Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 October 2023 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 Interests

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair encouraged residents to check local listings for Christmas events and referred to the Bosden Farm Christmas Markets which were scheduled to take place on Sunday, 3 December 2023.

The Chair informed the Committee that this year’s Remembrance Services had been well attended and thanked all involved in the services.

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

It was reported that was no written update on neighbourhood policing matters and that no representative of the Neighbourhood Policing Team had been available to attend the meeting.

Members requested that an update on neighbourhood policing issues be available for the next meeting of this Area Committee as those updates were valuable for local residents.

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:

·         Regarding the Stepping Hill Hospital Travel Plan.

RESOLVED - That, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

No petitions were submitted.

The Assistant Director for Infrastructure will attend the meeting in relation to the progress towards the submission by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust of their travel plan for Stepping Hill hospital.

Jamie Birtles (Assistant Director for Infrastructure, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to provide an update in relation to the progress towards the submission of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Travel Plan for Stepping Hill hospital.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: -

·         It was reported that Stepping Hill hospital had provided the council with a submission on the travel plan in June 2023 upon which officers had made extensive comments. The plan was found by the council not to have met expectations in terms of promoting behavioural change around parking along with meaningful actions for the future.

·         The hospital provided a revised travel plan in September 2023 which the council found to be much improved. In the past two weeks the council had returned to the hospital with final comments with suggestions to strengthen the proposal element of the plan including asking who would be in charge of the travel plan coordination and to cement proposals designed to promote behavioural change.

·         It was important to note that ownership of the travel plan rested with the hospital, however the plan was a living document which should be refreshed, reviewed, and monitored. To that end, the council planned to remain in contact with the hospital over the coming years with regard to the travel plan to ensure it remained fit for purpose.

·         In response to a query on the anticipated timeframe for the finalised travel plan, it was reported that, although the hospital did not have a timescale that they were obligated to meet, the council expected a response after Christmas.

·         Members commented on the efforts made by council officers to ensure that the travel plan would be fit for purpose, balancing the need to have the travel plan in place in a timely manner with the need for it to be of the correct standard.

·         Members commented on the need for actions and accountability in relation to the plan going forward. It was key that there should be ownership of the plan by an individual at the hospital who should be directly responsible and accountable for the plan. That individual could be invited to attend future meetings of the Area Committee to discuss the plan.

RESOLVED – (1) That Jamie Birtles be thanked for his attendance.

(2) That the updates related to the progress of the travel plan be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks on preventing prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure and a health walk.

A representative of the Africa and Caribbean Community Association attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £138.42 from the Ward Flexibility Fund towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day with health talks on preventing prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure and a health walk.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 from the Ward Flexibility Fund towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks on preventing prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure and a health walk.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Feel Good Feminist Fightclub CIC for a grant of £300 towards the cost of organising an event for World Women’s Wellness Day to promote physical, mental and emotional wellness amongst women in the Stockport community.

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Feel Good Feminist Fightclub CIC for a grant of £300 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of organising an event for World Women’s Wellness Day to promote physical, mental and emotional wellness amongst women in the Stockport community.

Members raised queries in relation to this application relating to the funding request, other sources of income and collaboration with other organisations.

RESOLVED – That the application from Feel Good Feminist Fightclub CIC be declined on this occasion on the grounds that the Area Committee had a number of concerns and queries in relation to the application that were unable to resolved in the absence of the applicant.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £154 towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

A representative of Hurricanes Cheerleading attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £154 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £154 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Victorious Stars Morris Dancers for a grant of £1000 towards the cost of providing uniforms and dresses to take part in regional competitions.

A representative of Victorious Stars Morris Dancers attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing uniforms and dresses to take part in regional competitions.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from of Victorious Stars Morris Dancers for a grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of providing uniforms and dresses to take part in regional competitions.

At 7.48 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 7.58 pm.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Erection of Retirement Living Housing (Category 2 type accommodation), associated communal facilities, landscaping and car parking following the demolition of the existing buildings. 

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/089009 for the erection of Retirement Living Housing (Category 2 type accommodation), associated communal facilities, landscaping and car parking following the demolition of the existing buildings at Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, Davenport,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.

Detailed application for the provision of an artificial grass pitch, floodlighting and associated works. 

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/089162 for a detailed application for the provision of an artificial grass pitch, floodlighting and associated works at Stockport School, Mile End Lane, Great Moor, 

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

Separation of existing residential annexe to form new dwelling.

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 no. DC/089238 for the separation of existing residential annexe to form new dwelling at 147 Buxton Road, Hazel Grove, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission

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

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic 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 Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on delivering Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan, initial thoughts on how the £5,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is to be allocated and support for Large Local Centres.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1)  Note the progress made in developing the Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan.

(2)  Provide feedback on initial ideas for priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

(3)  Note the plans to develop an information portal to support businesses and organisations in large Local Centres. 

Officer contact: Richard Daniels on 0161 218 1621 or email richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on delivering the Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan, initial thoughts on how the £5,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund was to be allocated and support for Large Local Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         The importance of local events was noted and it was reported that the Hazel Grove Carnival had added a 300 per cent footfall increase in Hazel District Centre on the day of the carnival.

·         Members commented positively on the progress on the district centre action plan and invited councillors outside of the ward to contribute to ideas for the district centre and its budget.

·         The limitations on the capacity of the district centre officers was noted, but they were committed nonetheless to support smaller centres and local businesses. Members were encouraged to contact officers with requests for assistance.

·         It was reported that the flagpole at the Civic Hall flagpole had been moved and was now accessible by the Royal British Legion.

·         It was commented that the new planters at the corner of Commercial Street and Church Street were a good addition and brightened up the area. Whilst it was noted that there was not an abundance of space in Hazel Grove District Centre, where possible, the addition of planters was a positive move.

·         Members also commented on the importance of signage and requested consideration be given to additional signage within the district centre which might help to bring trade into the area or help residents to discover parts of the centre that they had not previously been aware of.

·         It was confirmed that plans were in place to adapt the current car parking signage, along with a map for traders showing local car parks. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

At the Budget Council Meeting on 23 February 2023, approval was given to the allocation of £0.260m to fund the creation and administration of a Ward Discretionary Budget to provide each ward with an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

Members are invited to identify priorities, or proposed allocations, for the Ward Discretionary Budget.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance invited Members to identify priorities, or proposed allocations, for the Ward Discretionary Budget.

RESOLVED – That any nomination of priorities or proposals for the use of the Ward Discretionary budget be made to the representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – 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. 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 – 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 details 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.