Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 26 January 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 Interest

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

It was reported that there would be a Spring Market in Cheadle Hulme on the 18 March 2023 and residents were encouraged to attend.

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

It was reported that the Neighbourhood Police Sergeant was unable to attend the meeting due to operational requirements. The Chair informed the Committee that representatives would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee in April 2023.

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.

Three public questions were submitted relating to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Rushside Road, Cheadle Hulme (and nearby surrounding roads)  asking when the last 'on the ground' survey was done on the affected roads, whether it would be possible to look into no drop off/ pick up signs, H bar markings across residential driveways and double yellow lines around the affected areas, and asking whether alternative arrangements could be made for parents when dropping off and picking up their children from St James’ Catholic High School.

As the questioners were not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

It was stated that the proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Rushside Road, Cheadle Hulme (and nearby surrounding roads) had been suggested following extensive consultation with local residents and a substantial majority was found in favour of the proposals. Members stated that they would consider any other solutions  presented by residents and would pass the comments raised to officers for consideration.

Two public questions were submitted relating to issues around the footpaths and access for elderly and disabled people to Bramhall Health Centre on Bramley Close, asking when residents could expect progress in relation to the scheduled path.

In response, it was stated that part of the planning application for the development on Bramley Close included the extension of the current pavement to make the walkway larger and more accessible. Whilst various solutions were being considered by the Highways department, the proposals could not be implemented prior to the commencement of the development and approval from the Area Committee.  Members stated that further updates would be communicated with residents once known.

As one of the questioners was not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £300 (£100 from Bramhall North, £100 from Bramhall South & Woodford and £100 from Cheadle Hulme South wards allocation) towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the Kings Coronation.

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the Kings Coronation.

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 Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 (£47.61 from Bramhall North, £47.61 from Bramhall South & Woodford and £47.61 from Cheadle Hulme South wards allocation) towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

A representative of Help the Hatters attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Help The Hatters for a grant of £142.83 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47.61 from Bramhall North, £47.61 from Bramhall South & Woodford and £47.61 from Cheadle Hulme South ward allocations) towards to costs of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

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 Deputy Chief Executive 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 Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of Existing Outbuildings to erect 3 detached Single Storey Dwellings with the Retention of the Existing Flora Cottage.

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

Officer contact: Brian McParland by email at brian.mcparland@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/086472 for the demolition of Existing Outbuildings to erect 3 detached Single Storey Dwellings with the Retention of the Existing Flora Cottage at Flora Cottage, 438 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport, SK7 1QS, it was 

resolved - That the consideration of this application be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee due to reports that demolition had begun in relation to Flora Cottage as such the application could not be approved in its current form.

Construction of a new section of highway to the west of the Eden Park roundabout including a segregated bi-directional cycle lane and pedestrian footway, together with associated drainage and landscaping works

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC/086881 for the construction of a new section of highway to the west of the Eden Park Roundabout  including a segregated bi-directional cycle lane and pedestrian footway, together with associated drainage and landscaping works at Eden Park Roundabout, Handforth Bypass, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle,

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.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic 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 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 Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance 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 Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on developing Action Plans for Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme including recommendations on how the £5,000 for 2022/23 is to be allocated.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1) Note the partnership approach to developing the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Action Plans;

(2) Comment on the actions within the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Action Plans;

(3) Comment on the allocation of funding to priority projects listed in Section 4.3 of the report. 

Officer Contact: Helen Walters on 0161 474 3734 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the developing Action Plans for Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme including recommendations on how the £5,000 for 2022/23 is to be allocated.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Officers thanked Area Committee Members for their support and reported that they had received a volume of good feedback from groups and businesses.

·         Members welcomed how residents and business’ were driving the process and improvements to date building on existing work, as opposed to being led by Stockport Council employees.

·         It was highlighted there had been a series of interesting ideas raised during the course of the meetings with local groups and businesses, however not all changes requested by residents were in the council’s power to grant. It was stated that issues around dated shopping precincts and shop frontage could not be addressed by the council as they were privately owned, and encouraged the officers to engage with private business owners in the spirit of partnership.

·         In response, it was stated that there was an ongoing piece of work to create a database of the ownership of the properties within the area in order to engage with the businesses.

·         It was commented that the district centres were equally as important as the town centre development.

·         It was stated that there would need to be flexibility in funding allocations.

·         Thanked officers for their work in supporting the development of the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme district centres and for facilitating the workshops.

·         It was commented that there was low engagement from business in the night-time economy. Members suggested that there could be a second forum during the day to allow representatives from these businesses to attend.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the Area Committee with proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informs the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application will enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations are in force.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Brown on 0161 474 4843 or email: jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informed the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers which would enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations were in force.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was queried what the funds raised from traffic contravention enforcement would be used for.

·         In response, Members were advised that the money was ringfenced for specific highways purposes and improving road safety including the administration and maintenance of the system.

·         It was noted that there was a newspaper publication referencing the ‘bus gate’ on Heaton Lane and monetary figures collected and queried where this money had been spent.

·         In response, it was commented that any subsequent fines from the camera enforcement were to be used to cover the maintenance, management and enforcement costs. However, in relation to the figures and spends associated, a written response would be provided.

·         It was felt that the council should be in responsible of its own area and the powers should be used for the right reasons, in the right areas in consultation with Ward Members.

·         It was noted that the number of enforcement officers were substantially down over the last six years.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a number of objections made in relation to a proposed ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order’ on Rushside Road, Cheadle Hulme and other nearly roads.

The Area Committee is recommended to make the order as advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allan on 0161 474 3138 or by email at zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of objections made in relation to a proposed ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order’ on Rushside Road, Cheadle Hulme and other nearly roads.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders in this area were in response to concern from local residents over a number of years. As a result, a formal public consultation was carried out in which the substantial majority was found in favour of the proposals.

·         It was commented that, in relation to the earlier public questions, the Area Committee would consider all the additional suggestions from residents, however action was required to alleviate the issues for residents in the nearby vicinity.

·         It was commented that the safety of the junction was paramount, and the additional suggestions raised via the public questions would be passed to officers for consideration.

RESOLVED – That notwithstanding the objections, the order be made as advertised.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has undertaken a review of the council’s electoral arrangements and made recommendations for new warding patterns, to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of the borough’s new warding arrangements is that the existing boundaries of the council’s seven area committees are no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the revised boundaries for area committees and to make a recommendation for consideration by the Cabinet prior to a final decision being made by the Council Meeting on 30 March 2023.

Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of the Council’s electoral arrangements and recommendations for new warding patterns to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of those new warding arrangement was that the existing boundaries of the Council’s seven area committees were no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be in place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the Council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was noted that the current proposal was relatively minor, however there were discussions for a wider review in the next municipal year which was considered timely and a sensible approach.

·         It was commented that the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee boundary was suitable for the area.

·         It was commented that other boundaries including the NHS, police and neighbourhood areas should be taken into account when making decisions in relation to Area Committee boundaries.

·         It was noted that the Area Committee boundaries had not been reviewed in a number of years.

·         It was commented that Stockport was the first authority within Greater Manchester to establish a system of area governance with the aim to facilitate decision making at a more local level.

·         It was felt that whilst the proposal did not have significant implications for Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee, it did for other Area Committee’s and so welcomed individual consultation prior to a decision being taken.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations contained within the report be endorsed.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Bramall to hold an Open Air Theatre - William Shakespeare Twelfth Night on Sunday 25 June at 16:00 until 21:00 and will require access from 12:00 until 22:00.

The open Air Theatre will take place on the Croquet Lawn, South side of the Hall. Public will bring their own seating and are also encouraged to bring a picnic. Maximum capacity is 500.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Emma Warrington on 0161 474 2314 or email: emma.warrington@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Bramall Hall to hold an Open Air Theatre – William Shakespeare Twelfth Night on the Croquet Lawn at Bramhall Park on Sunday 25 June at 16:00 until 21:00, with access from 12:00 until 22:00.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Bramall Hall to hold an Open Air Theatre – William Shakespeare Twelfth Night on Sunday 25 June from 16:00 until 21:00, with access from 12:00 until 22:00, subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

The report details an application from Bramhall Hall to hold an Open Air Theatre – Bad Dad by David Walliams on Friday 25 August 2023 at 16:00 until 21:00, access will be required from 12:00 until 22:00.

The proposed location for the event will be the Croquet Lawn, south side of the Hall in Bramhall Park. The maximum capacity for ticket sales is 500 people.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Emma Warrington on 0161 474 2314 or email: emma.warrington@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Bramall Hall to hold an Open Air Theatre – Bad Dad by David Walliams on the Croquet Lawn at Bramhall Park on Friday 25 August 2023 at 16:00 until 21:00, with access from 12:00 until 22:00.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Bramall Hall to hold an Open Air Theatre – Bad Dad by David Walliams on Friday 25 August 2023 at 16:00 until 21:00, with access from 12:00 until 22:00, subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

The report details an application from Mountfield Rovers JFC to hold their annual end of season funday at Lumb Lane Recreation Ground on 1 July 2023.

The event would run from 9:00 until 17:00 and access would be required from 7:00 until 18:30. This local, family orientated funday will consist of a penalty shoot out, small children’s inflatables, end of season presentation gazebo and a sport coaching area.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Emma Warrington on 0161 474 2314 or email: emma.warrington@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Mountfield Rovers JFC to hold their annual end of season funday at Lumb Lane Recreation Ground on Saturday 1 July 2023 at 9:00 until 17:00, with access required from 7:00 until 18:30.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Mountfield Rovers JFC to hold their annual end of season funday at Lumb Lane Recreation Ground from 9:00 until 17:00 on 1 July 2023, with access from 7:00 until 18:30, subject to the event organiser obtaining the correct permissions including Health and Safety paperwork, insurances and payment of agreed fees and charges.

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: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email: georgia.latham@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 the progress of the decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.