Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 3 December 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 acknowledged the strong community response to the flooding which took place over the New Year period. The Chair requested those residents affected by the flooding to contact the council if they had not already done so in order to ensure issues could be resolved and included within the Independent Flood report.

The Chair reported that Reverend Josh Askwith from Norbury Church was moving to a Welsh diocese. On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair thanked the Reverend for his work in the community including the recent Remembrance Sunday Service and Holocaust Memorial Service.

The Chair announced that a new sensory garden had opened at Hazel Grove Life Leisure.

The Chair announced that a 'Call for Sites’ had been ongoing since December. As part of the work being undertaken to develop a new Local Plan for Stockport, the council had asked people to identify land or sites they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. A ‘Call for Sites’ exercise was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest land or buildings within Stockport for development, a change to alternative uses or to protect land or buildings for their existing use. This would help to inform the evidence base which would underpin the Stockport Local Plan. The ‘Call for Sites’ was scheduled to close on Sunday, 2 February 2025.

Further information related to Call for Sites was available on the council’s website at consultation.stockport.gov.uk and anyone could submit details via the website (which was the preferred method), or via email or post. Queries should be directed to the Planning Policy team on 0161 474 4395 or local.plan@stockport.gov.uk.

The Chair also reminded members about the council’s involvement in the Government Design Code Pathfinder Programme. One of the key aims of the design code project was to 'reduce opposition to new development, by empowering local communities to set standards that they expected all new development to meet, by winning hearts and minds.' The Stockport Design Code website had been set up and early engagement had commenced which was due to run until 21 February 2025. This could be found at www.stockportdesigncode.co.uk. Everyone who lived, worked in or visited Stockport was invited to take part. Members were requested to spread the word around their local communities.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting and a written update had not been circulated in advance of the meeting.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members had raised concerns on behalf of residents about off-road bikes and the police had confirmed that work was ongoing to tackle that issue. Residents were urged to report incidents along with any information about off-road bikes to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

·         The Bee in the Loop app could also be used by members of the public to report information to the police.

·         Members reported that there had been a recent successful raid of a cannabis farm on London Road.

·         Members also reported that the police had carried out patrols at the Fiveways junction in relation to vehicles jumping red lights.

·         A Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting covering the Stepping Hill Area Committee area was expected to take place in March 2025.

RESOLVED – That the comments and contributions 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.

One public question was submitted as follows: -

• Relating to the Stepping Hill Travel Plan.

In response, members acknowledged the frustrations residents have experienced in relation to the delays to the Travel Plan and undertook to write to Stepping Hill Hospital to request information about the completion date for the Travel Plan.

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 Governance reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Opern Forum arrangements.

To consider an application received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £141 towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application on behalf of Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £141 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting ‘Fabulously Me’ ball/prom event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £141 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of hosting ‘Fabulously Me’ ball/prom event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director of 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 Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge. This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the MTFP.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and is invited to seek clarification from the Cabinet Member on any of the contents.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs by email on emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTPF).

The report details proposals in relation to Torkington Park Car Park.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members commented that, whilst introducing charges at previously free car parks was regrettable, this measure necessary due to funding requirements.

·         Members raised concerns over the potential for displacement of car parking onto nearby residential streets. In response it was stated that those residents within a 100 metre radius of the car park would be a part of a residents’ permit parking scheme.

·         Members commented that the proposed car park charges were reasonable.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the objection made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for Waiting/Loading Restrictions for the A5143 – A6 to Bramhall Park Scheme.

The Area Committee is requested to:

(1)  note all Traffic Regulation Orders and 20mph Speed Limit Order where objections have been received and considered by officers, and

(2)  recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approves the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) (Waiting/Loading Restrictions) and a variable 20mph Speed Limit Order (SLO) be made as originally advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allen on 0161 474 3138 or email zoe.allen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the objection made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for Waiting/Loading Restrictions for the A5143 – A6 to Bramhall Park Scheme.

RESOLVED – (1) That all Traffic Regulation Orders and 20mph Speed Limit Orders where objections have been received and considered by officers be noted.

(2) That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to approve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) (Waiting/Loading Restrictions) and the introduction of a variable 20mph Speed Limit Order (SLO) as originally advertised.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the objections received in response to the legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) at the junction of College Close and Canada Street in Heaviley.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the report and determine how it wishes to proceed.

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 07527 387 146 or email max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the objections received in response to the legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) at the junction of College Close and Canada Street in Heaviley.

RESOLVED – That, in the light of the objections received, the order be amended as follows:-

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.

College Close - South East side from the North Eastern kerb line of Canada Street for a distance of 5 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 sets out the findings of a consultation exercise for the Integrated Transport Block funded 20mph speed limit zone for a residential estate to the north of Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove within the Norbury & Woodsmoor Ward.

The Area Committee is requested to provide a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services on whether to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders in Appendix B and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders can be made.

Officer contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email gillian.kidd@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 Integrated Transport Block funded 20mph speed limit zone for a residential estate to the north of Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove within the Norbury & Woodsmoor Ward.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the scheme, particularly as residents had raised concerns about speeding in the area.

·         In the light of a number of schools within the area, it was important to reduce traffic speeds.

·         Members stated that they would like to see 20 mph zones in other areas across the Stepping Hill Area Committee area, in accordance with the Council’s ‘Twenty is Plenty’ motion.

·         It was reported that the council had a 20 mph policy across the borough and that schemes were being rolled out, often funded by developers or as part of major schemes on nearly main roads.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders in Appendix B of the report 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) Integrated Transport Block fund.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report requests the allocation of £2,430 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Offerton) towards the purchase and install of three community noticeboards for the Offerton Ward.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £2,430.00 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Offerton ward allocation) towards the purchase and installation of three community noticeboards.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the allocation of £2,430 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Offerton) towards the purchase and installation of three community noticeboards for the Offerton Ward.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources be requested to approve the allocation of £2,430.00 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Offerton ward allocation) towards the purchase and installation of three community noticeboards.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Morleys Funfair to hold a Family Funfair at Torkington Park on 3 to 6 July 2025. The funfair would be open from 1 pm to 9.30 pm, with access required from Monday, 30 June and rides leaving the site on Monday, 7 July 2025.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received by the council from Morley’s Funfair to hold a Family Funfair at Torkington Park on 3 to 6 July 2025.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Morleys Funfair to hold a Family Funfair at Torkington Park on 3 to 6 July 2025, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold a Carnival Fun Day at Torkington Park on 19 July 2025 from 9 am until 5 pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold the Hazel Grove Carnival at Torkington Park on 19 July from 9 am to 5 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold the Hazel Grove Carnival at Torkington Park on 19 July from 9 am to 5 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Morleys Funfairs to hold a May Day Fun Weekend at Torkington Park on 3 to 5 May 2025. The event will be open from 11 am to 6 pm with access required from 1 May and the rides and attractions to vacate by 9 pm on 5 May 2025.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Morleys Funfairs to hold a May Day Fun Weekend at Torkington Park on 3 to 5 May 2025 from 11 am to 6 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Morleys Funfairs to hold a May Day Fun Weekend at Torkington Park on 3 to 5 May 2025 from 11 am to 6 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Fairway Primary School PTA who wish to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Fairway Primary School PTA who wish to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Fairway Primary School PTA who wish to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park and other sites, as part of The Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from 4 Seasons Events Group to hold an Easter themed Kids Adventure Kingdom Inflatable World & Childrens Funfair Event at Torkington Park on 18 to 21 April 2025. The event will be open from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm with access required from 15 April and the attractions to leave the site on 22 April 2025.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from 4 Seasons Events Group to hold an Easter themed Kids Adventure Kingdom Inflatable World & Children’s Funfair Event at Torkington Park on 18 to 21 April 2025 from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from 4 Seasons Events Group to hold an Easter themed Kids Adventure Kingdom Inflatable World & Children’s Funfair Event at Torkington Park on 18 to 21 April 2025 from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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.