Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 November 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.

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed residents of the following:-

·         It was announced that Trek had occupied the old Sainsburys building in village square. Members hoped that this would bring increased footfall and cyclists into the village.

·         It was reported that Sustainable Bramhall had sought financing for cycle parking, with discussions between Members and the organisation ongoing.

·         It was reported that work was ongoing to boost footfall in district centres and that a Food & Groove event was scheduled to take place in Bramhall Village Square on Saturday 9 March.

·         It was announced that an event celebrating Chinese New Year was scheduled to take place in Bramhall Village Square on Saturday 10 February.

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 operational commitments. It was noted that a written update had been 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 March 2024 and welcomed any neighbourhood policing questions or issues to be raised.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was reported that Operation AVRO would be taking place across the borough on a date in February. Members expressed their thanks to Greater Manchester Police for arranging this and hoped the borough would benefit from the concentration of resources.

·         It was highlighted that the crime statistics had decreased which was positive.

·         Members expressed their thanks to the Neighbourhood Police team for their regular reports and highlighted how useful they were.

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.

A number of public questions were submitted with regard to the feasibility study on Bramley Close and in relation to the Section 106 agreement at Bramley Close, including parking, Tree Preservation Orders and fences.

As the questioner 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.

A petition was presented on behalf of residents of Hillbrook Road, Bramhall, signed by 18 signatories, calling on the Council to consider introducing a new parking scheme along the full length of the road.

Members requested that officers discuss the issue with ward councillors during the investigation.

RESOLVED - That the petition be referred to Highways for investigation.

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 Woodford Cricket Club for a grant of £930 (Bramhall South & Woodford ward only) towards the cost of providing facilities and equipment to enable safe and inclusive training sessions for the club’s girls team.

A representative of Woodford Cricket Club attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £930 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation) towards the cost of providing facilities and equipment to enable safe and inclusive training sessions for the club’s girls team.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Woodford Cricket Club for a grant of £930 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation) towards the cost of providing facilities and equipment to enable safe and inclusive training sessions for the club’s girls team, subject to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources giving approval to a virement from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Hesketh Park and Mellor Green for a grant of £400 (£400 from Cheadle Hulme South ward only) towards the cost of upgrading equipment used to enhance the appearance and usability of the park spaces.

A representative of Friends of Hesketh Park and Mellor Green attended the meeting and submitted an application for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) towards the cost of upgrading equipment used to enhance the appearance and usability of the park spaces.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Friends of Hesketh Park and Mellor Green for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) towards the cost of upgrading equipment used to enhance the appearance and usability of the park spaces.

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 Director for Place Management 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. 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 (Monitoring Officer) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Minor Material Amendment to application DC/082350 to amend approved plans (Condition 2).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and an updated Section 106 Agreement.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/089331 for a Minor Material Amendment to application DC/082350 to amend approved plans (Condition 2) at 13 Regent Close, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1JA, it was

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

Demolition of single-storey conservatory and construction of two-storey rear and side extensions and balcony to the rear with elevational alterations (Re-submission of DC/089930).

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC/090550 for the demolition of single-storey conservatory and construction of two-storey rear and side extensions and balcony to the rear with elevational alterations (Re-submission of DC/089930) at 32 Eskdale Avenue, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1DU

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 consideration of this application be deferred to a future meeting of the Committee pending further discussions with regard to privacy concerns relating to the proposed bay window.

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 Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Strategy.

The report provides an update on the One Stockport: One Future work and seeks feedback on the proposed approach to delivering this work.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees on 07989 208640 or email: kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Strategy submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the One Stockport: One Future work and seeking feedback on the proposed approach to delivering this work.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the inclusion of clean, green transport as an ambition and commented on the need to connect local areas and communities within the borough through public transport and the benefits that this would have.

·         Members highlighted the importance of the long term vision and key themes shared in the update. It was reported that external partners had responded positively to the ambition shown and it was hoped that this would continue to gather support.

·         Members expressed their thanks to officers and Members for the ongoing work and reiterated the importance of collaborative working in future.

·         It was queried how the plan would address changing patterns of residential and employment habits, with many residents working outside of the borough and highlighted the need to work alongside neighbouring authorities.

·         In response, it was stated that ongoing consideration would be given to creating jobs within the borough alongside new homes. Furthermore, it was agreed that partnership with other local authorities was important and that the update would serve as a pitch to other authorities to encourage engagement.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for People and Integration

This report describes the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.  This is an ambitious and key programme of work for the Council and Partners and is a key priority in the Council Plan, Borough Plan and One Future.  It will enable better integration and collaboration in our neighbourhoods across our public, private, Voluntary Community Faith and Social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations to deliver on priorities.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note the report.

(2) Request further updates on this programme at a frequency to be agreed.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson on 07800 617 588 or email: carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health and Director of Strategy submitted a report on behalf of the Executive Director for People and Integration (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was queried how the plan would be filtered down to residents, to ensure that people received the best help possible.

·         In response, it was stated that work was ongoing with officers and partner organisations to bring front-line workers together and that the Family Hubs were due to be launched in the summer which would support the work to engage with the workforces in each neighbourhood.

·         Members commented that large-scale challenges would present themselves, and highlighted the need for people to be supported at home, which would help reduce hospital admissions. It was stated that better infrastructure would be required and that there were financial challenges that would need to be navigated to make this a reality.

·         Members asked about the level of engagement with relevant teams and bodies within the Council.

·         In response, it was reported that collaborative work was a key focus. It was noted that the feedback from a recent peer review had highlighted the strength of the programme based on its breadth.

·         Members commented that engaging with residents to ensure that people understand the direction and aim of the Council presented the biggest challenge.

·         Members commented on the polarisation within the borough and highlighted the importance of digital inclusion, to ensure greater reach and connection with residents in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report outlines a proposal for the virement of funds from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources gives approval to a virement of £930 from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation).

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) outlining a proposal for the virement of funds from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be recommended to give approval to a virement of £930 from the Ward Discretionary Budget to the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Bramhall South & Woodford ward allocation).

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 (Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating members on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, and detailed the current position on ward flexibility funding and delegated budget.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.