Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2024.  

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 10 September 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which 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.

The Chair provided an update related to the Stepping Hill Hospital Travel Plan. The Deputy Chief Executive was due to meet with representatives of the Foundation Trust in November 2024 to discuss the travel plan. Following that meeting a further update would be provided to Councillors.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

It was reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting, although a written update was provided and the Chair drew particular attention to the following matters:

·         The Chair announced that a number of people had contacted Councillors related to serious crimes involving armed people on motorbikes who were stealing from residents in the Hazel Grove and Offerton area. The Chair stated that he had contacted the police requesting attendance at this Area Committee meeting or, in the alternative, to arrange a public meeting to answer questions on these concerning incidents.

·         The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport had met with the newly appointed Chief Superintendent, Lewis Hughes and had raised the issue of having no police representation in attendance at Stepping Hill Area Committee. Chief Superintendent Hughes had promised to look into this matter.

·         There had been further changes to the Neighbourhood Policing Team with Police Seargeant Jason Holmwood achieving a temporary promotion and being replaced by Police Seargeant Rachel Walton who was scheduled to join the team in November.

·         A local man had received a conviction for two counts of exposure.

·         Officers had conducted a number of operations targeting prolific shoplifters. These had led to a number of people being arrested and prosecuting through the courts.

·         A retail week of action had taken place from 14 to 20 October 2024 which included special events and dedicated stalls set up at four retail outlets. One offender had been charged with burglary and fraud and eight further arrests for theft had resulted in 57 charges. The week was reported to have been a success including lots of engagement with retail outlets.

·         In terms of vehicle crime an offender self-selection operation had been carried out.

·         Off road bikes remained a priority and policing operations would continue into the darker evenings. Residents were encouraged to report this behaviour. The police would follow up on any individuals identified and work with partners to try and establish where these bikes were being kept within the community. It was reported that since June 2024 almost 100 bikes had been seized in Stockport; this would not have been possible without the assistance of Stockport’s residents. 

·         A new community messaging system ‘Bee in the Loop’ had been established to strengthen dialogue with communities in a positive and proactive manner. It allowed users to choose what information they would like to know about, including crime and incidents in their local area. It was also an invaluable investigative tool which could be used to appeal for information or intelligence and help to solve crimes.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

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

No public questions were submitted.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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 Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application received from Hazel Grove Allotment Association for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1000 towards the cost of purchasing storage for equipment and materials used on the allotment site.

Representatives of Hazel Grove Allotment Association attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing storage for equipment and materials used on the allotment site.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Hazel Grove Allotment Association for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of purchasing storage for equipment and materials used on the allotment site.

To consider an application received from Social Events Activities (SEA) for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £43.85 towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of Social Events Activities (SEA) for a grant of £43.85 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Social Events Activities (SEA) for a grant of £43.85 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

To consider an application received from Richmond Rovers Football Club for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1002 towards the cost of replacing broken shower units in a restoration of Norbury Amalgamated Sports Club.

A representative of Richmond Rovers Football Club attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £1,002 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of replacing broken shower units in a restoration of Norbury Amalgamated Sports Club.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Richmond Rovers Football Club for a grant of £1,002 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of replacing broken shower units in a restoration of Norbury Amalgamated Sports Club.

To consider an application received from Stockport County Community Trust for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £700 towards the cost of hosting a Christmas lunch for participants in Stockport County Community Trust projects, with the aim of alleviating social isolation.

Representatives of Stockport County Community Trust attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £700 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting a Christmas lunch for participants in Stockport County Community Trust projects, with the aim of alleviating social isolation.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport County Community Trust for a grant of £700 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting a Christmas lunch for participants in Stockport County Community Trust projects, with the aim of alleviating social isolation.

To consider an application received from DEFCON Academy for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £750 towards the cost of continuing to host self defence and kickboxing classes and purchase new equipment for students.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application on behalf of DEFCON Academy for a grant of £750 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget towards the cost of continuing to host self defence and kickboxing classes and purchase new equipment for students.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this application be delegated to the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance, in consultation with the Chair of the Area Committee, pending the receipt of further information from the applicant in relation to the application.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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

A development application was submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decision including conditions and reasons for refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans.  The Deputy 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 Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of existing buildings and structures on-site, including former vehicle depot and associated storage buildings (Use Class Sui-Generis/B8), converted residential buildings (Use Class C3), paint shop and offices (Use Class E), and erection of 2no five storey block comprising of 109 no. residential apartments (Use class C3 (a)) with access, parking provision, amenity space, landscaping and associated works.

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

Officer contact: Helen Hodgett on 0161 474 3656 or email helen.hodgett@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan number DC/089005 for the demolition of existing buildings and structures on-site, including former vehicle depot and associated storage buildings (Use Class Sui-Generis/B8), converted residential buildings (Use Class C3), paint shop and offices (Use Class E), and erection of 2no five storey block comprising of 109 no. residential apartments (Use class C3 (a)) with access, parking provision, amenity space, landscaping and associated works at 32-52 London Road, Hazel Grove,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission; and

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in the light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to parking.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report seeks the views of the Committee on the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review.

The Area Committee is recommended to give its views on the proposed polling arrangements.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the Committee on the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members were pleased to note that the polling station with zero voters had been merged with another polling station.

·         It was suggested that NW3 was large for a single polling district and a request was made for consideration to be given to splitting it into two polling districts.

·         HZ4 was also large, being the entirety of the Bosden Farm Estate, and a further request was made to consider the possibility of splitting it into two districts.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) -  Bus Pinch Points – Highway Improvements, Dialstone Lane proposals. It also seeks a recommendation to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services) on whether to approve the amendments to the carriageway layout to provide two traffic lanes approaching the signals from the Hurdsfield Road junction, upgrades to bus stops, pedestrian improvements to improve access to bus stops, side road junction build-outs to improve crossing points and new parking restrictions to reduce congestion caused by parked vehicles including the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to the implementation of the revised Bus Pinch Points Proposed Highway Improvements, Dialstone Lane, Stockport scheme and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders set out in Appendix D and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made, to be funded from the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Transforming Cities Funding.

Officer Contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) - Bus Pinch Points – Highway Improvements, Dialstone Lane proposals. It also sought a recommendation to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services) on whether to approve the amendments to the carriageway layout to provide two traffic lanes approaching the signals from the Hurdsfield Road junction, upgrades to bus stops, pedestrian improvements to improve access to bus stops, side road junction build-outs to improve crossing points and new parking restrictions to reduce congestion caused by parked vehicles including the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The loss of parking spaces on Dialstone Lane was due to the requirement for additional width to extend the two-lane approach; thereby requiring additional no waiting restrictions on Dialstone Lane.

·         TfGM had modelled the traffic signals at the junction; in peak hours, the time saving was estimated as 30 seconds for vehicles on the A6 with no detriment to vehicles on Dialstone Lane. The rate of return on this scheme was reported to be high because of the cumulative time savings.

·         Whilst a separate right turn lane at the junction would have been beneficial, it was acknowledged that the size of the scheme did not allow for it. Any opportunity to look again at the possibility of introducing a right turn lane would be welcomed.

·         This scheme was likely to be of benefit to private vehicles in the main, which would include buses and improvements to bus stops.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the implementation of the revised Bus Pinch Points Proposed Highway Improvements, Dialstone Lane, Stockport scheme and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders set out in Appendix D and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made, to be funded from the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Transforming Cities Funding.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions at the junction of College Close and Canada Street in Heaviley.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £900 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton allocation).

Introduce No Waiting at Any Time:

College Close

North West side from the North Eastern kerb line of Canada Street for a distance of 6 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from the North Eastern kerb line of Canada Street for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Canada Street

North East side from a point 5 metres North West of the North Western kerb line of College Close in a South Easterly direction to a point 5 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of College Close (to tie in with the aforementioned on College Close).

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions at the junction of College Close and Canada Street in Heaviley.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £900 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

College Close

North West side from the North Eastern kerb line of Canada Street for a distance of 6 metres in a North Easterly direction.

South East side from the North Eastern kerb line of Canada Street for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Canada Street

North East side from a point 5 metres North West of the North Western kerb line of College Close in a South Easterly direction to a point 5 metres South East of the South Eastern kerb line of College Close (to tie in with the aforementioned on College Close).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval to extend ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on part of Hatherlow Lane in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £850 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove allocation):

Revoke No Waiting Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm:

Hatherlow Lane

North West side from the South Western kerb line of Napier Street for a distance of 5 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Extend No Waiting at Any Time:

Hatherlow Lane

North West side from the South Western kerb line of Napier Street for a distance of 5 metres in a South Westerly direction.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to extend ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on part of Hatherlow Lane in Hazel Grove.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A resident had contact members in relation to dangerous parking as a result of the lack of no waiting at any time restrictions.

·         A request was made for consideration to be given to no waiting at any time restrictions to be extended down Napier Street.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertisement of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £850 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove ward allocation):-

Revoke No Waiting Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm:

Hatherlow Lane

North West side from the South Western kerb line of Napier Street for a distance of 5 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Extend No Waiting at Any Time:

Hatherlow Lane

North West side from the South Western kerb line of Napier Street for a distance of 5 metres in a South Westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the cost for the installation of 20 mph roundel carriageway markings in Woodsmoor.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the installation of 20 mph roundel carriageway markings in Woodsmoor, as set out in the report, at a cost of £2,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Norbury and Woodsmoor allocation).

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the cost for the installation of 20 mph roundel carriageway markings in Woodsmoor.

Members welcomed this scheme and hoped it would encourage drivers to drive at the 20 mph speed limit.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of 20 mph roundel carriageway markings in Woodsmoor (as detailed in the report) at a cost of £2,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Norbury & Woodsmoor ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for a deviation from the council’s policy on providing disabled parking facilities.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine whether to approve a deviation from the policy as set out in the report.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for a deviation from the council’s policy on providing disabled parking facilities.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members welcomed a consultation on this matter with local residents.

·         Members queried the age of the two disabled parking bays and asked if there was any data on the regularity of their use.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the deviation from the Council’s standard policy that no more than 10% of available road space should be dedicated to disabled parking, and that the Director of Place Management be authorised to undertake a consultation with affected residents, as detailed in the report, prior to the installation of new advisory disabled bays markings at Hodder Bank, Offerton. 

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out a proposal for improvements to the play opportunities at Cheviot Road play area by adding trim trail balancing items.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources gives approval the allocation of £5,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Norbury and Woodsmoor ward) to fund new play area equipment at Cheviot Road Play Area.

Officer contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal for improvements to the play opportunities at Cheviot Road play area by adding trim trail balancing items.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to improvements to the play opportunities at Cheviot Road play area by adding trim trail balancing items at a cost of £5,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Norbury & Woodsmoor ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Stepping Hill Area.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider an application for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund received from Dial Park Nursery for a grant of £750 from Offerton ward allocation for project infrastructure and planting materials to build and establish a vegetable garden within the Nursery’s outdoor area.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie at nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Stepping Hill Area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Dial Park Nursery for a grant of £750 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Offerton ward allocation) for project infrastructure and planting materials to build and establish a vegetable garden within the Nursery’s outdoor area.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report requests the Area Committee to nominate a Councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the council at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors.

Officer contact: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email: jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to nominate a Councillor to lay a wreath on behalf of the council at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

RESOLVED –That Councillor Dominic Hardwick be nominated to lay a wreath on behalf of the council at Hazel Grove War Memorial on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 and ward discretionary budget funding (approved only). 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: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.