Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 December 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the amendment of the nature of the interest declared by the Chair at that meeting to delete “as an objector to the application present at the meeting was known to her” and its replacement therefor with “as she knew a representative of RSK Group who was party to the application and who was in attendance at the meeting”.

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

The Chair will present certificates to recognise local people who have been nominated by members of the public for their contributions to the community.

The Chair announced that the Council had recently launched a rolling programme of ‘Community Hero’ civic awards to celebrate the achievements of those residents who ‘went the extra mile’ but often went unrecognised.

It was reported that Helen and David Buszard had been nominated by Councillor Brian Bagnall as a community hero in the ‘Borough Hero’ category

The Chair then presented an award in the form of a framed certificate signed by the Mayor to the winner along with along with a pass to attend Stockport’s museums and cultural attractions as a token of appreciation.

To receive any 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 the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The Chair reported that representatives of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting on this occasion.

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 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.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

Chris Pollitt (Senior Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental and highways issues within the area represented by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was requested that a waste bin be located adjacent to the passageway which runs between Totnes Avenue and Grange Road, Bramhall.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the duration of the works taking place at junction of Turves Road and Albert Road, Cheadle Hulme.

·         Clarification was requested in relation to the extent of drainage works on Hulme Hall Road, Cheadle Hulme as the highway had only recently been resurfaced.

·         Further information was requested on progress towards addressing loose paving stones under the railway bridge on Station Road, Cheadle Hulme.

RESOLVED – That Chris Pollitt be thanked for his attendance.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details a proposal to undertake drainage Investigation works on Moor Lane, Woodford following a request from local councillors.

(NOTE: This item was not included on the agenda on the date of publication, and the Chair will be asked to agree to the consideration of this item as a matter of urgent business).

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the undertaking of the investigation and surveys at a cost of £6,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation).

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 0161 474 2419 or email: chris.pollitt@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Area Committee could consider a proposal to undertake urgent drainage works)

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to undertake drainage investigation works on Moor Lane, Woodford following a request from local councillors.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the undertaking of the initial drainage surveys and works on Moor Lane, Woodford at a cost of up to £6,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation).

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 Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

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

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

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 Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Single storey front porch, two storey side extension and part two storey/part single storey rear extension.

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

Officer contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659 or email: mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC066334 for a single storey front porch, two storey side extension and part two storey/part single storey rear extension at 8 Moor Lane, Woodford,

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the residential amenity of adjacent properties.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Paul Cassidy on 474 5388 or email: paul.cassidy@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

It was commented that the enforcement notice listed in respect of 17 Shiredale Close, Cheadle Hulme was in Cheadle Hulme North ward and therefore fell within the purview of Cheadle Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report presents proposals for rationalised waiting and loading restrictions (traffic regulation orders) within Bramhall District Centre following a review being undertaken having considered the responses received during the consultation exercise. 

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing gives approval to the package of traffic regulation orders detailed in Appendix B of the report.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson or Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4351 or 0161 474 4907 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk or nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for rationalised waiting and loading restrictions (traffic regulation orders) within Bramhall District Centre following a review being undertaken having considered the responses received during a consultation exercise.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing be recommended to give approval to the package of traffic regulation orders detailed in Appendix B of the report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details the outcome of a request for an investigation to be conducted into inconsiderate parking around the area of the Ladythorn Road / Dairygound Road junction, causing visibility issues for drivers negotiating the junction safely, as well as causing concerns for pedestrians / residents.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the package of Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix A to the report, and subject to no objections being made received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders at a cost of £1,750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Craig Peet on 0161 474 4813 or email: craig.peet@stockportport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the outcome of a request for an investigation to be conducted into inconsiderate parking around the area of the Ladythorn Road / Dairygound Road junction, causing visibility issues for drivers negotiating the junction safely, as well as causing concerns for pedestrians and residents.

In response to a question in relation to the potential for the introduction of driveway protection markings on Dairyground Road, Bramhall in addition to the Limited Waiting traffic regulation orders detailed within the report, it was stated that such markings would not be necessary and would duplicate the proposed traffic regulation orders and which would have a similar effect to driveway protection markings.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the package of Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Appendix A to the report, and subject to no objections being made received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders at a cost of £1,750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details a proposal to undertake a feasibility study to see if there are measures which could improve the visibility for drivers exiting Hollythorn Avenue onto Ack Lane West, Bramhall.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the undertaking of a feasibility study at a cost of £750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South and Woodford ward allocation).

Officer contact: Craig Peet on 0161 474 4813 or email: craig.peet@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to undertake a feasibility study to see if there are measures which could improve the visibility for drivers exiting Hollythorn Avenue onto Ack Lane West, Bramhall.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the undertaking of a feasibility study to investigate the potential for the introduction of measures to improve visibility for drivers exiting Hollythorn Avenye onto Ack Lane West, Bramhall at a cost of £750 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South and Woodford ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details proposals to undertake a feasibility study to investigate the potential to locate dropped kerbs including tactile paving on a desire line that pedestrians would use, to cross Heathbank Road from Claremont Road to Highfield Road and subsequent works.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the undertaking of a feasibility study and to make provision for the installation of dropped kerbs on Heathbank Road at a cost of £2,550 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme South Ward allocation).

Officer contact: Craig Peet on 0161 474 4813 or email: craig.peet@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to undertake a feasibility study to investigate the potential to locate dropped kerbs including tactile paving on a desire line that pedestrians would use, to cross Heathbank Road from Claremont Road to Highfield Road and subsequent works.

It was commented that the Council had previously undertaken similar crossing improvement works adjacent to schools in the past which had been funded centrally rather than from the Delegated Budget.  In response, it was stated that alternative funding streams would be sought for the works, however in the eventuality that this was not possible, the Area Committee needed to make budgetary provision in order that the works could still proceed. 

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the undertaking of a feasibility study and to make provision for the installation of dropped kerbs and tactile paving on the pedestrian desire line for crossing Heathbank Road from Claremont Road towards Highfield Roadat a cost of £2,550 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme South Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details a proposal to undertake an investigation and feasibility study to look at proposals to introduce options of kerbs, bollards etc. to protect the grass verges along Church Lane, Woodford fronting properties 1 to 3.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the undertaking of an investigation and feasibility study on Church Lane, Woodford at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South and Woodford ward allocation).

Officer contact: Eraina Smith on 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to undertake a feasibility study to investigate different options to protect the grass verges

along Church Lane, Woodford.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the undertaking of an investigation and feasibility study with regard to proposals to introduce options of kerbing and bollards to protect the grass verges along Church Lane, Woodford fronting properties 1 to 34 at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South and Woodford ward allocation).

To consider a joint report of the Head of Culture & Leisure and Head Of Highways & Transportation

This report is an update for members covering operational performance at Bramall Hall over the past 12 months and future event programming for 2018.

This report describes early outline proposals to improve car parking in Bramhall Park with a view to increasing capacity for visitors to the Hall, Park and Cafe.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Alison Farthing on 0161 474 4469 or email; alison.farthing@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a joint report of the Head of Culture & Leisure and Head Of Highways & Transportation (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the operational performance of Bramall Hall over the past 12 months and future event programming for 2018.

The report also provided an overview of early outline proposals to improve car parking in Bramhall Park with a view to increasing capacity for visitors to the Hall, Park and Café.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Investigations were ongoing in relation to the provision of additional surface car parking for Bramhall Park.  The preferred option was to use Council owned land along Bramhall Lane South with a review of drainage, utilities and flooding currently underway.  A sum of £100,000 had been allocated to undertake the necessary feasibility studies to assess the suitability of the site.

·         With regard to the use of the archery lawn for event parking, a discussion took place in relation to mitigation measures which could be implemented to protect the lawn from any resultant damage.  In the short term, metal sheeting had been sourced to protect the lawn from damage caused by parking which might occur, particularly during periods of wet weather.

·         The view was expressed that proposals to use the archery lawn for overspill parking on up to four occasions a year was reasonable.

·         The archery lawn also needed to be protected from its continued use as a thoroughfare by visitors to the Hall and park which had worn a path through the centre of the lawn.

·         Greater use of the park and ride facility at Hazel Grove should be made to reduce the demand on the limited parking available at the park.

·         In response to a comment that the number of visits to the Hall from local schools had not fully recovered since the Hall had reopened, it was stated that further work needed to be done to publicise the fact that the Hall was now open to schools within the Borough.

·         Concern was expressed that proposals to alleviate parking problems were still in their infancy two years since the Area Committee expressed the view that this needed to be dealt with urgently.

·         It was suggested that discussions should be held between event organisers and the Brookdale Club in relation to the use of their car park on event days.

·         The Area Committee should be involved at an early stage on any proposal to provide alternative parking provision.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Head of Culture & Leisure and Head of Traded & Growth.

This report introduces a consultation process proposing a change to opening hours at Bramall Hall to enable the Council to generate more income from weddings and other functions.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Richard Timperley on 0161 474 3444 or email: richard.timperley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a joint report of the Head of Culture & Leisure and Head of Traded & Growth (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed consultation process with regard to a change to opening hours at Bramall Hall to enable the Council to generate more income from weddings and other functions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The proposal was to close Bramall Hall to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays to allow for weddings and other income generating functions.

·         It was noted that Sundays were the most popular time for public visits to the Hall.

·         Consideration should be given to opening the Hall on Mondays to mitigate against the closure of the Hall on Saturdays.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the communication strategy for the proposed operational changes to the opening hours of the Hall.

·         Saturdays represented the second busiest day for the Hall in terms of visitors, only marginally behind Sundays and therefore the impact of the proposed closure would be significant.

·         The Friends of Bramall Hall and Park should be invited to attend a future meeting of the Area Committee to provide their views on the proposals.

·         It would not be feasible to continue to have limited opening hours on a Saturday in addition to holding an event due to the preparation necessary to set-up for events.

·         The proposal should be considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee prior to the conclusion of the consultation period.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider reports of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report details an application from Stockport Council's Museum Service to put on a performance of David Walliams' The Midnight Gang in Bramhall Park on Saturday, 14 July 2018.

Members are requested to note that the application was previously considered by the Area Committee at is meeting on 14 December 2017 at which permission was refused on the grounds that the applicant had failed to make adequate provision for parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer Contact: Iain Bate on 0161 474 4421 or e mail: iain.bate@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from the Council's Museum Service to hold an open air theatre production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet In Bramhall Park on 29 June 2018.

It was noted that the application was previously considered by the Area Committee at is meeting on 14 December 2017 at which permission was refused on the grounds that the applicant had failed to make adequate provision for parking.

RESOLVED - (1) That the resolution of the Area Committee on 14 December 2017 to refuse the application (executive decision reference ACEDB378) be rescinded.

(2) That the application be granted subject to the applicant making the necessary provision to mitigate and protect against the potential for damage to the Archery Lawn when used for event parking.

The report details an application from Stockport Council's Museum Service to put on a production of Romeo and Juliet in Bramhall Park on Friday, 29 June 2018.

Members are requested to note that the application was previously considered by the Area Committee at is meeting on 14 December 2017 at which permission was refused on the grounds that the applicant had failed to make adequate provision for parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer Contact: Iain Bate on 0161 474 4421 or e mail: iain.bate@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Council's Museum Service to hold an open air theatre production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet In Bramhall Park on 29 June 2018.

It was noted that the application was previously considered by the Area Committee at is meeting on 14 December 2017 at which permission was refused on the grounds that the applicant had failed to make adequate provision for parking.

RESOLVED - (1) That the resolution of the Area Committee on 14 December 2017 to refuse the application (executive decision reference ACEDB379) be rescinded.

(2) That the application be granted subject to the applicant making the necessary provision to mitigate and protect against the potential for damage to the Archery Lawn when used for event parking.

The report details an application from Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club to hold a charity duck race and family fun day in Bramhall Park on Sunday, 20 May 2018.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer Contact: Iain Bate on 0161 474 4421 or e mail: iain.bate@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club to hold a charity duck race and family fun day in Bramhall Park on Sunday, 20 May 2018.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

The report details an application from Stockport Council's Schools Sport Partnership Team to host the annual Olympic sports event in Bramhall Park on Tuesday, 3 July 2018.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

Officer Contact: Iain Bate on 0161 474 4421 or e mail: iain.bate@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated)  detailing an application received from Stockport Council’s Schools Partnership Team for the use of Bramhall Park for the Schools Olympic Legacy Trail on 3 July 2018.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

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: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and Ward Delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.