Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 December 2020 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.

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 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.

Inspector Ian Ashenden attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues within the Central Stockport area. He also reported on recent crime committed in the Central Stockport area.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

·         A Members requested an update on the recent issues with the 101 system whereby residents had been disconnected or put on hold for some time.  In response, Members were advised that it was a known problem and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had highlighted the issue on social media.  The technical issues had now been resolved but there may still be slight delays in answering calls.  There had also been a significant increase in members of the public reporting crimes on the GMP website.  Members of the public were also encouraged to use the online portals in order to report crimes.

·         A discussion took place in relation to anti-social behaviour in Edgeley.  Members were advised that the operation which had taken place in December had yielded positive results.  Officers continued to ensure intelligence was monitored closely.  Links had also been established with GMP colleagues in the mounted and traffic units.

·         A further operation had been running in Brinnington for the past three weeks.  Officers were trying to engage with young people and their parents to emphasise the consequences of negative behaviour.  Anti-social behaviour also appeared to have dropped as a result of tackling underlying issues through partnership working.

·         In response to a Member’s question, Inspector Ashenden advised that he would responded respond directly and provide data in relation to how many Section 59 Warnings/Notices had been served in the Central Stockport area over the last three years.

·         Members were updated on catalytic convertor thefts which appeared to be re-emerging as an issue.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Ian Ashenden 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 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.

Six public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         The first question related to motorists driving at excessive speed on Montagu Road, Offerton and a request for traffic calming measures on the road.

The Area Committee was advised that enforcement of the 20mph speed limit would be a matter for Greater Manchester Police as a moving traffic offence. In most cases, physical traffic calming on residential streets was usually intended to deter ‘rat running’ between arterial routes. The assumption in this case was that most drivers were local residents and they should be driving carefully under their duty of care. Physical traffic calming measures had to be properly justified.

·         The second question enquired whether there was any funding for gully cleaning on Banks Lane, Offerton, particularly since the recent Storm Christoph.

The Area Committee was advised that the gully cleaning policy was being reviewed and the recommendations would be considered by Members at the earliest opportunity.

·         The third question enquired whether an Equality Impact assessment had been carried for the new chicane barriers on Bexhill Road, Adswood.

The Area Committee was advised that the proposed works were trying to maintain authorised access to the playing fields whilst seeking to restrict unauthorised access for those persons engaged in anti-social behaviour at this site. It was inevitable that in restricting access for these purposes, that the Bexhill Road entrance to the park would become less accessible for some park users. This was a difficult balance as to maintain this entrance in a manner which would result in a satisfactory Equality Impact Assessment would offer nothing in terms of restricting unauthorised access and reducing the anti-social behaviour at the playing fields that was spoiling the enjoyment of the area for many park users.

·         The fourth question related to why the proposals for the Offerton Lane – MCF scheme had changed with the inclusion of a shared use path and a chicane.

The Area Committee was reminded that it had supported Option 2, a toucan crossing with shared paths, and that this had subsequently approved by the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration. The toucan crossing had been progressed with the widths maximised to reduce the risk of conflict between pedestrians and cyclists. Recognising the shared use environment, barriers had been added to the scheme to slow cyclists down when entering the southern footway of Offerton Lane from the development site. This would also deter the use of the path by unauthorised users. The design would be reviewed to accord with guidance issued by Sustrans.

·         The fifth question related to the future of the old Adswood Hotel site in Adswood Lane West, Cale Green and the planning permission obtained by Millennium Care for the construction of a care home.

The Area Committee was advised that since the meeting of the Area Committee in December 2020, as promised, Planning Enforcement Officers had contacted the landowner to try to ascertain his intentions regarding the implementation of the planning permission secured for the development of a new 60 bed care home on the site (ref: DC/066750), noting that the planning permission was currently due to expire on 1 May 2021.

The landowner had stated he had been busy dealing with the impact of the pandemic in his other care homes, including the rollout of vaccinations.  He was aware that the planning permission was currently due to expire in May and hoped to be able to start work before then. In the meantime, he had stated that the site was regularly visited to check it was tidy and local residents contacted him if problems arose.

Planning Enforcement Officers had regularly visited the site to establish whether its appearance was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(iii)

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.

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 Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

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 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

The development of 5 dwellings with associated landscaping, access, car parking and associated infrastructure.

The Planning and Highways Regulation Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to:-

·         Conditions

·         The applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure the relevant contribution towards open space and a clause to ensure that the existing floodlighting serving the Aquinas College Artificial Grass Pitch is amended in accordance with the submitted Light Spillage Survey, to be funded by the applicant/developer; and

·         No new substantive issues being raised by an extended public notification period as explained in the report.

Officer Contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659 or email: mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC076884 for the development of 5 dwellings with associated landscaping, access, car parking and associated infrastructure on land at Aldersgate Road/Corbar Road, Stockport

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, given the scale and nature of the proposals, the application be referred to the  Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for determination.

Change of use from retail (Use Class E) to a flexible use permitting Class F1 uses (including public library use) and Class E uses (commercial, business and service uses including retail). Upper floor to be used for ancillary staff room and storage.

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

Officer Contact: Rebecca Whitney on 0161 474 4405 or email: rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no DC078831 regarding a change of use from retail (Use Class E) to a flexible use permitting Class F1 uses (including public library use) and Class E uses (commercial, business and service uses including retail). Upper floor to be used for ancillary staff room and storage at 16-22 Mersey Square, Stockport

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

a representative of the applicant spoke in favour of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic 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 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement action 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 Matt Wynne

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out the background to the public right of way that runs through the site of the Audi Garage on Brinksway.

Officer Contact: Amy Beasley on 0161 474 4596 or email: amy.beasley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the background to the public right of way that ran through the site of the Audi Garage on Brinksway.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members commented that they would like a meeting to take place between representatives from the Audi Garage and Council Officers to try and secure a satisfactory resolution for local residents, and that they be kept updated on progress on the outcome of the discussions that took place.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a meeting be held between representatives from the Audi Garage and Officers from the Place Directorate to try and facilitate a resolution and that Members be kept informed of progress.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

This report covers how partners across Stockport have approached the development of a shared borough plan, including an overview of the insight which has informed the development of the priorities, and introduces a draft borough plan for scrutiny comment and consideration. The draft plan is being shared with all scrutiny committees and comment is invited on the whole plan however to support discussions Table 1 indicates where borough plan priorities more directly relate to the remit of this committee. The draft plan is also accompanied by a full engagement report (appendix 1) and an equality impact assessment (appendix 2).

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

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing how the the Council was proposing to progress the development of the Borough Plan; the approach to capturing the views of residents, businesses and the workforce; the data and insight that would be considered, and how this would inform the priorities for the future.

Kirsteen Roe (Service Director – Citizen Focus) attended the meeting to present the item and to respond to questions from Councillors.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members commented that this was a visionary plan which was about setting sights high and having ambition.  Delivery plans would emerge later which would support the Borough Plan.

·         Members felt that it was important to emphasise individual duty and responsibility within the plan.

·         In response to a Member’s question relating to who had been consulted and what the feedback had been, Members were advised that a wide range of groups had been engaged with.  For example, discussions had been held with the business community, the voluntary community and the social enterprise sector.  Workshops had also been arranged with various forums, including the inter-faith forum.  Public engagement had started with schools, but this was currently paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  A number of surveys had taken place, for example a survey relating to people’s experiences of lockdown and the challenges and situations, both positive and negative, that may have resulted.

·         In terms of feedback, there had been a focus on how the plan tackled inclusion and inequality across the Borough.  It was also felt that case studies, photographs and stories would help in ‘bringing the plan to life’.

·         Members commented that digital infrastructure and access to lifelong learning would be paramount in the future.

·         Members commended the collaborative work with organisations who put Stockport first and who were ambitious for Stockport.

·         Members would like to see more information presented in a digital format as often this was easier to engage with than in a written form.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Wild

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out a request to approve funding for improvements to the chicane barriers at the pedestrian entrance to Davenport Playing Fields from Bexhill Road, Adswood.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the measures to deter off-road bikes accessing Davenport Playing Fields.

Officer Contact: Josephine Holmes on 078 66 9999 06 or email: josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a request for measures to deter off-road bikes accessing Davenport Playing Fields from the pedestrian entrance at Bexhill Road, Adswood.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to funding of £650 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Davenport and Cale Green Ward allocation) to pay for measures to deter off-road bikes accessing Davenport Playing Fields from the pedestrian entrance at Bexhill Road, Adswood, in particular the reconfiguration of the barriers.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out a proposal for a replacement hand rail (bespoke heritage style) to the pathway known as Larkhill - between Brinksway and Ealing Road.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive to order the work.

Officer Contact: Tony Gunter on 0161 474 2426 or email: tony.gunter@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal for a replacement hand rail (bespoke heritage style) to the pathway known as Larkhill – between Brinksway and Ealing Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of a new bespoke heritage style handrail on the pathway known as Larkhill between Brinksway and Ealing Road, Edgeley, at an approximate cost of £5,000, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report seeks comments regarding the Moving and Waiting/Loading Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) Scheme 402 in the vicinity of the Knightsbridge / Great Portwood Street junction.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing approves the statutory legal advertising of the traffic regulation orders contained in Appendices A and B of the report and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Orders be made.

Officer Contact: Gavin Lightbown on 0161 474 2079 or email: gavin.lightbown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which sought the views of the Area Committee on the Moving and Waiting/Loading Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) Scheme 402 in the vicinity of the Knightsbridge / Great Portwood Street junction.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing be recommended to approve the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders contained in Appendices A and B of the report and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Orders be made.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic 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 ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the area Committee’s delegated budget.

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 Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) 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.