Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 November 2014 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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair congratulated Councillor John McGahan on his electoral success in the by-election held on 20 November 2014 for the vacancy in the Bramhall South and Woodford ward and welcomed him to his first meeting of the Area Committee.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that representatives of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting.

Members of the Area Committee expressed their disappointment that representatives of Greater Manchester Police had not attended a meeting of the Area Committee since 10 July 2014.

RESOVLED – That the Chair of the Area Committee be requested to write to the Chief Superintendent of the Stockport Division of Greater Manchester Police reiterating the view of the Area Committee that it valued the continued attendance by officers at its meetings.

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 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.

One public question was submitted relating to whether the Licensing Authority was aware of the ‘new regulations affecting Park Homes, and the powers and responsibilities of the Council that they bring about’.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager responded that the Licensing Authority had confirmed that officers were fully aware of the implications and responsibilities under the Mobile Homes Act 2013.

RESOLVED – That in the absence of the questioner, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing within seven days.

The local Public Realm Inspector 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.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The resurfacing of Wallbank Road, Bramhall had been completed.

·         The Council’s Highway Investment Programme continued to focus on footways within the Bramhall North ward.

·         Carriageway resurfacing was planned to take place during February 2015 for the section of Yew Tree Park Road, Cheadle Hulme from its junction with Ack Lane to Waverley Drive.

·         Works for overhanging vegetation on Woodford Road had been done in default and the cost of the work had been recharged to the landowner.

·         A temporary repair had been undertaken to the channel developing in the north side of the Handforth Roundabout.

·         An order had been placed for the relining of road markings on Moss Lane and Plymouth Drive, Bramhall.

·         A discussion took place with regard to the Council’s policy for introducing dropped kerbs.  In response, it was stated that each such request would be assessed at on its own merits.

RESOLVED – That Carolyn Turner be thanked for her attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider an update from Alison Farthing and Louise Murphy (Culture, Tourism, Venues, Sport, Stockport Council) with regard to the repair and refurbishment of Bramall Hall following a grant of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Alison Farthing and Louise Murphy (Culture, Tourism, Venues, Sport, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to provide an update with regard to the repair and refurbishment of Bramall Hall following a grant of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The project included the restoration of the hall and its ornate decorative ceilings and historic windows coupled with works to improve the visitor experience.

·         It was anticipated that the physical works would be complete by the end of 2015 and that the newly restored Bramall Hall would be opened to the public by Easter 2016.

·         It was noted that the works would include the provision of new public conveniences within the Hall.

·         A discussion took place with regard to the current operators of the café within the Hall and the tendering process for a new operator.

·         The adjacent gardens would not be subject of extensive restoration works as part of this project and the opportunity to work with local voluntary organisations to achieve a significantly improved outcome was discussed.

RESOLVED – (1) That Alison Farthing and Louise Murphy be thanked for their attendance.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development & Regeneration) be informed of this Area Committee’s support for any initiative to work with local voluntary organisations to secure an upgraded garden facility at Bramall Hall.

To consider an application from Cheadle Hulme Garden & Allotment Association for funding of £532 towards the cost of providing a large allotment cabin.

Mr Michael Ibbotson attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of the Cheadle Hulme Garden & Allotment Association for Area Flexibility Funding towards the cost of providing a large allotment cabin.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £532 (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) to the Cheadle Hulme Garden & Allotment Association towards the cost of providing a large allotment cabin.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The following development applications will be considered by the Area Committee:-

A development application was 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 and 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).

Single storey extension to front elevation of main building to provide staff/customers canteen and farm shop to replace existing facility; and the existing facility comprising a portacabin is to be demolished and the site restored.

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

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

In respect of plan no. 55360 for a single storey extension to front elevation of main building to provide staff/customers canteen and farm shop to replace existing facility; and the existing facility comprising a portacabin is to be demolished and the site restored at The Brick Market Ltd, Moor Lane, Woodford, it was

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

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The details a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on 6 March 2015 (2014 tour).  

The Area Committee is recommended to submit their nomination for a completed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition the Area Committee are asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

Officer: Emma Curle on 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on 6 March 2015 and requesting the Area Committee to submit a recommendation for a completed development site within the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates.  In addition the Area Committee was also asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour be requested to inspect the following developments:-

(i)         Infill dwelling Swann Lane, Cheadle Hulme - Contemporary dwelling in Conservation Area.

(ii)        Former Scout Hut on Turves Road, Cheadle Hulme – affordable housing.

(2) That Councillors Linda Holt, Alanna Vine and Suzanne Wyatt be nominated to attend the Tour.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal to change the polling place for polling district GF from Hursthead Junior School, Kirkstead Road, Cheadle Hulme to Hursthead Infants School, Kirkstead Road, Cheadle Hulme to avoid the need for both the infant and junior schools to close on polling day.

It is therefore suggested that for the combined election in May 2015 both schools continue to be used as polling stations, but that in 2016 only the Infants School is used as the anticipated lower levels of turnout could be accommodated in the one venue.  

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposed amendment to the Council’s polling arrangements.

Officer contact: Steve Callender on 0161 474 3268 or email: steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to change the polling place for polling district GF from Hursthead Junior School, Kirkstead Road, Cheadle Hulme to Hursthead Infants School, Kirkstead Road, Cheadle Hulme to avoid the need for both the infant and junior schools to close on polling day.

The report suggested that for the combined election in May 2015 both schools continue to be used as polling stations, but that in 2016 only the Infants School is used as the anticipated lower levels of turnout could be accommodated in the one venue. 

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the proposal to maintain the use of both the Hursthead Infant and Junior schools for the 2015 combined local and general elections and further consideration should be given to the use of only the infant site in all future elections.

·         Consideration should be given to the use of the Fords Lane Evangelical Church as a polling place for polling district GB

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to note the comments of the Area Committee in determining the polling place for polling district GF.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and the Council Solicitor.

The report details a proposal for the permanent diversion of part of public footpaths 112 and 119 Cheadle & Gatley under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to make the necessary Diversion order for the permanent diversion of public footpaths 112 and 119 Cheadle and Gatley.

Officer contact: Thomas Purcell on 0161 218 1555 or email: thomas.purcell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Council Solicitor detailing a proposal for the permanent diversion of part of public footpaths 112 and 119 Cheadle & Gatley under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to make the necessary diversion Order for the permanent diversion of public footpaths 112 and 119 Cheadle and Gatley as follows:-

Footpath 112 Cheadle & Gatley

From point A on the plan attached to the report, 68 metres southeast of the junction of Eden Park Road and Lawnhurst Close, in a generally easterly direction for 152 metres to point B.

Footpath 112(a) Cheadle & Gatley

Diversion from point A on the plan attached to the report in a generally southerly direction for a distance of 23 metres to point C, then in a generally easterly direction for 58 metres and then in a generally southerly direction for 84 metres to point F on existing public footpath 96 Cheadle & Gatley.

Footpath 119 Cheadle & Gatley

From point C on the plan attached to the report in a generally southerly direction for 51 metres to point D.

Footpath 119(a) Cheadle & Gatley

Diversion from point C on the plan attached to the report, in a generally westerly direction for 12 metres, then southerly direction for 6 metres, then continues in a generally westerly direction for 35 metres to meet point E on existing public footpath 97 Cheadle & Gatley.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on:-

·         the progress with delivering the various phases of the SEMMMS (South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy) Road schemes. The three phases are A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, Poynton Relief Road and A6 to M60 Relief Road

·         the Poynton Relief Road consultation on the preferred route option and its future work programme including proposals for a section 8 agreement to be drafted to allow Cheshire East to lead this scheme development and delivery.

·         progress with the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme which is progressing through the statutory processes stages and subject to satisfactory completion describes the steps required to deliver the scheme

·         the status of the A6 to M60 route.

Further details of the consultation results for the Poynton Relief Road scheme can be found on the Cheshire East Council website at http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/poynton_relief_road.aspx

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report and the proposed recommendations to the Executive as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with delivering the various phases of the SEMMMS (South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy) Road schemes, namely the (i) A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road (ii) Poynton Relief Road and (iii) A6 to M60 Relief Road.

It was clarified that Cheshire East Council had now agreed their preferred route, but that this would include land within Stockport Borough’s boundaries. As funding was in place, it was anticipated that work would begin on site in 2018.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive be recommended to reiterate to Cheshire East Council this Council’s preference for the ‘Blue Route’ alignment for the proposed Poynton Relief Road scheme.

(2) That Councillor Paul Bellis be nominated on behalf of the Area Committee to participate in the proposed SEMMMS Members’ Liaison Forum.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be recommended to establish a Local Liaison Forum for those residents who would be closest to the proposed Poynton Relief Road scheme.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of a Regulatory Warning Sign and Road Marking on Bramhall Park Road at its junction with Ladybrook Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the introduction of a Regulatory Crossroads Ahead sign on Bramhall Park Road and a SLOW Road Marking at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

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 Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposal for the introduction of a Regulatory Warning Sign and Road Marking on Bramhall Park Road at its junction with Ladybrook Road, Bramhall.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the introduction of a Regulatory Crossroads Ahead sign on Bramhall Park Road and a SLOW Road Marking at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Bramhall North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancies at Bradshaw Hall Primary, Pownall Green Primary and St James’ Catholic High School.

Officer contact: Pam Dunham on 474 3847 or email: pam.dunham@stockport.gov.uk

The Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Corporate Director for People requesting the Area Committee to provide a nomination for governor vacancies at Bradshaw Hall Primary, Pownall Green Primary and St James’ Catholic High School.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) be recommended to give approval to the appointment of Fiona Bates to the Conservative Group vacancy at Pownall Green Primary School.

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 further details:-

Appendix B - the current position on area flexibility funding.

Appendix C - the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget

Appendix D - any proposed minor property transactions.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: 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; the current position on the Area Flexibility and Ward Delegated budgets; and detailing a proposed minor property transaction.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be recommended to give approval to the proposed minor property transaction in respect of 93 Willow Avenue, Cheadle Hulme for the purchase of the freehold to the dwelling.