Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Suzanne Wyatt be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Frankie Singleton be appointed Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2022 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

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

It was noted that Bramhall Festival would be taking place on Saturday 9 July 2022, with markets opening at 11am and a parade taking place at 2pm.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that no member of the local police force had been available to attend this meeting of the Area Committee.

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.

4 public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to levels of traffic on Bramley Close and whether a date had been set for the implementation of a 20mph speed limit.

In response, it was noted that this question related to Item 11 later on the agenda, and the implementation of a 20mph speed limit would be decided during this item.

·         Relating to construction traffic on Bramley Close and whether previous agreement with the developer to provide a designated on-site parking area for these vehicles would be enforced.

In response, it was noted that this issue was covered by a condition on providing a traffic management plan within the planning application.

·         Relating to the regularity with which Council enforcement officers would be monitoring building works on Bramley Close.

In response, it was noted that enforcement was a time-intensive issue, but that any breaches of planning conditions should be reported so that they could be investigated by officers.

·         Relating to the recreation funding made available via the development at 2 Bramley Close, and how this funding would be spent in the local area.

In response, it was commented that the funding would be split between providing recreational facilities at Lumb Lane Park and with general recreation space funding for the wider borough. Ward Members expressed dissatisfaction that not all of the funding would be used within the local area in Bramhall.

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

Councillor Ian Powney reported on the receipt of a petition, signed by 250 signatories, calling on the Council to provide greater road safety measures along Ack Lane West, near the junction with Yew Tree Park Road, including a pedestrian crossing, 20mph speed limit and associated signage.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Traffic Services for investigation.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

This report updates Members regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021. It provides an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where, and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and providing an overview of how the funding scheme worked, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund had been allocated and where, and how Members could help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members were encouraged to advertise the availability of the CAN funding in their local areas and to encourage local community groups to contact the CAN Team if they needed support in developing ideas.

·         Applications for larger sums of money, above £500, were now being considered by the CAN Team. Members queried whether this would be applied retroactively, but it was commented that no previous application had exceeded the £500 limit.

·         Examples of CAN schemes were provided such as, insulation in community halls, fuel-using park equipment being replaced by electric equipment, biodiversity enhancement such as tree planting and veg growing, awareness is also important.

·         Members questioned how the CAN funding had been promoted previously. It was commented that members of the CAN team had attended Area Committees, held climate assemblies in local schools and would be holding a CAN summit on 15 July 2022 which local people were invited to attend in person or online.

·         Members highlighted that it was important not to exclude residents who could not be engaged digitally, for instance by providing paper copies of CAN information to local libraries.

·         Members thanked officers for their work on this project and supported the goal of mitigating and reducing local carbon emissions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Representatives of Sustainable Bramhall will make a presentation on grass verge management, the use of glyphosate weedkiller and respond to questions from Councillors.

Representatives of Sustainable Bramhall attended the meeting to make a presentation on grass verge management and the use of glyphosate weedkiller.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Sustainable Bramhall outlined that they are a community group for Bramhall residents which advocated for the use of ecologically sustainable practices in the local area. The group had led activities such as local litter-picks, wildflower walks, orchard planting at Woodford Recreation Ground, and planning for the use of solar panels in Bramhall precinct.

·         It was noted that the group supported ‘No-mow May’, a project encouraging people not to mow their gardens in the month of May, encouraging the growth of grass, plants and wild flowers. This was due to concerns over a decline in insect populations via habitat loss and pesticide use, and the consequent issues that this was creating for the global food chain.

·         The group called on Stockport Council to engage in the ‘No-mow May’ project, and to end its use of glyphosate weed killer on council-owned land, due to the damage that it could cause to the soil, wildlife and local residents.

·         It was suggested that signage explaining why green spaces were left to grow wild would be crucial in gaining public support and in changing widespread ‘neat and tidy’ attitudes toward public green spaces.

·         It was noted that the council was planning to phase-out its use of glyphosate weed killers, however Members suggested that this could be done more quickly. It was noted that the increased costs of non-glyphosate weed killers had been prohibitive in speeding up this process.

·         Members were supportive of the ideas raised by Sustainable Bramhall, and noted that the council was taking a very serious approach to the climate crisis. 

·         Members requested a copy of the presentation made by Sustainable Bramhall, so that it could be passed on to the relevant Members to take further action on local issues of ecological sustainability.

RESOLVED – That the representatives of Sustainable Bramhall be thanked for their attendance.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Friends of Bramhall Hall and Park for a grant of £1,200 (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing distinguishable uniforms for the volunteers in the following colours:-

·       bottle green for the gardening volunteers, and

·       wine red for the hall volunteers.

A representative of Friends of Bramall and Park attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £1,200 (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing distinguishable uniforms for the volunteers in the following colours:-

·         bottle green for the gardening volunteers, and

·         wine red for the hall volunteers.

Members thanked the representative for their attendance and for the work of the volunteers at Bramall Hall and Park.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Friends of Bramhall Park for a grant of £1,200 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing distinguishable uniforms for the volunteers.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Friends of Shahnameh for a grant of £270 (£100 from Bramhall North, £100 from Bramhall South & Woodford and £70 from Cheadle Hulme South ward allocations) towards the cost of a half a day festival on 15 May 2022 ‘Celebrating Diversity’  to help people integrate in the society and come out of isolation, connecting with each other. The festival would be a half a day festival / celebration for over 200 people with talks, music and Q&A sessions, reading poetry in English and Persian, so language barrier in Persian speaking communities will be addressed.

A representative of Friends of Shahnameh attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £270 (£100 from Bramhall North, £100 from Bramhall South & Woodford and £70 from Cheadle Hulme South ward allocations) towards the cost of a half a day festival on 15 May 2022 ‘Celebrating Diversity’ to help people integrate in the society and come out of isolation, connecting with each other. The festival would be a half a day festival / celebration for over 200 people with talks, music and Q&A sessions, reading poetry in English and Persian, so language barrier in Persian speaking communities will be addressed.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Friends of Shahnameh for a grant of £270 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£100 each from the Bramhall North and Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocations and £70 from Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) towards the cost of a half a day festival on 15 May 2022 ‘Celebrating Diversity’ to help people integrate in the society and come out of isolation, connecting with each other.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Ryecroft Park Sports Club for a grant of £600 (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation only) towards the cost of relocating a defibrillator outside the clubhouse which would be available 24/7 for future need and would need to be housed in a bright yellow box with a keypad.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Ryecroft Park Sports Club for a grant of £600 (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation only) towards the cost of relocating a defibrillator outside the clubhouse which would be available 24/7 for future need and would need to be housed in a bright yellow box with a keypad.

Members expressed their support for the application, however noted that the request was for a significant sum of money given the limited Area Committee funds and suggested deferring the application to the next meeting which the applicant could attend.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee at which the applicant could attend the meeting. 

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Renew Stockport – Iranian Community Support for a grant of £300 (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of training amateur actors (refugees & asylum seekers) to perform  a drama for Farsi speakers in Stockport.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Renew Stockport – Iranian Community Support for a grant of £300 (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of training amateur actors (refugees & asylum seekers) to perform a drama for Farsi speakers in Stockport.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this item be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee at which the applicant could attend the meeting. 

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Defibulous for a grant of £1,626 (Bramhall North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a defibrillator and lockable box to ensure the safe storage of the defibrillator.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Defibulous for a grant of £1,626 (Bramhall North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing and maintaining a defibrillator and a lockable box for storage.

Members expressed their support for the application and defibrillators generally, however noted that there needed to be a degree of co-ordination in the placement of defibrillators to ensure that the distribution of defibrillators was equitable across the borough. It was requested that a map of defibrillator locations was provided for Members information. In response it was reported that an item on Automated External Defibrillators was considered at Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee which outlined the council’s plans to publish a definitive list of public defibrillators which would be accessible through the council’s website.

RESOLVED - That consideration of this item be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee at which the applicant could attend the meeting. 

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & 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 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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Variation of Condition 1 of permission DC027913, to increase the number of child places from 43 (as approved by DC053894) to 60.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 0161 474 3550 or email: jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/082630 for the Variation of Condition 1 of permission DC027913, to increase the number of child places from 43 (as approved by DC053894) to 60 at Daisybank Nursery, Bramhall,

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 the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation to undertake a site visit.

A part one storey part two storey front extension, a single storey rear extension, a two storey rear extension, a single storey side extension and external alterations.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Sophie Anderson on 0161 474 3295 or email: sophie.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/083441 for a part one storey part two storey front extension, a single storey rear extension, a two storey rear extension, a single storey side extension and external alterations at Woodland, Ladybrook Road

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 the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation to undertake a site visit.

Erection of a detached garden room. New boundary wall.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Sophie Anderson on 0161 474 3295 or email: sophie.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/084372 for the erection of a detached garden room and a new boundary wall at 2 Ridgmont Road, Bramhall

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Erection of a garden office.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Sophie Anderson on 0161 474 3295 or email: sophie.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/084487 for the erection of a garden office at 18 Lumb Lane, Bramhall

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

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 Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South 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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) 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 Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and agree whether it wished to make an allocation from its Delegated Budget towards the provision of additional bulb planting within its area.

Officer contact: Peter Cooke on 0161 474 4851 or email: peter.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To seek approval for the supply and installation of additional repeater signage and carriageway markings in relation to the 20mph Speed Limit on Bramhall Park Road, Bramhall between the junctions of Park Gates Drive and Carrwood Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the supply & installation of additional repeater signage and carriageway markings in relation to the 20mph Speed Limit on Bramhall Park Road, Bramhall between the junctions of Park Gates Drive and Carrwood Road, at a cost of £1,256.20 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) which sought approval for the supply and installation of additional repeater signage and carriageway markings in relation to 20mph speed limit on Bramhall Park Road, Bramhall between the junctions of Park Gates Drive and Carrwood Road.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the supply and installation of additional repeater signage and carriageway markings in relation to 20mh speed limit on Bramhall Park Road, between the junctions of Park Gates Drive and Carrwood Road, to be funded at a cost of £1256.20 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise and to seek approval for the introduction of a Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) ‘20mph Speed Limit’.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport approves the legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) set out in Appendix A and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made.

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) ‘20mph speed limit’.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member be recommended to give approval for the introduction and legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) on Bramley Close, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order to be funded at a cost of £2,230 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation):-

Bramley Close Bramhall

’20mph Speed Limit Order’ for its entire length heading in a south easterly direction from Bramhall Lane South to Bramley Road.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise and to seek approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made.

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders on Carrwood Avenue, Bramhall and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall North ward allocation):-

Revoke Existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) - ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Carrwood Avenue, Bramhall

East Side: From the southerly kerb line of Carrwood Road for a distance of 15 meters in a southerly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) - ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Carrwood Avenue, Bramhall

East Side: From the intersection of the southern kerb line of Carrwood Road for a distance of 39.5 meters in a southerly direction.

direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise and to seek approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ at the Mayfield Road/Queensgate junction.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ covering the junction of both Mayfield Road and Queensgate, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can made.

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ at the Mayfield Road/Queensgate junction.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulations Orders at the Mayfield Road/Queensgate junction and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Schedule

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Mayfield Road – Both Sides:

From the intersection of the southern kerb line of Queensgate, for a distance of 10 meters in a southerly direction.

Queensgate – South Side:

From a point, 10 meters west of the intersection of the western kerb line of Mayfield Road, to a point 10 meters east of the intersection of the of the eastern kerb line of Mayfield Road.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol is attached for information.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons in accordance with the Protocol.

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

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Bramhall North Ward

Councillors Alanna Vine and Frankie Singleton

Bramhall South & Woodford Ward

Councillors Brian Bagnall and Ian Powney

Cheadle Hulme South Ward

Councillor Suzanne Wyatt

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email: georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (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.