Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 June 2012 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 Interest

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

There were no announcements made.

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

PC Stephen Nulkungwe and PC Sarah Sheldon (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         High visibility patrols had taken place to deter incidents of vehicle crime including those involving thefts of parts from vehicles.

·         It was requested that consideration be given to locating a mobile police station near the shops on North Park Road, Bramhall.

·         Attention needed to be given to obstructions caused by parking in the vicinity of Greenbank Preparatory School, Cheadle Hulme.

·         Concern was expressed by a member of the public in relation to suspicious activity taking place between Woodford Park Garden Centre and the car park of the Southfield House Residential Care Home.

RESOLVED – That PC Nulkungwe and PC Sheldon be thanked for their attendance.

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 and at local libraries and information centres.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Three public questions were submitted relating to:-

(i) Parking and traffic problems in the vicinity of Cheadle Hulme School.

In response to this question a discussion took place in relation to the recently submitted Cheadle Hulme School Development Framework and the consultation that had taken place both with local residents and at the 7 June 2012 meeting of the Area Committee, and in particular with regard to the lack of additional parking provision that had been made.  It was stated that parking both at school drop off and collection times and during the day by sixth form students was causing significant and serious problems for residents.  Concern was expressed that any proposals to increase the size of the school would result in a worsening of the current problems experienced in the area and that additional work needed to be done in consultation with residents and local councillors to arrive at a solution to this.

(ii) Blocked drains on Granby Road and Hulme Hall Avenue, Cheadle Hulme and the potential provision of junction protection markings on roads adjoining Hulme Hall Avenue, Cheadle Hulme.

In response to this question it was stated that ward councillors would speak to relevant officers within the Public Realm service and consult with local residents to address the concerns raised.

(iii) The maintenance of greenspace in Happy Valley, Bramhall.

In response to this question, it was stated that discussions would take place with the Friends of Ladybrook Valley to programme additional maintenance of the nature reserve where necessary.

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

Mr Jeff Barber submitted a 225 signature petition on behalf of residents calling on the Council to address the increasing ‘all day parking’ and traffic problems in local neighbourhoods surrounding Cheadle Hulme School and Greenbank Preparatory School.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for further investigation.

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

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

·         Following the receipt of a complaint in respect of trade waste, a business had been visited in the North Park Road area and a notice serviced.

·         A business in Bramhall Village had been warned in relation to flyposting on safety railings.

·         It was requested that following the annual and quarterly inspections of highways, that councillors  be advised of any defects that were consequently programmed for repair.

·         The issue of blocked drains on Dennison Road, Granby Road, Hulme Hall Avenue and Seymour Road was discussed.  It was commented that it had been noted that a number of gullies on these roads required digging out and subsequent cleansing.

·         BT had recently started placing advertisements on its roadside green cabinets where they had upgraded the telecommunications network in that area to take advantage of fibre optic broadband and members enquired whether or not this constituted flyposting.

·         It was requested that consideration be given the placement of litter bins at the bottom of the steps at Waterloo Road, Bramhall and that the previous request for the placement of a bin on Dean Moor Road, Bramhall be expedited.

RESOLVED – That Carolyn Turner be thanked for her attendance.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management).

The report details proposals for a highway maintenance scheme on Bramley Close, Bramhall to resurface the length of Bramley Close from the junction with Bramhall Lane South up to the entrance of the car park.

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration to the proposed scheme.

Officer contact: Carolyn Turner on 218 1782 or email: carolyn.turner@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for a highway maintenance scheme on Bramley Close, Bramhall to resurface the length of Bramley Close from the junction with Bramhall Lane South up to the entrance of the car park.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following local initiative scheme at a cost of £10,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Bramhall South Ward allocation):-

Bramley Close, Bramhall

To resurface the length of Bramley Close from the junction with Bramhall Lane South up to the entrance of the car park.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

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

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

Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation

To consider an application for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of providing coaching sessions.

Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation

Mr Jason Swapp attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of providing coaching sessions.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £960 (£320 from each ward allocation) to the Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation towards the cost of providing coaching sessions.

Councillor Holt (Vice-Chair) had declared a personal and prejudicial interest in plan no. 49614 by virtue of her membership of the governing body of Nevill Road Infant School and accordingly vacated the chair.  In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, it was then

RESOLVED – That Councillor Paul Bellis be elected Chair for the duration of the consideration of plan no. 49614.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

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 of Place is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges)

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

Demolition of existing prefab. mobile double classroom accommodation including steps/ ramps etc. and the installation of one no. mobile double and one no. single classroom accommodation including steps/ ramps and 1.8 metre high weldmesh 'Paladin' fencing colour coated 'dark green' to match the existing fencing.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. 49614 for the demolition of existing prefab. mobile double classroom accommodation including steps/ ramps etc. and the installation of one no. mobile double and one no. single classroom accommodation including steps/ ramps and 1.8 metre high weldmesh 'Paladin' fencing colour coated 'dark green' to match the existing fencing at Nevill Road Infant School, Nevill Road, 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 planning permission be granted subject to a condition relating to the replacement of any felled trees within the curtilage of the application site.

Erection of new front porch. Remove existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear and first floor extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Michael Crossley on 474 3549 or email: michael.crossley@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 49784 for the erection of new front porch. Remove existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear and first floor extension at Oaklea Farm, 30 Jenny Lane, Woodford,

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the green belt.

Proposed single storey (garage) and two storey rear extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Michael Crossley on 474 3549 or email: michael.crossley@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 49859 for a proposed single storey (garage) and two storey rear extension at 220 Woodford Road, Woodford,

a member of the public spoke against the application, and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the green belt and upon residential amenity.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

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 and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

The report details the Boroughwide framework for the Council in taking formal Planning Enforcement action as part of an Enforcement Development Plan Document (DPD).

Due to the removal of Planning Policy Guidance 18: Enforcing Planning Control by the recently published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), there is a requirement for Local Planning Authorities to develop a local planning policy document covering planning enforcement. In the case of the Council, this involves updating its existing standalone planning enforcement policy. The role of the Enforcement Policy DPD is to provide a framework to secure the implementation of the LDF, in particular to secure compliance with the adopted Core Strategy. The Enforcement Policy DPD will become part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and will set out how the Council should carry out its planning enforcement activities.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Dave Westhead on 474 3520 or email: dave.westhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee and the public to take part in the consultation on the recently published preferred options for the Council’s Enforcement Development Plan Document that would provide a borough-wide framework for the Council to take formal planning enforcement action.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report details an application for the extinguishment of a section of footpath 52 Hazel Grove and Bramhall under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 as shown by a continuous bold black line marked A-B-C-D on the plan attached at Appendix A to the report.

The Area Committee is recommended to make an order under Section 118 Highways Act 1980 to extinguish that section of footpath 52 Hazel Grove and Bramhall, marked A-D on the plan attached at Appendix 1, under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980.

Officer contact: Jackie Connelly on 474 3134 or email: jackie.connelly@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application for the extinguishment of a section of footpath 52 Hazel Grove and Bramhall under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 as shown by a continuous bold black line marked A-B-C-D on the plan attached at Appendix A to the report.

RESOLVED – That an order be made under Section 118 Highways Act 1980 to extinguish that section of footpath 52 Hazel Grove and Bramhall, marked A-D on the plan attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update on the progress of the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans and seeks feedback on the draft 2012/13 action plans.

Neighbourhood Action Plans are used by Stockport Homes to bring together in one holistic plan, a range of housing issues, and wider sustainability issues that impact on the quality of life for residents living in neighbourhoods, such as the quality of the local environment, anti-social Behaviour, community safety, worklessness and help to identify future investment and make managerial decisions.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the outcomes of the earlier Neighbourhood Action Plans and comment on the draft plans for 2012/13.

Officer contact: Maria Lindars on 474 2965 or email: maria.lindars@stockporthomes.org

Rebecca Mason (Stockport Homes) attended the meeting and provided an update on the progress of the delivery of the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans and seeking feedback on the draft 2012/13 action plans.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         A discussion took place in relation to the steps that would be taken by Stockport Homes to address persistent unruly behaviour by a tenant which included intervention by Stockport Homes’ dedicated antisocial behaviour team; the enforcement of the terms of the tenancy agreement and the use of preventative measures and the piloting of restorative justice.  It was stated that any action that was taken needed to be both proportionate and reasonable.

·         The impact of the provisions of the Welfare Reform Act was considered including how the introduction of the universal credit may be a challenge for some tenants who had not had experience of managing a budget before. 

·         1400 properties were considered to be under occupied and tenants would need to give consideration to the financial impact that this might have on them following changes to the housing allowance benefit which would reduce in some circumstances.  It was requested that the success of Stockport Homes in assisting residents to downsize their property be reported back to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

·         There was currently a review taking place into age restricted properties which may address some of the issues around the lack of accommodation for younger people.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report details the results of a consultation carried out with residents following a request to investigate their concerns regarding parked vehicles in the vicinity of Life Leisure Sports Centre, Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove.

The Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee and the Stepping Hill Area Committee are requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) approves the following:

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South

Proposed Implementation of Wooden and Morpeth Bollards on the Bramhall Moor Lane (North Side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A

Stepping Hill

Proposed No Waiting at Any Time

Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove,south side from a point 70m west of the westerly kerb line of Lostock Avenue for a distance of 53m in a westerly direction.

Proposed Implementation of Morpeth Bollards on the Bramhall Moor Lane (South Side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809 or email: andrew.varey@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the results of a consultation carried out with residents following a request to investigate their concerns regarding parked vehicles in the vicinity of Life Leisure Sports Centre, Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove.

The representative of the Democratic Services Manager advised the Area Committee that the matter had been considered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee at its meeting on 17 July 2012 and that approval had been given to that element of the scheme which fell within the Stepping Hill ward.

RESOLVED – That Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the implementation of wooden and morpeth bollards on Bramhall Moor Lane (North Side) as outlined on plan NM8/4525/2A at Appendix 1 to the report, at a cost of £1,530 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Bramhall North Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report details proposals for the disposal of an area of Council owned land to Stockport Homes Limited.

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

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 474 3649 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) detailing proposals for the disposal of an area of Council owned land to Stockport Homes Limited.

A discussion took place with regard to the potential shortfall in the capital receipts raised from the sale of the site as a result of the costs involved with the relocation of the Scout Association. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education).

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at Moss Hey and Pownall Green Primary Schools and to reappoint governors at Thorn Grove Primary School and Nevill Road Infant School.

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 474 3847 or email: libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to make nominations of Authority governors for Moss Hey and Pownall Green Primary Schools and to recommend the reappointment of governors for Nevill Road Infant School and Thorn Grove Primary School.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to approve the following reappointments of Authority Governors to the following schools:-

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton, 0161 474 damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

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

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.