Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 5 December 2024

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 December 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

The Chair reported on the design code consultation which was open to anyone who lives, works or visits Stockport. It was explained that the Council’s involvement in the Government Design Code Pathfinder Programme was designed to help to reduce opposition to new development by allowing communities to set standards for developments. It was stated that the consultation would run until Friday, 21 February 2025.

A further announcement was made regarding the Council’s ‘Call for Sites’ that had been ongoing since December 2024. This work would help to identify sites that people wish to see protected from or used for development, and it was reminded that this consultation was due to close on Sunday, 2 February 2025.

The Chair then invited any announcements from other members. The following comments were made:

·         It was commented that a meeting of the Cheadle Hulme Partnership Group had taken place on Wednesday, 29 January 2025 during which it had been noted that a Friends of Cheadle Hulme Station Group had been formed and been given funds to put planters on the platform and on the bridges to improve the appearance of the area. There was also discussions in relation to a proposed event at Oak Meadow Park in late Spring which may include provision for food and beverage vendors.

·         It was reported that a number of events were due to take place in Bramhall over the coming weeks including a Repair Café at Bramhall Methodist Church on Saturday, 1 February 2025; a board game and jigsaw swap at St Michael & All Angels Church, Bramhall on Friday, 7 February 2025; and a Walkaday event around Bramhall on Thursday, 13 February 2025 starting at Bramhall Library and Medical Centre at 1,15 pm.

·         It was noted that the Chiverton Tap Pub, Cheadle Hulme had won the Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA ‘Pub of the Month’ award and congratulations were given to them for this.

·         An update was given on the planned temporary closure of the Bramhall Precinct car park from United Utilities following a consultation process. It was stated that the start date for works had been pushed back and it was likely that this would now take place late in April, and the amount of work required was currently less than expected. Further consultation was expected by United Utilities in due course.

·         The Chair noted that it was Chinese New Years Day and noted the excellent events in the community to mark this holiday.

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

Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes (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 & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Stockport was in a good position in respect of neighbourhood crime. Burglary, violent street crimes, and car theft were being tackled effectively and it was highlighted that Stockport was above many of the other comparative areas in Greater Manchester.

·         A new district operating model had been successfully implemented which would see further resources being provided to increase visibility in communities.

·         There was a priority to tackle anti-social behaviour and members were encouraged to engage with the police to help them target recurring instances.

·         There were various comments regarding the incident of a police officer being hit by a speeding vehicle on duty at the Sainsbury’s car park in Cheadle Royal. There were also many well-wishes that Councillors wished to pass on. In reply, it was noted that the officer involved was grateful for all the well-wishes passed on to her and also noted that the officer involved was lucky to get away without life changing injuries.

·         It was noted that car crime was still a very real issue in the area and it was asked what was being done to tackle this. It was highlighted that vehicles were not as secure as residents would believe, and this was a nationwide problem. It was highlighted that Greater Manchester Police were looking at ways to support homeowners with preventive measures as well as dealing with individual crimes through a specialist unit.

·         It was noted that crime often seems to be cyclical and can come in waves. It was asked if the ‘Bee in the Loop’ service could be explained for residents in terms of the importance of raising awareness. It was noted that this was an important initiative which could advance over time to become an app to provide appropriate information to residents about crime in their area. It was highlighted that spikes in crime are tracked by officers in order to respond appropriately.

·         It was highlighted that anti-social behaviour had peaked due to the darker evenings which was a potential factor.

RESOLVED - That the update be noted.

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 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 where the questioners were not in attendance at the meeting, and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Assistant Director for Governance was requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

It was reported that a further public question had been submitted that was ruled out of order as the Chair was of the view that it related to a quasi-judicial matter, questions relating to which were not permitted under the Public Question Time Code of Practice.

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 for 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 received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1000 (£47 from Bramhall North, £47 from Bramhall South, and £47 from Cheadle Hulme South ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £141 (£47 from each ward allocation) from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location..

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £141 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of hosting the ‘Fabulously Me’ event at a central, accessible Stockport location.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to be considered.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 for Governance submitted a report regarding planning appeal, enforcement appeals and enforcement notices in the area.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the medium-term financial place.  This report detailed proposals in relation the introduction of charges at the Bramley Close Car Park, Bramhall.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There were various comments regarding the Bramley Close car park being close to the Bramhall Health Centre car park and mitigations being required to ensure that the use of that car park is free for users of the centre only. It was further noted that there needed to be correct monitoring of the implementation of the changes over time.

·         It was highlighted that these free of charge car parks were largely an anomaly compared to the majority of other car parks in the area which were chargeable.

·         It was noted that the Council’s projected budget shortfall of £25 million required that the revenue opportunities from assets be utilised to avoid spending reductions elsewhere.

·         There was a recognition of the need for the Council to support local businesses in the Bramhall area who may be affected by the charges following the closure of the precinct car park. It was highlighted that the use of free periods should be explored where possible.

·         It was highlighted that there was a need to encourage active travel for those commuters parking their cars to use rail services to Manchester city centre. There was a concern raised that these charges could encourage more residents to use their vehicles for commuting which would have a negative impact on congestion levels and environmental impacts.

·         It was asked what the implementation timetable for these changes was and how could these be scheduled to resolve any outstanding issues. In reply, it was noted that work was underway to organise for the changes to be made as part of the capital programme and that this would be taken into consideration through that process.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted  

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that were currently free of charge in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the medium-term financial place.  This report detailed proposals in relation the introduction of charges at the Church Road/ Woods Lane Car Park, Cheadle Hulme.

It was noted that the car park on Church Road, Cheadle Hulme would be easier to change given that it had a much higher usage at present and these charges could help to manage space occupancy better.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted  

Report of the Director for Place Management.

This report provides the results of a consultation on a proposed Toucan (shared pedestrian and cyclist, signal controlled) Crossing at Bramhall Park Road, adjacent to the access to Ladybrook Valley path being upgraded by the Active Travel Fund (Tranche 4) project, to enhance the walking and cycling connection between Ladybrook Valley and Bramhall Park with associated Officer recommendation.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways & Transport Services) to approve the design and construction of the crossing, and advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders.

Officer Contact: Nick Wheelan | 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the outcome of a consultation for a Toucan (shared pedestrian and cyclist, signal controlled) Crossing at Bramhall Park Road, adjacent to the access to Ladybrook Valley path being upgraded by the Active Travel Fund (Tranche 4) project, to enhance the walking and cycling connection between Ladybrook Valley and Bramhall Park.

The following questions/comments were made:-

·         It was noted that the crossing would be a benefit to both cyclists and pedestrians, however there were several comments that it was disappointing that the trees had to be removed as part of the proposal. However, it was highlighted that the replacement of trees would be done where possible.

·         There was a question regarding whether an alternative type of crossing, rather than the toucan crossing proposed, would allow for the retention of the trees. It was highlighted that the current status of the road in terms of visibility would mean that a zebra crossing was not recommended due to the speed of vehicles at that location coupled with the already noted suboptimal visibility issues.

·         It was noted that the consultation had shown support for the crossing from local residents.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the design and construction of the crossing, and advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details a number of objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a Residents Parking Permit Scheme on Moss Lane, Bramhall.

The Area Committee is recommended to note report and to recommend that notwithstanding the objections received, the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services make the order as originally advertised. 

Officer Contact: Diane Knight 07929777412 | diane.knight@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) r detailing a number of objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a Residents Parking Permit Scheme on Moss Lane, Bramhall.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted,

(2) That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to make the order as advertised.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report summarises CAN Seed Fund ward budgets to date and provides details of applications for which decisions must be made by ward Members.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine the application from St James' Catholic High School for a grant of £1,000 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) for the renovation of their prayer garden for pupils.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie 07775804984 | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from St James' Catholic High School for a grant of £1,000 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund for the renovation of their prayer garden for pupils.

The application was welcomed and it was requested that the Assistant Director for Governance invite a representative of St James Catholic High School to attend a future meeting to provide an update on the use of funds granted by the Area Committee.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from St James' Catholic High School for a grant of £1,000 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) for the renovation of their prayer garden for pupils.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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: Caleb Harris 0161 474 3229 | caleb.harris@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for 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.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.