Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 November 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

The Chair reported to the Committee that a statement from the Council had been received relating to public questions raised at the preceding Council Meeting by SNAG (Stepping Hill Neighbourhood Parking Action Group) concerning the Section 106 Agreement between the Council and Stepping Hill Hospital. This statement detailing the Council’s position with regards to the Section 106 Agreement and attendant travel plan was read verbatim to the Committee.

The following comments were made: -

·      Requested that the draft travel plan be brought to Committee for Members comment.

·      Requested that the full statement be shared with Committee Members for distribution within the community.

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 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.

A public question had been submitted which did not relate to matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, therefore the question had been directed to Cabinet for a response.

Another public question was submitted as follows: -

·      Relating to parking in Stepping Hill around the hospital and why the legal obligation on Stepping Hill Hospital to remove on-street parking was unenforceable. It was queried who would decide whether a new travel plan was unenforceable and whether residents would be kept informed. The questioner stated that the hospital had abandoned three plans to provide additional parking and that they would like clarity and action.

In response the following comments were made: -

·      It was commented that Members shared the frustration of the questioner that the travel plan had not demonstrated any positive impact.

·      It was suggested that the travel plan be made available, and residents consulted on any future decision.

·      Noted that the cost of parking at the hospital was high and contributed to the amount of on-street parking.

·      Members sought clarification in relation to why the hospital had not been able to deliver on increasing the quantity of parking available.

·      That the hospital administration responsible for parking should be brought before the Committee.

·      It was stated that there was an absence of leadership from various parties, and that the Council needed to actively push the issue forwards.

·      Requested that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be invited to the next meeting of the Committee to speak on the matter.

·      Requested that the draft agreement between the Council and NHS Trust be brought before the Area Committee and appropriate Scrutiny Committee prior to agreement. 

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The key message is that Stockport Council wants to explain to residents what the new access control policy entails and to look for feedback from residents about how the policy could be improved or altered to ensure it is ‘best practice’.

The consultation will be online via the “have your say” page on the council website and with hard copies of the documents and the questionnaires in the libraries between the 10th of January and the 11th February.

The Area Committee is recommended to note that the consultation is in progress and utilise their own contacts to encourage people to respond.

Officer contact: Emily Brough on 0161 474 4592 or email: emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining what the proposed new access control policy entailed and seeking feedback from residents about how the policy could be improved or altered to ensure it was ‘best practice’.

Members raised concerns in relation to the nature of the consultation given the minimum access control requirements stipulated in the Equality Act 2010 and whether the outcome could result in the Council being open to legal challenge. In response, it was stated that the consultation demonstrated a range of options relating to access control measures and legal would be consulted as required to ensure compliance.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Members of the Committee utilise their own contacts to encourage people to respond.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Stockport Sea Cadets for a grant of £100 (Hazel Grove ward only) towards the cost of starting a community Karate & Self-Defence Club for cadet services, families, friends and the wider community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Stockport Sea Cadets for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of starting a community Karate & Self-Defence club for cadet services, families, friends and the wider community.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·      Members queried the inconsistency in relation to the distribution of the requests for funding between various wards within each Area Committee.

·      It was commented that there was previously a central funding source available for boroughwide Ward Flexibility Funding applications which was ideal for an application such as this.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from the Stockport Sea Cadets for a grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of starting a community Karate & Self-Defence club for cadet services, families, friends and the wider community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £150 (£50 from each ward of this Committee) towards the cost of starting up a primary-aged social group for primary-aged children and young people to attend, make new friendships and access fun activities and a sensory room.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of starting up a primary-aged social group for primary-aged children and young people to attend, make new friendships and access fun activities and a sensory room.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Autisk for a grant of £150 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of starting up a primary-aged social group for primary-aged children and young people to attend, make new friendships and access fun activities and a sensory room.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

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

A development application was submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for Place Management & 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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications

Proposed single storey rear extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Anthony Smith on 0161 474 3569 or email: Anthony.smith@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/083397 for a for a single storey rear extension to create a dining space, utility and WC with shower room, within additional floor space of circa 30 square metres at 57 Dialstone Lane,

a representative of the application spoke in support of the application,

It was then

RESOLVED – (6 for, 2 against, 1 abstention) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in the light of the Area Committee’s concern with regard to the size of the extension in relation to the size of the existing property and the impact of the extension on the adjoining property including the loss of light to rooms and garden.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) 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 within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

Members commented that the parking survey completed for 22 Gladstone Street was dissatisfactory as it was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic which was not reflective of the usual traffic levels. However, noted that the appeal had been granted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests the Area Committee to give consideration to the introduction of No Waiting and No Loading restrictions and a mandatory disabled bay on Hazelwood Road in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following order at a cost of £860 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation):-

No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time:

Hazelwood Road

West side on both sides of the Access Road between No’s 16 & 18 from the Western kerb line of Hazelwood Road (No 18 side) for a distance of 10 metres in a Westerly direction to the limit of Adopted Highway.

Disabled Persons’ Parking Space (Blue Badge Holders only):

Hazelwood Road

West side from a point 14.5 metres South East of the Southern kerb line of Bosdenfold Road and perpendicular to the kerb line (length 5 metres, width 3.6 metres).

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 0161 474 4861 or email: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee give consideration to the introduction of No Waiting and No Loading restrictions and a mandatory disabled bay on Hazelwood Road in Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·      It was commented that parking had been a longstanding issue on Hazelwood Road, and welcomed the introduction of a disabled bay.

·      Requested that the Council communicate with all the businesses affected by the Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following order at a cost of £860 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward Allocation): -

No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time:

Hazelwood Road

West side on both sides of the Access Road between No’s 16 & 18 from the Western kerb line of Hazelwood Road (No 18 side) for a distance of 10 metres in a Westerly direction to the limit of Adopted Highway.

Disabled Persons’ Parking Space (Blue Badge Holders only):

Hazelwood Road

West side from a point 14.5 metres South East of the Southern kerb line of Bosdenfold Road and perpendicular to the kerb line (length 5 metres, width 3.6 metres).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests the Area Committee to give consideration to the extension of the 20mph Zone covering Kennerley Road in Davenport.

(NOTE: This report is also due to be considered by the Central Stockport Area Committee at its meeting on 27 January 2022 as the proposed scheme falls within the boundaries of two area committees)

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport gives approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following orders at a total cost of £3000 (£1500 to be funded from this Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward Allocation) with the remainder of the balance to be funded from the Davenport & Cale Green ward allocation):-

20MPH Speed Limit Zone

Kennerley Road

Both sides from a point 28 metres East of the junction with Bramhall Lane for a distance of approx. 364 metres in an Easterly direction to a point 26 metres West of the junction with Buxton Road (to tie in with existing on Abergele Street).

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 0161 474 4861 or email: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee give consideration to the extension of the 20mph Zone covering Kennerley Road in Davenport.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·      Welcomed the extension of the 20mph Zone, however expressed concerns in relation to how effective the measure would be.

·      Raised concerns in relation to the criteria used by the GM Casualty Reduction Partnership to determine incident severity and allocation of resources. It was expressed that the requirement of a cluster of Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) incidents within a three-year period threshold was too high and limited the action that could be taken.

·      In response, it was commented that the criteria was a Transport for Greater Manchester policy and that Members were encouraged to feedback their comments via their party representatives on the working group.

·      Commented on the importance of appropriate resourcing in order to provide workable solutions.

RESOLVED – That the Committee request that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport gives approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following orders at a total cost of £3000 (£1500 to be funded from this Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward Allocation) with the remainder of the balance to be funded from the Davenport & Cale Green ward allocation):-

20MPH Speed Limit Zone

Kennerley Road

Both sides from a point 28 metres East of the junction with Bramhall Lane for a distance of approx. 364 metres in an Easterly direction to a point 26 metres West of the junction with Buxton Road (to tie in with existing on Abergele Street).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around St Simon’s Catholic Primary School and to seek approval for the implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving and road markings.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the following scheme to be funded from the Road Safety Around Schools Programme Budget:-

·      Provision of a dropped crossing and tactile paving to the east of Bosden Avenue.

·      Re-lining of the ‘20’ roundels and ‘SLOW’ road marking.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks on 0161 474 4840 or email: c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around St Simon’s Catholic Primary School and to seek approval for the implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving and road markings.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·      Welcome the proposal, however expressed concerns in relation to how effective the measure would be.

·      It was commented that finite resources would limit the actions that could be taken.

·      Noted that the school crossing patrol post had been vacant for a number of years and requested that the Chair, as a Governor of the school, lobby parents to generate interest.

·      Requested that the Council explore different ways of advertising and filling school crossing patrol posts, including the possibly of combining the role with another part-time role in order to create a more substantial role and generate interest.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following scheme to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation:-

·      Provision of a dropped crossing and tactile paving to the east of Bosden Avenue.

·      Re-lining of the ‘20’ roundels and ‘SLOW’ road marking.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests the Area Committee to give consideration to the extension of the No Waiting at Any Time restrictions to address an anomaly on The Fairway in Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following order at a cost of £300 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward Allocation):-

Extend No Waiting at Any Time

The Fairway

North West side from a point 17 metres North East of the North Easterly kerb line of Monsal Avenue for a distance of 3 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 0161 474 4861 or email: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted report a of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee give consideration to the extension of the No Waiting at Any Time restrictions to address an anomaly on The Fairway in Offerton.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the following order at a cost of £300 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward Allocation):-

Extend No Waiting at Any Time

The Fairway

North West side from a point 17 metres North East of the North Easterly kerb line of Monsal Avenue for a distance of 3 metres in a North Easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report outlines the actions available to the Council in respect of parking on Lake Street, Great Moor.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Brown on 0161 474 4843 or email: jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk and Charlotte Nicholls on 0161 474 4229 or email: charlotte.nicholls@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the actions available to the Council in respect of parking on Lake Street, Great Moor.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·      Whether the powers afforded by the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 could be exercised to address the issues relating to motor trade activities on Lake Street. 

·      Welcomed the report, however Members expressed their disappointment that there were no ‘next steps’ included in the report to progress towards a resolution.

·      It was commented that increased enforcement would be required in order for the intervention proposals to be effective.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted

(2) That the Clerk of the Area Committee be requested to arrange a Highways meeting as soon as possible to further discuss the report and potential actions.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email:  georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was commented that a meeting had taken place with the Council and TFGM regarding the School Street traffic build-up around the McDonalds entrance.

·         Noted that an email had been circulated in relation to Speed Indicator Devices which informed Members that there had been a fire in the facility that housed the devices, and as a consequence the machines had been damaged. It was stated that the Council was considering replacing the machine with newer devices capable of improved data recording.

·         Members commented on the importance that the replacement SIDs provided real time data and expressed their frustration that no data had been received from the Bean Leach Road SID.

·         Members requested an update in relation to the A6MARR CMM Hazel Grove and the consultation that had been requested at the November meeting of the Committee.

·         It was commented that there had been no action in respect of the ‘pinch point’ on Bean Leach Road and an update was requested.

·         That the delegated budget figures for Stepping Hill had not been updated, with Kennerley Road and Mile End spending not being reflected.

·         It was noted that any unspent funds of the Committee’s Delegated Budget and Ward Flexibility Funding would be carry forward to the next municipal year, unless decided otherwise at the Council’s Budget Meeting.

·         Requested information in relation to the Climate Action Now Fund, including the applications received, who was responsible for the fund and how long the funding would be available for.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.