moor Park

·         the use £1,003.92 from development no.1230 (DC060396 (1 Maple Close, Heavily) to Great Moor Park, subject to the agreement of the Central Stockport Area Committee

·         the reallocate of £2,509.65 from development no.1025 (127 Cavendish Road) to Torkington Play Area.

(2) That the use of the sums from development no.1164 (DC048027, Former Dialstone Centre, Offerton) and no.1197 (DC057193, The Dialstone Centre, Lisburne Lane) be deferred and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to report back to the next meeting with further details on the proposed use of the sums at either Half Moon Lane play area and Blackstone Field play area.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report advises the Area Committee of a request to purchase Council land currently leased to a tenant at Melford Road Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth, 0161 218 1934, paul.edgeworth@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 a proposal to dispose of Council owned land at Melford Road, Hazel Grove for possible resident development.

Councillors commented that the current condition of the site was not ideal, and that disposal may therefore be beneficial. Councillors also commented that were the land be subject to residential development they would encourage the provision of affordable housing, similar in style to nearby properties.

RESOLVED – That, subject to the comments of the Area Committee, the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to dispose of the site at Melford Road, Hazel Grove as identified in the report.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report advises the Area Committee of a request to purchase Council land adjacent to 41 Dial Park Road Offerton.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposals and the report.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth, 0161 218 1934, paul.edgeworth@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 a proposal to dispose of a small parcel of Council owned land at Dial Park Road, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to dispose of the land at Dial Park Road, Offerton identified in the report subject to appropriate restrictions on its use as a private garden or driveway.

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

An application has been received from The Netherlands National Circus to hold a non-animal circus event at Torkington Park from 22nd May to 28th May 2017.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission, subject to the organiser providing the appropriate papers, event plans, Health and safety documentation, licenses and/or insurances, and fees.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@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 between 22 and 28 May 2017.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Netherlands National Circus to hold a non-animal circus event at Torkington Park from 22 to 28 May 2017 be approved subject to the provision by the applicant of appropriate papers, event plans, health and safety documentation, licenses and/or insurances, and fees.

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

An event application has been received from Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold their annual Hazel Grove Carnival event on Saturday 15th July 2017 at Torkington Park. The event involves a parade in the streets surrounding the park, market stalls, bouncy castle, funfair, musical performances, hot food and refreshments, etc.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission, subject to the organiser providing the appropriate papers, event plans, Health and safety documentation, licenses and/or insurances, and fees.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@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 15 July 2017.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold a the annual Carnival event at Torkington Park on 15 July 2017 be approved subject to the provision by the applicant of appropriate papers, event plans, health and safety documentation, licenses and/or insurances, and fees.

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

An application has been received from Circus Starr to hold a Circus event at Torkington Park on 8th May 2017.

The Area Committee is recommended to refuse permission, given the reported problems with the event in 2015 and 2016.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@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 8 May 2017.

RESOLVED – That the application from Circus Starr to hold a circus event at Torkington Park from 8 May 2017 be refused on the grounds that concerns raised by the Council with the applicant about their management of previous events had not be adequately acted upon.

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 – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to expedite the preparation of the report relating to proposed traffic calming measures associated with Warren Wood School and on Bean Leach Road.