Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 July 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Personal

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

There were no announcements by the Chair.

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

(a)  Inspector Steve Gilbertson (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 Central Stockport Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

•           The ‘Safer Summer’ initiative, targeting patrols in hotspot areas.

•           The securing of car number plates.

•           Incidents in the vicinity of the Jolly Sailor public house in Davenport.

•           Anti-social behaviour at St. Thomas’ Recreation Ground.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Gilbertson be thanked for his 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 at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

Four public questions were submitted relating to School Crossing Patrols in the Central Stockport area as follows:-

•           Why parents and headteachers were not consulted about the removal of the school crossing patrols.

•           What would happen if pedestrian crossing lights were not working.

•           The effect of no longer employing staff who wore high visibility jackets and were a clear indication to drivers that children were in the vicinity.

•           The effect of the reduction in patrols in Edgeley and Cheadle Heath, fewer Road Safety Officers and no-one to advise if pedestrian crossings were not working. 

RESOLVED – That written responses be sent to the questioners.

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

(a)  Steve Barnes (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Environmental Services issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.  A written summary of the Area Conditions Officers’ activity was also provided (copies of which were circulated).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

•           The high level of blue bags which continued to be presented incorrectly in the area some time after the new recycling and refuse collection system had been introduced.

•           The Council’s arrangements with Stockport Homes to provide waste bins and for dealing with ‘contaminated’ bins where the wrong material was put in them.

•           The cleaning regime at the bus station in Stockport had been examined and an additional cleaner incorporated as part of the schedule.

•           The large waste bins outside the White Lion public house in the Underbanks conservation area in the town centre.

•           Unauthorised removal of litter bins and the need for their replacement.

•           Litter on a piece of land near to Turncroft Lane.

RESOLVED – That Steve Barnes be thanked for his attendance.

(b)  Simon Sherry (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Highway Services issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That Simon Sherry be thanked for his attendance.

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

A petition was received regarding a request to introduce permit parking on Bateson Street and Peak Street, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for investigation and a report submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

Stockport Credit Union.

Representatives from Stockport Credit Union have indicated that they wish to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

Stockport Credit Union

Representatives from Stockport Credit Union attended the meeting and expressed concern about the proposed increase in the rent payable for their use of First House in Brinnington.

RESOLVED - That the proposed increase in the rent payable by Stockport Credit Union be re-examined, and the outcome reported back to the Area Committee.

The Democratic Services Manager to report on the receipt of any applications for the Area Flexibility Funding.

There were no items to consider.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Area Committee could give urgent consideration to the reductions in School Crossing Patrols in the Central area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The reduction in the number of Road Safety Officers.

•           The increased role for teachers in helping to promote road safety issues.

•           There had been no consultation with parents, school governors, headteachers and local councillors.

•           It was very regrettable that the Council had to look to make these savings given the financial situation facing it, but some of the school crossing patrols did not meet the guidance contained in the School Crossing Patrol Service guidelines.

MOVED AND SECONDED

That this Area Committee requests that the decisions regarding reducing the number of school crossing patrols be reviewed, consultation take place with parents, school governors, headteachers and local councillors, and those school crossing patrols which were staffed be re-established as soon as possible.

The motion was then put to the vote.

For the motion 8, abstentions 3.

MOTION CARRIED.

A named vote was requested in relation to the voting on this motion and the voting was recorded as follows:-

The Councillors who voted for the motion were as follows:-

Councillors Sheila Bailey, Richard Coaton, Philip Harding, Brian Hendley, Patrick McAuley Chris Murphy, Maureen Rowles and David White.

The Councillors who abstained were as follows:-

Councillors Sue Derbyshire, Daniel Hawthorne and Ann Smith.

It was then

RESOLVED – (8 for, 3 abstentions)

That this Area Committee requests that the decisions regarding reducing the number of school crossing patrols be reviewed, consultation take place with parents, school governors, headteachers and local councillors, and those school crossing patrols which were staffed be re-established as soon as possible.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

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

(i) DC046237                     Former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

Proposed Children’s Nursery

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

(ii) DC046262        Former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

Proposed residential development of 6 no. dwellings (outline)

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

(a)   To consider the development applications where members of the public have attended the meeting in order to speak or hear the Area Committee’s deliberations.

(b)   To consider the remaining applications.

(c)   To consider consultations (if any) received by the Service Director (Place Development) on any planning issues relevant to the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

Officer contact: Mark Jordan, 0161 474 3557, email mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk

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 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.

(i) DC46237 – Former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

In respect of plan no. 46237 for a proposed children’s nursery at the former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

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 Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse the application on the grounds that:-

•           The application does not accord with UDP Review policy CDH1.6 ‘Day-Care Nurseries’ and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance for Day Care Nurseries.

•           The proposal would have a detrimental impact on highway safety, in particular the potential conflict between vehicles exiting the application site and those exiting Stockport Grammar School, and that the impact would be contrary to the Council’s agreed policies in respect of improving traffic flows on strategic routes;

(ii) DC46262 – Former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

In respect of plan no. 46262 for a proposed residential development of six no. dwellings (outline permission) at the former Acton Court Hotel, 187 Buxton Road, Great Moor

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 Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be requested to undertake a site visit in view of the Area Committee’s concerns in respect of the impact of the proposed dwellings on properties on Mile End Lane given the difference in height between the development site and Mile End Lane, and that the applicant be requested to mark out the site including the height of the proposed dwellings.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & 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 Central Stockport 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 & Democratic Services) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

The Service Director (Place Management) will attend the meeting for this item.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

Councillor Harding reported on the cleanliness of the central area and requested information on the performance indicators which were used. It was reported that under the previous Government the Council had to report on NI 195 covering litter, detritus, fly tipping and fly posting which had helped identify hotspots where action was required, and a comparison of performance in the borough.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The incorrect presentation of waste materials remained a major issue. The Council advised and aimed to educate people, but had the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices. The issue was a particular problem in Edgeley and Cheadle Heath due to the high turnover of residents and the high number of people who lived in flats.

•           The frequency of the collections at the multi-storey flats needed to be examined.

•           The current policy with regard to assisted collections which were missed needed to be re-examined.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report provides an update on the formal review of the existing gating order for Kingsland Road, Cheadle Heath

The Area Committee is requested to consider the recommendations in the report.

Officer contact: Andy Dunn on 0161 474 4216, e mail: andy.dunn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the formal review of the existing gating order for Kingsland Road, Cheadle Heath.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee acknowledges the contents of the report and supports the view that the time limited gating scheme provides the best balance between tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the immediate locality and ensuring that important links to local services are maintained.

(2) That the Executive Councillors (Communities) and (Transportation) be advised that the Committee supports the re-advertising of the gating order for Kingsland Road to allow for a formal variation from 24 hour closure to a time limited order with closing hours of 9.00pm to 7.00am.

(3) That the Committee requests that approval is now sought from the Executive Councillors (Communities) and (Transportation) to progress the re-advertising of the proposals to vary the existing gating order from 24 hour closure to a time limited order with closing hours of 9.00pm to 7.00am.

(4) That the Committee requests the Head of Community Safety & Neighbourhoods to continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to address the crime and anti-social behaviour issues raised by local residents, and provide a report to the Area Committee on action taken and proposals for improving the situation as it now stands.

(5) That the Committee acknowledges that the gating order for Kingsland Road has now been included in the annual review processes carried out by the Positive Path Management Group and that further reports will only be submitted for their consideration if there has been a significant change in circumstances that would warrant amendments to the gating order operative at the time the review is conducted.

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

The report provides a report on the investigations into the exemption for school buses on Kennerley Road, Davenport.

The Area Committee is recommended to keep the exemption in place.

Officer contact: Mark James  on 0161 474 2077, e mail: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) providing a report on the investigations into the exemption for school buses/coaches on Kennerley Road, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That the exemption for school buses/coaches from the 3.5 tonnes weight limit order be revoked at an approximate cost of £1,204 from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Davenport & Cale Green Ward allocation) in accordance with the following schedule:-

Moving Traffic Offence

To revoke article 3(a) of the existing Kennerley Road, Stockport, 3.5 Tonnes Gross Maximum Weight Restrictions Order 1999.

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

This report  advises the Area Committee of the results of a pedestrian crossing survey carried out on Garners Lane near to its junction with Bracadale Drive, Davenport.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077, e mail: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) advising the Area Committee of the results of a pedestrian crossing survey carried out on Garners Lane near to its junction with Bracadale Drive, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be requested to consider the introduction of a pedestrian crossing on Garners Lane near to its junction with Bracadale Drive, Davenport.

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

This report advises the Area Committee on the proposed introduction of permit parking at Ripon Close on Mottram Estate and addresses an anomaly with Traffic Regulation Mapping.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the recommendations in the report.

Officer contact: Max Townsend on 0161 474 4861, e mail: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) requesting the Area Committee to consider the proposed introduction of permit parking at Ripon Close on Mottram Estate and address an anomaly with Traffic Regulation mapping.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the following:-

Revoke No Waiting at Any Time:

Ripon Close

North side starting from a point 6 metres east of the north easterly kerb line of Millbrook Street in an easterly direction for 10 metres; then southerly direction for 12 metres; then westerly direction for 12 metres; then northerly direction for 7 metres to a point 5 metres south east of the (projected) south easterly kerb line of Millbrook Street.

Introduce Permit Parking Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm:

Ripon Close

Both sides from a point 2 metres East of the intersection between the projected north easterly kerb line of Millbrook Street and the projected south easterly kerb line of Union Street, in an easterly and southerly direction to cover the full extent of the unadopted parking area.

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

The Area Committee is invited to consider the objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Woodbine Crescent, Davenport.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that the Order be made ad advertised, subject to the amendment detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Zoe Allan/Max Townsend on 0161 474 3138/4848, e mail: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/ max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) in connection with the objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Woodbine Crescent, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised, subject to the following amendment:-

Limited Waiting Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 6.00pm 1 Hour No Return within 1 Hour Except Permit Holders, Permit Holders Only at all Other Times and All Day Sunday:-

Woodbine Crescent – Northern Section – North Side

From a point approximately 29 metres south west of the south westerly kerb line of Wellington Road South for a distance of 5 metres in a south westerly direction.

Woodbine Crescent – Southern Section – South Side

From a point approximately 22 metres south west of the south westerly kerb line of Wellington Road South for a distance of approximately 14 metres in a south westerly direction.

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

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposed traffic regulation orders associated with the development of the former Birchfield Motors site and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) approves the traffic regulation orders identified in Appendix A.

Officer contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077, e mail: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) seeking the comments of the Area Committee on the proposed traffic regulation orders associated with the development of the former Birchfield Motors site.  

RESOLVED - That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the traffic regulation orders as detailed below and on drawing number 0524/004:-

Revocation of Existing Orders

1)         Revoke No Waiting Mon – Sat 8am – 6pm

2)         Limited Waiting, Pay and Display Maximum Stay 10 hours Mon – Sat 8am – 6pm

Introduction of Proposed Orders

1)         Introduce No Waiting At Any Time

2)         Introduce Pay and Display Parking

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

The Area Committee is requested to approve and recommend the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to approve traffic regulation orders on Bracadale Drive, Garners Lane, Portrea Close and Blaven Close, Davenport.

Officer contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077, e mail: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) requesting the Area Committee to approve and recommend the Executive Councillor (Transportation) to approve traffic regulation orders on Bracadale Drive, Garners Lane, Portrea Close and Blaven Close, Davenport.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the following Traffic Regulation Order at an approximate cost of £1,300 from the Area Committee's Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget (Davenport & Cale Green ward allocation):-

Waiting Traffic Orders

No Waiting At Any Time

(2)   That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the following traffic regulation orders at an approximate cost of £400 from the Strategic Highway budget:-     

Waiting Traffic Orders

No Waiting At Any Time

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Richard Coaton.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Richard Coaton.

Councillor Coaton reported that the section of St. Lesmo Road, Edgeley between Avondale Road and Edgeley Road had six speed humps which he was proposing should be removed due to their outdated design and the effect on the homes of local residents when vehicles drove over them.

RESOLVED –  That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be requested to agree to the removal of the speed humps on St. Lesmo Road, Edgeley, between Avondale Road and Edgeley Road, to be funded from the portfolio’s budget.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Brian Hendley.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Brian Hendley.

Councillor Hendley reported on a request for signage to help motorists locate the playing fields near to Highfield Road and the need for a fence to be repaired near to Rosecroft Close.

RESOLVED – That the issues be investigated.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

Councillor Bailey advised the Area Committee that a sign had been erected with regard to Gorsey Bank Park without reference to the Cheadle Heath Residents Association who wished the park to be named Cheadle Heath Park.

RESOLVED – That the Parks Department be requested to arrange, at no cost to the Area Committee, for the current sign to be removed and a sign to be erected ‘Welcome to Cheadle Heath Park’ and residents advised that there is an age restriction of 7 on the use of the play area.

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

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: David Clee, 0161 474 3137, david.clee@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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.