Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 November 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

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.

No announcements were made.

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

Sergeant Philip Lowe and PC Jamie Ellison attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues within the Central Stockport area. They also reported on recent crime committed in the Central Stockport area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The increasing problems caused by the issue of car theft.

·         The increase in the theft of bicycles and the initiative undertaken by the Police in the town centre to help combat this, including checks with second hand retailers.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Lowe and PC Ellison be thanked for their attendance.

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

The following petitions have been received during the consultation period for the Mayoral Challenge Fund:-

Pause the GM Cycle and Walk Offerton – Stockport proposals until further consultation

‘The GM Mayor and Stockport Council’s proposed changes to the area are much wider than many residents first realised. It affects much of Offerton and Manor Wards, not just the Fingerpost junction, and is more than just the creation of cycle paths.

This combined with many households not receiving vital information means we think that further, detailed and more inclusive consultation is necessary before any of these major changes to our area should take place’.

This e-petition has been signed by 220 residents (as of 26 November 2019)

Proposed changes to several roads around the Offerton area including:-

·         Worsley Crescent becoming one way

·         No right turn from both Dialstone Lane and Banks Lane onto Hempshaw Lane

·         A new crossing on Dialstone Lane near to Dialstone Wines

·         A new crossing on Banks Lane near to Harold Street (with the bus stop being moved next to the car park entrance)

·         New cycle paths throughout the area

Requesting more information and clarity on the proposed changes to Offerton roads, including all traffic planning measures and impact assessments.

This petition has been signed by 164 residents.

Petition to stop the relocation of the bus stop on Banks Lane adjacent to 31 Banks Lane

This petition has been signed by 29 residents.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported on the receipt of the following petitions which had been received during the consultation period for the Mayoral Challenge Fund:-

Pause the GM Cycle and Walk Offerton – Stockport proposals until further consultation

‘The GM Mayor and Stockport Council’s proposed changes to the area are much wider than many residents first realised. It affects much of Offerton and Manor Wards, not just the Fingerpost junction, and is more than just the creation of cycle paths.

This combined with many households not receiving vital information means we think that further, detailed and more inclusive consultation is necessary before any of these major changes to our area should take place’.

This e-petition has been signed by 220 residents (as of 26 November 2019)

Proposed changes to several roads around the Offerton area including:-

·         Worsley Crescent becoming one way

·         No right turn from both Dialstone Lane and Banks Lane onto Hempshaw Lane

·         A new crossing on Dialstone Lane near to Dialstone Wines

·         A new crossing on Banks Lane near to Harold Street (with the bus stop being moved next to the car park entrance)

·         New cycle paths throughout the area

Requesting more information and clarity on the proposed changes to Offerton roads, including all traffic planning measures and impact assessments.

This petition has been signed by 164 residents.

Proposed changes to several roads around the Offerton area

‘Whilst some changes are necessary and may actually be good for the area, many of the changes are unnecessary and have consequences that will be detrimental to traffic flow, pollution, safety and cost effectiveness. We would like to receive more information and clarity on the proposed changes to Offerton roads, including all traffic planning measures and impact assessments’.

This petition has been signed by 262 residents of Knypersley Avenue, Whalley Road, Filey Road, Lindbury Avenue, Beauvale Avenue, Villdale Avenue, Dialstone Lane, Worsley Crescent and Banks Lane.

Petition to stop the relocation of the bus stop on Banks Lane adjacent to 31 Banks Lane

This petition has been signed by 29 residents.

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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows with regard to the recent consultation on the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF):-

·         Whether it would possible to utilise the crossing outside the Britannia Hotel or carrying on the cycle/walkway path up Lowndes Lane to link up with Aquinas College on Nangreave Road which would link in with residents’ plans for a cycle/walkway path which would then lead onto Hillcrest Road.

·         When the report, incorporating residents’ objections, would be submitted to the Area Committee and how residents’ proposed changes could be put forward.

·         The consultation process for the walk and ride proposals.

An additional public question was submitted with regard to the information exercise on the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) scheme 609 :-

·         The viability of the existing 308 bus stop and the proposed new location of the bus stop.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration responded to the public questions as follows:-

Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF)

With regard to petitions, comments and public questions received relating to the MCF project, the Council intended to present the results of the October – November 2019 consultation and associated Officer recommendations to the meeting of the area committee in January. This would include a full report on the results of the consultation including the number of responses to the questions asked and summaries of comments made. Petitions received would also be reported on. There would be analysis including Officer responses on comments received and recommendations as to whether schemes should be taken forward as consulted on, amended to address comments received or not proceeded with. The reports would go to all area committees for recommendations before being submitted to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration for approval.

Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP)

Works were underway as part of TCAP to introduce new Toucan (pedestrian and cyclist) crossings on Hempshaw Lane and Banks Lane with connecting pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Two stages of public consultation were undertaken in developing the TCAP proposals. This scheme initially only included Hempshaw Lane but was developed at the request of local Councillors to also include a crossing on Banks Lane. The requirement for a crossing was subsequently investigated and confirmed by Council Officers, in particular consideration of the substantial pedestrian flow between the Council car park and school during drop-off and collection times. This flow was likely to increase in future with the completion of the housing estate on the former Battersby Mill site. Development of the scheme has been undertaken by the TCAP team. Whilst the Council usually consulted with frontage holders adjacent to proposed crossings, in this instance there were none and land on both frontages was Council owned so no further public consultation was undertaken.

The location of the new crossing on the pedestrian desire line is such that the bus stops need to be relocated. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) had stated that the removal of stops would not be in line with their policy and that they wished to retain this stop despite relatively low levels of usage. They have also confirmed that Banks Lane was not currently or proposed to be ‘hail and ride’, buses should only stop at designated stops. The use of fixed stops enables the provision of better service quality and accessibility, and mitigates against buses stopping at unsafe and/or unsuitable locations.

The relocation of the bus stops has been discussed between Council Officers, TfGM and Greater Manchester Police to identify the most appropriate locations. The northbound stop remains close to its current location but the southbound stop needs to be moved approximately 35m north to keep it clear of the new crossing. It has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(iv)

The local Public Realm Inspector 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 environment quality.

A report was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) on current public realm issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Area Committee’s thanks and appreciation be conveyed to the work carried out by the Public Realm Officer for the Central Stockport area.

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.

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

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 Central Stockport 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 Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement activity within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report sets out a proposal for a LED lantern upgrade of the street lighting in Brinnington Park.

The Area Committee is requested to support the lighting scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to order the work.

Officer Contact: Andy Jopling on 0161 474 2414 or email: andy.jopling@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal for a LED lantern upgrade of the street lighting in Brinnington Park.

RESOLVEDE – That approval be given to the proposal to upgrade the existing lighting around Brinnington Park to match the public realm area around First House, improving the lighting levels with environmentally friendly energy efficient LED lighting units, at an approximate cost of £3,800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation). 

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

The report sets out an application from Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank memorial and Vernon Parks for its their annual 5K charity event on Sunday 17th May 2020.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer Contact: Kath Hughes on 0161 474 4418 or email: kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application from Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park and Vernon Park for its annual 5K charity event on 17 May 2020.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks for its annual 5K charity event on 17 May 2020, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

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

The report sets out an application from T3 Events Ltd to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for their 2nd Rockstock Music Festival on Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th May 2020.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place and this being confirmed to the Ward Councillors.

Officer Contact: Kath Hughes on 0161 474 4418 or email: kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an application from T3 Events Ltd to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for its 2^nd Rockstock music festival on 23/24 May 2020.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the application from T3 Events Ltd to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for its 2^nd Rockstock Music Festival on 23/24 May 2020, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place and rigidly adhered to, and this being confirmed to the Ward Councillors.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report prides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the area committee and details the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the ward delegated budgets.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive 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 and the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

To consider consultations (if any) received by the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration on any planning issues relevant to the area.

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

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/planning. 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 Deputy Chief Executive outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Change of use of 20 and 22 Broadhurst Street to create two houses in multiple occupation (Use Class C4)

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

Officer Contact: Nancy Thynne on 0161 474 3652 or email: nancy.thynne@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of the change of use of 20 and 22 Broadhurst Street, Cale Green to create two houses in multiple occupation (Use Class C4)

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (Eight for, two against) That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposed use would lead to an over-concentration of houses in multiple occupation in the local area that would be unduly detrimental to the amenity of existing and future residents as the development fails to provide adequate off-street car parking provision to meet its needs. Unmet demand cannot be readily accommodated on-street due to limited and restricted kerbside car parking availability in the area. The development therefore conflicts with the primary strategic planning policy objectives of achieving sustainable development and creating sustainable communities.