Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 June 2023 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

It was announced that a circus would be taking place in Bramhall Park on 13 August, and there was a Park Use Application on the agenda for open-air cinema at Oak Meadow Park on 27 August.

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

It was reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police was unable to attend the meeting due to personal commitments. It was noted that a written update had been provided by Greater Manchester Police and circulated to Members in advance of the meeting. The Chair informed the Committee that representatives would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee in September 2023, however welcomed any neighbourhood policing questions or issues to be raised.

Members raised an incident at the Pointing Dog in Cheadle Hulme and reassured members of the public that, despite rumours of knife crime, there had been confirmation from Greater Manchester Police that whilst there had been a serious incidence of violence, there was no knife crime. It was reported that the police, Public Protection team and Community Safety team at the Council were working closely with the licensee and those affected to explore future preventative measures. Any witnesses were encouraged to come forward and contact Greater Manchester Police through the anonymous Crimestoppers service or alternatively via their local councillors.

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 a request for a 10mph speed limit on Shackleton Road, Woodford Garden Village.

In response, it was commented that there was an item on the agenda relating to the Moving Traffic Regulation Order, 20mph Speed Limit on Woodford Garden Village, Woodford and stated that the issues raised within the public questions by residents would be discussed under this item

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.

In addition, three public questions were submitted relating to issues on Bramley Close as follows:-

·         Relating to a building plot on Bramley Close, which had been sold to a new developer and whether this would result in a redesign of the properties which planning permission was approved for. Additionally, residents asked for reassurance that new development would not slow down ongoing feasibility studies into improving accessibility for residents on footpaths.

In response, Members stated there would not be a review or redesign of the current planning permission, unless the new owner of the land were to submit a new or revised application. Members stated that it would be possible that there would be an overlap with ongoing feasibility studies for accessibility along Bramley Close and the development and that this had been taken into consideration.

·         Relating to a new 20mph speed limit which was placed on Bramley Close, stating that the road was a rat run for commuter traffic and that more action needed to be taken to tackle ongoing traffic issues.

In response, Members stated that the observations of the questioner would be considered at the appropriate time.

·         Relating to parking restrictions on Bramley Close, requesting restricted parking on both sides of the road and a resident permit scheme being put in place.

In response, Members stated that there were conflicting views amongst residents regarding the restrictions in place. However, the proposal for restrictions on both sides of the road was considered unacceptable due to parking availability and not in keeping with the desires of all residents.

In addition, one public question was submitted relating to a recent public consultation regarding the introduction of a residents parking permit scheme to address parking issues on Maple Road, raising issues with the results of the consultation and requesting that the Area Committee support a rerun of the consultation with more accurate and informative wording to prevent misunderstanding within the community.

In response, it was commented that there was an item on the agenda relating to the resident's permit parking consultation results on Maple Road, Bramhall and stated that the issues raised within the public question would be discussed under this item.

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 questioner in writing.

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 Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust / New Horizons for an overall grant of £1,000 (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

A representative of New Horizons Windows attended the meeting and submitted an application from Stockport Canal Boat Trust / New Horizons for an overall grant of £1,000 (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Stockport Canal Boat Trust / New Horizons for a grant of £142.86 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Social Events Activities for an overall grant of £1,000 (£150 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of promoting the social side of the group by purchasing paper, printer ink, receipt books, stamps, making telephone calls and taking photographs.

A representative of Social Events Activities attended the meeting and submitted an application for an overall grant of £1,000 (£150 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of promoting the social side of the group by purchasing paper, printer ink, receipt books, stamps, making telephone calls and taking photographs.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Social Events Activities for a grant of £150 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of promoting the social side of the group by purchasing paper, printer ink, receipt books, stamps, making telephone calls and taking photographs.

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

Extension to existing car park to increase the number of spaces from 29 to 39.

The Area Committee is recommended to refuse planning permission.

Officer contact: Dominic Harvey on 474 3544 or email: dominic.harvey@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/081309 for an extension to an existing car park to increase the number of spaces from 29 to 39 at Bramhall Manor Care Centre, 2 Hardy Drive, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 2BW, it was

RESOLVED – That temporary planning permission be granted for a period of three years or within six months of the expiration of the existing contract with NHS Stepping Hill described in the submitted Planning Statement (whichever is sooner) subject to the imposition of a condition to secure details of the construction and drainage of the proposed area, surfacing details and requiring that the applicant return the site to its previous state following the expiration of the temporary planning permission.

Ground and first floor extensions to the front and rear of the property and various internal modifications.

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

Officer contact: Aisling Monaghan by email: aisling.monaghan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/088340 for ground and first floor extensions to the front and rear of the property and various internal modifications at 356 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport, SK7 1QG, it was

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

Retention of outhouse.

The Area Committee is recommended to refuse planning permission.

Officer contact: Aisling Monaghan by email: aisling.monaghan@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/088342 for the retention of outhouse at 22 Carrwood Avenue, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 2PY, it was

RESOLVED – That the application be withdrawn at the request of the applicant.

Demolition of the existing single storey rear extensions to be replaced by a single storey rear and side extension.

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

Officer contact: Ethan Smyth by email: ethan.smyth@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/088653 for the demolition of the existing single storey rear extensions to be replaced by a single storey rear and side extension at 31 Moor Lane, Woodford, Stockport, SK7 1PW, it was

RESOLVED - That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Two storey rear extension, loft conversion including formation of gable roof, with front and rear dormers.

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

Officer contact: Osian Perks by email: osian.perks@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/088649 for a two storey rear extension, loft conversion including formation of gable roof, with front and rear dormers at 435 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport, it was

RESOLVED - That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

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 Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance.

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.

This report details the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget and the delegation arrangements for the making of decisions with regard to those proposed allocations.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note that each ward has been allocated an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

(2) Give approval to the identification of those priorities, or proposed allocations, on a ward-by-ward basis.

(3) Work with officers to draw up formal costed proposals that have the full support of all Members of the ward for submission to a future meeting of the area committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

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) detailing the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget and the delegation arrangements for the making of decisions with regard to those proposed allocations.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In relation to the £0.260m allocated to support the creation of a Ward Discretionary Budget, it was queried where the surplus of £0.050m would be allocated.

·         It was noted that the Ward Discretionary Budget was separate from the existing Delegated Budget of £10,750, however acknowledged that the Ward Discretionary Budget may be used to fund schemes that could also fall within the scope of the Delegated Budget.

·         It was queried whether there were any rules, guidance or restrictions to assist Members in determining how to spend the budget. 

·         In response, it was commented that the report stated that any proposed allocations from the budget must support the environmental, economic or social wellbeing of residents within the ward and that Members were asked to work with officers to draw up formal costed proposals that have the full support of all Members of the ward for submission for a future meeting of the Area Committee for a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources,

·         Members queried the reporting arrangements of the Ward Discretionary Budget

·         In response, it was stated that the Area Committee’s progress reports would include a further appendix providing a budget update position in the same way that the ward flexibility and ward delegated budgets were currently reported on.

·         It was commented that Ward Members were asked to identify their priorities for the use of their allocation.  Following the identification of these priorities, the relevant officers would then be asked to draw up formal proposals for submission to a future meeting of the Area Committee at which time Members would be asked to make a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources who had been authorised to give final approval for the release of funding allocations in the light of the recommendations from the area committees and the expectation that it would be accompanied with the full support of all members in the ward.

·         It was queried whether the expectation that the budget would be spent in the 2023/24 municipal year was an absolute requirement as it was commented that it can take longer to implement schemes than expected.

·         It was commented that Members would welcome the ability to carry funding beyond the municipal year.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That ward Members work with officers to draw up formal, costed proposals that have the full support of all councillors for the relevant the ward for submission to a future meeting of the Area Committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - Estate & Asset Management.

The report provides information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and asks Members to determine the nomination whether Bramhall Green Guides HQ should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that Bramhall Green Guides HQ should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value.

Officer Contact: Paul Edgeworth on 0161 218 1934or email: paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Assistant Director - Estate & Asset Management (copies of which had been circulated) which provided information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid and requesting Members to determine the nomination whether Bramhall Green Guides HQ should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the addition of Bramhall Green Guides HQ to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report outlines a proposal to rectify an administrative error.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services gives approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the A6 CMMM Budget:-

Revocation of Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting Mon-Sat 7.30am-6.30pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side

From the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 86 metres in a south westerly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting Mon-Sat 7.30am-6.30pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side

From the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 23 metres in a south westerly direction.

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side

From a point, 47 metres southwest of the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 39 metres in a south westerly direction.

Proposed ‘Limited Waiting to 30 minutes, no return within 1 hour, Mon-Sat 9am-

5pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side

From a point, 23 metres southwest of the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road for a distance of 24 metres in a south westerly direction.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which outlined a proposal to rectify an administrative error.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the A6 CMMM Budget:-

Revocation of Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting Mon-Sat 7.30am-6.30pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side
From the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 86 metres in a south westerly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting Mon-Sat 7.30am-6.30pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side
From the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 23 metres in a south westerly direction.

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side
From a point, 47 metres southwest of the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road, for a distance of 39 metres in a south westerly direction.

Proposed ‘Limited Waiting to 30 minutes, no return within 1 hour, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm’

Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme – Northwest Side
From a point, 23 metres southwest of the south westerly kerb line of Hulme Hall Road for a distance of 24 metres in a south westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise undertaken to ascertain resident's appetite for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on Maple Road, Bramhall.

The Area Committee is recommended to acknowledge and ratify Network Management’s recommendation that no further action be taken in this area as the representations received at consultation do not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme as per Stockport’s Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan on 0161 474 4409 or email: nicola.ryan@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) which detailed the findings of a consultation exercise undertaken to ascertain resident's appetite for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on Maple Road, Bramhall.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the report stated that the consultation results made it clear that there would be no reason to pursue a residents permit parking scheme on Maple Road, Bramhall, however the earlier public question had queried this conclusion.

·         It was commented that the of the people who had responded to the consultation, 94% were in favour of the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme, however 50% of households that were consulted had not responded which meant that the overall responses received at 50%, did not meet the required 51% criteria to enable the progression of a permit scheme.

·         It was commented that it was understood why the threshold had caused confusion amongst residents given the requirement was 51% of all those entitled to vote and included residents who chose to abstain.

·         It was commented that residents may have felt that, as there was a strong case of support, they weren’t required to vote.

·         It was noted that the threshold had been set to ascertain the level of support for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme.

·         In response, a statement was read out on behalf of the responsible officer advising that the consultation was carried out with all residents in order to determine how much support there was for a resident parking scheme to be introduced.  However, only 50% of residents responded to the consultation which is 1% less than the required criteria (point 4.18 of the Residential Parking Policy refers) and therefore, in line with the approved Residential Parking Policy, Network Management recommendation was that no further action be taken as the required support was not received. In addition, Members were advised that even if 51% of residents had responded to the consultation, it was highly unlikely that they would meet the required criteria as explained in detail within the desk-top study presented to Area Committee at the meeting on 20 April 2023.

·         It was understood that requesting a rerun of the consultation was against the principles of the residents parking scheme and that the only person who could overrule this would be the Cabinet Member.

·         It was felt that it was the view of residents that the consultation be rerun.

·         It was queried whether the scheme would meet the criteria to qualify for a residents parking permit scheme even if the consultation be rerun and threshold met.

·         Concerns were raised in relation to the implication of granting a rerun of a public consultation for future residents applying for a parking permit scheme.

·         It was requested that a copy of the criteria for residents parking permit scheme be shared with Members.

RESOLVED – (3 for, 2 against, 2 abstentions) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to consider a rerun of the consultation for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on Maple Road, Bramhall.

To consider a joint report of the Director for Place Management and the Assistant

Director - Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report details the objections made in relation to the proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order - 20mph Speed Limit on Woodford Garden Village, Woodford.

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

Officer Contact: Zoe Allan by email: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a joint report on behalf of the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed the objections made in relation to the proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order - 20mph Speed Limit on Woodford Garden Village, Woodford.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that there had been a public question regarding Shackleton Road, which would be covered by the Moving Traffic Regulation Order.

·         Clarification was requested in relation to the speed limit proposals for the whole of Woodford Garden Village. 

·         It was commented that Stockport Council could not approve a 10mph limit as requested in objections and public questions, as a 10mph speed limit would require consent from the Secretary of State.

·         Members requested that Redrow be asked to consider signage highlighting children playing on the roads in proximity to the nearby park.

RESOLVED – That, having considered a number of objections to the proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order - 20mph Speed Limit on Woodford Garden Village, Woodford, the Area Committee agreed that notwithstanding the objections, the order be made as advertised.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Friends of Oak Meadow Park in collaboration with On the Green Events to hold an open-air cinema at Oak Meadow Park on Sunday, 27 August 2023, between the hours of 6:00pm and 11:00pm, with access required from 4:00pm until 11:300pm to set up and close down the event.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, traffic/parking management plan health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) which detailed an application from Friends of Oak Meadow Park in collaboration with On the Green Events to hold an open-air cinema at Oak Meadow Park on Sunday, 27 August 2023, between the hours of 6:00pm and 11:00pm, with access required from 4:00pm until 11:300pm to set up and close down the event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Friends of Oak Meadow Park in collaboration with On the Green Events to hold an open-air cinema at Oak Meadow Park on Sunday, 27 August 2023, between the hours of 6:00pm and 11:00pm, with access required from 4:00pm until 11:30pm to set up and close down the event, subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, traffic/parking management plan health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

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 and 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.

Members commented that the carriageway repairs proposal on Blossoms Lane had been returned to officers to be rewritten and re-costed to seek an alternative, lower cost solution. In addition, it was noted that a number of the enquiries within the resume had been misallocated to wards.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.