Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2011

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 September 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

There were no announcements made.

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

Inspector Brendan O’Brien (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues with the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The Chair reported that this would be the last meeting that Inspector O’Brien would be attending in his capacity as Neighbourhood Inspector as he was taking up an appointment elsewhere within the Division. On behalf of the Area Committee the Chair thanked Inspector O’Brien for his hard work in the East Area Neighbourhood Policing Team and wished him success in his new role.

A number of Councillors echoed the words of the Chair in thanking Inspector O’Brien.

The following additional issues were raised:-

• Since Inspector O’Brien had taken up his current post in 2008, crime in the Offerton area had reduced by 24% and anti-social behaviour by 51%. For the Stepping Hill area (including Hazel Grove) the reductions in crime had been 25% and antisocial behaviour 26%. This was due to effective partnership working and the efforts of the community.
• Close collaboration between the Police, Council and licensees had resulted in a much improved situation in Hazel Grove during the evenings.
• There had been significant strides made in Offerton in reducing crime and engaging with the community, including successful participatory budgeting, tackling loan sharks and bringing the Social Club back into community use. This had even been recognised at a European level.
• Anecdotal evidence suggested that the perception of safety in Hazel Grove had been much improved in recent years.
• Residents were reminded that in order to discourage burglars they should give the impression of their houses being occupied during the darker evenings by leaving a light on.

RESOLVED – That Inspector O’Brien be thanked for his attendance.

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 at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

No public questions were submitted.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at previous committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environment quality.

Chris Yuille (Streetscene Manager) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

• A trial excavation on Rutters Lane had been programmed to address drainage issues.
• Further work had been carried out to make safe the depressions on Hatherlow Road, Hazel Grove prior to a survey to determine the causes of the collapse. Concern was expressed about the length of time taken to address the problems at this location. It was explained that where there was a dispute over responsibility the Council were required to provide proof to United Utilities of their responsibility, which often led to delays.
• A new repairs and maintenance policy had recently been agreed by the Executive which set out the timescales for repairing the highway.

Adam Cunningham (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/ comments made:-

• Action was being taken to have the ‘abandoned’ vehicle in Jackson’s Lane removed.
• A litter pick had been arranged with a resident who had breached a legal notice, in lieu of a fine.
• Further investigation was needed to establish ownership of land near a railway bridge in Woodsmoor where litter had accumulated.

RESOLVED – That Adam Cunningham and Chris Yuille be thanked for their attendance.

Local Development Framework – Allocations Development Plan

It is hoped that the open forum will provide the opportunity for councillors and members of the public to ask questions and to discuss Allocations Development Plan (DPD) that sets out the Council’s proposals for land and buildings on significant sites which are likely to be subject to major development proposals. It will inform the allocation of land for a range of uses, including housing, employment, services and transport infrastructure as well as site designations for environmental as well as heritage protection. In addition there will also be policies to inform development proposals on specific sites.

 In addition it is the intention to use the forum to raise awareness of the Allocations DPD and to encourage the public to contribute to the process by feeding back through the formal consultation process.

The main documents themselves will go live on Monday 17th October 2011 at www.stockport.gov.uk/allocationsdpd.

Representatives of the Service Director (Place Development) attended the meeting and made a presentation on the consultation on Stockport’s Allocations Development Plan Document that would support the spatial vision, objectives and strategic priorities of the Core Strategy and would inform the allocation of uses of land in the borough. The views of councillors and members of the public were sought.

The following issues were raised:-

·        There had been a suggestion that the site currently occupied by Offerton Sand and Gravel could be used for housing and open space. It was clarified that the quarry was protected by other plans as needing to be maintained for mineral extraction. When the current permission as a quarry expired part of the site would return to open space as it was in the green belt. A briefing note had been prepared outlining the issues.

·        Questions were asked about how much flexibility was available within the policy to allow for changes in land designation. It was clarified that the policy was designed to ensure allocations, such as greenbelt, were well protected but that it was hoped that the current consultation process would mean that the allocations identified would be suitable for some time.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.

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

There were no petitions submitted.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

High Peak Woodturners

To consider an application for £556.71 for a new lathe to increase opportunities for members and new members.

Mr Bagnall and Mr Peters of the High Peak Woodturners attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors on their application for Area Funding toward the cost of a new lathe to facilitate the expansion of the group and work with young people in local schools.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £556.71 to the High Peak Wood Turners for the purchase of a variable speed lathe.

There are no planning applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services)

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: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services)

The report details proposals for changes to Polling Districts and Polling Stations as a result of the Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following the completion of the four-yearly review.

The Area Committees is requested to consider the proposals made to the polling district and polling station changes within their own Wards and make comment.

Officer contact: Julie Baron/ Karen Randles, 0161 474 3268, Julie.baron@stockport.gov.uk / Karen.randles@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to give consideration to proposals for changes to Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following the conclusion of a statutory review.

Councillor Goddard suggested that the New Life Community Church, Marple Road be used as a polling station for Polling District UA in preference to Offerton High School.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Returning Officer be recommended to investigate the feasibility of using the New Life Community Church on Marple Road as a polling station for Polling District UA of the Offerton Ward in preference to the current station at Offerton High School.

(2) That, subject to resolution (1) above, the remaining recommendations of the Returning Officer in so far as they relate to the Hazel Grove, Offerton and Stepping Hill Wards be supported.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Orrell.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

The Chair outlined concerns she had over a proposal contained in a recent consultation document suggesting that the bus stop SG1614 on Dialstone Lane in the vicinity of Dial Road be relocated 7 metres further north on the road as part of proposals for an integrated route treatment on Dialstone Lane. She suggested that the proposal would cause unnecessary conflict with motorists exiting Dial Road and Magda Road and suggested that this proposal be removed from the scheme.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to delete the proposed relocation of bus stop SG1614 from the proposals for an integrated route treatment on Dialstone Lane in view of the Area Committee’s concerns about the impact on safety on road users.

To consider Ward Committee referrals:-

(i)                 Public Art in Hazel Grove

(ii)               Suggestions for the location of a memorial for Ken Raikes

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Hazel Grove Ward Committee on 11 October 2011 had referred the following matters to the Area Committee for consideration:-

(i)           Public Art in Hazel Grove

Councillor Corris reported that the Ward Committee had expressed concern that the public art that had been planned for Hazel Grove to be funded from commuted sum payments from the Sainsbury’s Supermarket development had not yet been installed. He also reported that since the meeting he had discussed the matter further with officers who were now progressing the scheme.

(ii)         Suggestions for the location of a memorial for Ken Raikes

Councillor Hogg reported that the Ward Committee had discussed suggestions for possible locations for a memorial to the late Ken Raikes, former Hazel Grove District Steward as a tribute to his hard work and dedication to Hazel Grove and the views of the Area Committee were sought on the suggestions of (a) the benches at the junction of the A6 and Commercial Road; (b) the Memorial Park and (c) the garden adjoining Beech House.

RESOLVED – (1) That the referrals from the Hazel Grove Ward Committee on 11 October 2011 be noted.

(2) That the Area Committee would support the suggestion that the proposed memorial to Ken Raikes be installed at the garden adjoining Beech House, Hazel Grove.

There are no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

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 (copied of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to allocate up to £500 to support the proposal to erect a memorial for Ken Raikes should this be required.