Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 March 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

The Chair of the Area Committee, Councillor Dickie Davies, thanked Members and Officers and Members of the Committee for their valuable contributions to the work of the Committee over the past Municipal Year.

In his absence of Inspector Ian Ashenden, the Area Committee was provided with responses to questions which had been submitted by Members prior to the meeting:-

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         An update was provided on some staff changes to the Central Stockport Neighbourhood Police Team.  Members commented on the valuable work carried out by PCSO Gunther Bauer and wished him a long and happy retirement.

·         Members noted that Greater Manchester Police were working hard to improve communication, showcase good work and promote important crime prevention messages.

·         Concern continued to be caused by off road bikes being driven illegally and in an anti-social manner. Members were advised that additional support had been received in Stockport from Officers working on Operation Camenca. Some vehicles had been seized and a further update would be provided as soon as possible.  Officers were also aware of the issues around Douglas Road in Davenport.  Greater Manchester Police had been successful in bringing in additional resources to try and resolve the issue. 

·         It was vital that agencies continue to work collaboratively in order to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour. There was a weekly multi-agency meeting to focus on key issues across the borough in relation to anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance.

·         In response to a Member’s question, the Committee was updated on anti-social behaviour issues in Brinnington.  Members welcomed the update and hoped that the information relating to injunctions and curfews would help to reassure residents that measures were being undertaken to try and combat the anti-social behaviour.

·         In response to a Member’s question, Members were advised that there had been significant improvements around Greater Manchester Police’s online serves and most of the feedback had been positive.  A request had been submitted to Greater Manchester Police’s Operational Communications Branch for an update on the 101 service and when a response was received it would be reported to the Committee.

·         Members were advised that the police were aware of continuing concerns relating to incidents with buses and bus drivers in the area.  Officers would continue to work with Stagecoach and investigate the incidents that were brought to their attention.  There was an increased police presence in the area and patrol plans were in place.  It was hoped that this would provide some reassurance to bus drivers and their families and to users of public transport.

RESOLVED – That the report 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 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 requesting an update on the situation regarding the former Adswood Hotel public house on Adswood Lane West, Adswood.

Members were advised that since a similar question was asked of this Committee in February of this year, a planning application seeking confirmation that a lawful start has been made on the site in respect of a new 60 bed care home granted planning permission under ref: DC/066750, has been submitted to the Local Planning Authority. This application remains undetermined and was currently being assessed by Officers.

In addition a further planning application seeking a non-material amendment to the description of the previously approved care home development had recently been submitted to the Local Planning Authority. This application, which would not change the previously approved drawings or planning conditions relating to DC/066750, remained un-determined and was being assessed by Officers.

Officers appreciated that the site was located within the Cale Green Conservation Area, but in light of the above applications currently being considered, do not believe that further intervention is justified at this time.

Councillor Wendy Wild reported on the receipt of an online petition containing 81 signatories requesting the installation of speed humps around Adder Park in Adswood, particularly on Bexhill Road and Rostherne Road, as there were concerns relating to dangerous and erratic driving in and around the park.

Councillor Sheila Bailey reported on the receipt of an online petition which had been signed by 272 signatories which requested the Council to look at both short-term and long term measures to deal with incidents of dangerous driving in Edgeley and Cheadle Heath.

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive for investigation and Ward Councillors be requested to raise the issues with Highways Officers at their regular meetings.

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.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

No development applications were submitted.

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members requested a further update on 287 Wellington Road South, Heaviley as the building was falling into further disrepair on a daily basis.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report confirms that the Council has launched a “call for brownfield sites” to support work on our new Local Plan.  This briefing note provides more information on the activities taking place to promote the current call for brownfield sites exercise.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and encourage local residents to get involved.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) confirming that the Council has launched a “call for brownfield sites” to support work on the new Local Plan and providing more information on the activities taking place to promote the current call for brownfield sites exercise.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Concerns were raised relating to the amount of development that was currently taking place in already densely populated areas.  Members requested reassurance that more brownfield sites on the outskirts of the Borough would also be considered.

·         The call for brownfield sites did not just relate to housing but also the need to consider employment.

·         With regard to residential development, the emphasis should be on good quality, affordable housing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report sets out the current situation with regard to derelict sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward, including, Lesley Wright House on Stockport Road, the corner of Kent Road/Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath and the Springmount Mill site.

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the current situation with regard to derelict sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward, including, Lesley Wright House on Stockport Road, the corner of Kent Road/Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath and the Springmount Mill site.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The land at Kent Road, Edgeley has been derelict for approximately ten years and this has caused problems for people who lived in this area.  There had been several planning permissions on the site, all of which had expired.  The current planning permission ran out in September and it was hoped that at this point some decisions could be taken about its future. 

·         Similarly, Springmount Mill has been derelict for approximately three years and there had been issues with keeping the site in good order  as it attracted anti-social behaviour.

·         A large bonfire had been set alight at the site of St Augustine’s Church in Cheadle Heath and this had caused a number of issues to local residents.

·         These sites could all be used to provide much needed housing in the area rather than being left derelict.

·         Members commented that they did not feel that the report moved the situation forward and it maybe that a more proactive response was necessary involving the use of compulsory purchase powers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that reports on the derelict sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward be submitted to the Area Committee on a regular basis until such time as there was significant progress.

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

The Resident Parking Policy was updated at the December Cabinet meeting. AS part of that agreement it has been decided that a prioritised approach to the backlog of residents parking zone (RPZ)/resident parking schemes (RPS) requests will be implemented.

This report provides an update on the residents parking zones/schemes.

The Area Committee is recommended to note that preferred priorities with regard to the delivery of potential schemes within their area will be discussed at ward briefings and note the potential costs and the resource requirements for scheme delivery.

Officer Contact: Jon Brown on 07800 618197 or email: jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the updated Residents Parking Policy that had been approved by the Cabinet in December 2020.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Concerns were expressed relating to the charges to ward budgets as there may be higher demand in some areas particularly those with a high proportion of terraced housing where there could often be issues with regard to on-street parking.  Some wards were likely to struggle to meet the costs of all the proposed schemes.

·         Commuter traffic was causing a lot of issues particularly in the Manor ward.  It was felt that this should be addressed as a Boroughwide problem and the costs shared more fairly.

·         Members requested that a breakdown of consultation costs be provided. 

·         In response to a Member’s question, the Area Committee was advised that there would not be a cost to an individual Ward for the initial consultation, it would only be if matters moved to a formal part of the process.

·         Members felt it was important that residents’ support for the schemes was gained before any monies were sought from the Area Committees.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Ward Councillors have requested a report regarding traffic and speed of vehicles on Bramhall Lane. This report seeks to provide an update on actions to assess the level of speeding through the shopping area; an update on the installation of the planned Speed Indicator Device (SID), and a proposed approach to developing an active neighbourhood scheme in the area.

The Area Committee is requested to:-

·         Note the update provided regarding the recent speed surveys

·         Note the update provided regarding the SID

·         Note the proposed approach to exploring an active neighbourhood in the area and meet with Officers to provide support in identifying local stakeholders and interested parties for involvement in initial scoping discussions.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated Members regarding traffic and the speed of vehicles on Bramhall Lane in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward. The report further provided an update on actions to assess the level of speeding through the shopping area; an update on the installation of the planned Speed Indicator Device (SID), and a proposed approach to developing an active neighbourhood scheme in the area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was clarified that the Speed Indicator Device on Bramhall Lane could be installed straightaway.

·         In relation to the timings of the speed surveys, they seemed to be at times when more commuter traffic was on the road which could affect the speed of the traffic.  The problems seemed to be more pronounced at weekends and outside of commuter times and it was enquired whether the surveys could be conducted over a wider time period. 

·         Members were keen to explore the possibility of an active neighbourhood.

·         A Member enquired whether there would there be any merit in moving the speed limit to 20 mph.  In response, Members were advised that certain areas were being considered for this, particularly near shopping areas.  Additional crossing facilities were also being considered.

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That the update regarding the Speed Indicator Device be noted.

(iii) That the proposed approach to exploring an active neighbourhood in the area be noted and that Members meet with Officers to provide support in identifying local stakeholders and interested parties for involvement in initial scoping discussions.

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

The report seeks approval to implement a Traffic Regulation Order to install No Waiting at Any time at the turning head of Bergara Close to aid turning at this point for large vehicles and approval to implement a Traffic Regulation Order to include Bergara Close in the Match Day Event Parking Zone 4.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order set out in the report and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order be made.

Officer Contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to implement a Traffic Regulation Order to install No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the turning head of Bergera Close to aid turning at this point for large vehicles and approval to implement a Traffic Regulation Order to include Bergera Close in the Match Day Event Parking Zone 4.

RESOLVED –  (1) That the Area Committee be minded to approve the statutory legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order on Bergara Close, Edgeley, the associated legal/lining works to be funded by the developer as part of the planning conditions (Section 38 Agreement):-

Part I

No Waiting at Any Time

South westerly side  -  from a point adjacent to the southern boundary of plot 31 on the South Westerly kerb line on Bergara Close for a distance of 70 metres in a south easterly direction to a point with the boundary adjacent to the pedestrian/cycleway access of the North easterly kerb line.

Part II

Resident Permit Holders Only on First Team Match days or 1^st Team Rugby Match, 1^st August to 31^st May, noon – 5.30pm or 5.30pm – 10pm

(Match Day Event Parking Zone 4):

BergaraClose  - from the intersection of the southern kerb line of Mercian Way on both sides to its southern extents including the western arm and southern extents. (its full Adopted extents).

(2) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order be made.

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

The report seeks approval to install seven bollard posts on the footway at the crossing point of Grenville Street/Bloom Street and install access protection markings across the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Grenville Street to prevent parking on the footway.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the installation of bollards set out in Appendix A to the report and shown on Drawing No. NM18-6346-00.

Officer Contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to install seven bollards on the northern footway area at the junction of Bloom Street and Grenville Street, Edgeley, in order to prevent parking on the footway

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of seven bollards on the northern footway area at the junction of Bloom Street and Grenville Street, Edgeley, in order to prevent parking on the footway, as shown on Drawing No. NM18-6346-00 attached to the report (Appendix A), at a cost of £3,317.30 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 approval to install six bollards on both sides of the controlled crossing point of the footway on Stockport Road, between Sandown Rd/Kent Road, to prevent overrunning of the footway in order to park on the footway.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the installation of bollards as set out in Appendix A to the report.

Officer Contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to install six bollards on both sides of the controlled crossing point of the footway on Stockport Road, between Sandown Road /Kent Road, to prevent overrunning of the footway in order to park on the footway.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of six bollards on both sides of the controlled crossing point of the footway on Stockport Road, between Sandown Road/Kent Road, Edgeley, in order to prevent the illegal use of the footway by motorists and prevent parking, as shown on Drawing No. NM1-6345-00 attached to the report (Appendix A), at a cost of £2,978.80 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 seek approval to install six bollards around the left hand side of the junction of St Lesmo Road and Edgeley Road in order to protect pedestrians and assets.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the installation of bollards as set out in Appendix A to the report and shown on Drawing No. NM1-6343-00.

Officer Contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to install six bollards around the left hand side of the junction of St. Lesmo Road and Edgeley Road, Edgeley, in order to protect pedestrians and assets.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of six bollards on both sides of the controlled crossing point of the footway on Stockport Road, between Sandown Road/Kent Road, Edgeley, in order to prevent the illegal use of the footway by motorists and prevent parking, as shown on Drawing No. NM1-6345-00 attached to the report (Appendix A), at a cost of £2,978.80 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 sets out a proposal to install nine bollard posts on the footway to the right of the crossing point of Edgeley Fold / Edgeley Road and to extend the access protection markings on the opposite side of the road to join the small gap between them.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the installation of the bollards set out in appendix A to the report.

Officer Contact: Gillian Kidd on 0161 474 4848 or email: gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval to install nine bollard posts on the footway to the right of the crossing point of Edgeley Fold/Edgeley Road and to extend the access protection markings on the opposite side of the road to join the small gap between them.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of nine bollard posts on the footway to the right of the crossing point of Edgeley Fold/Edgeley Road, Stockport, and extend the access protection markings on the opposite side of the road outside numbers 42 and 44 Edgeley Road in order to close the small gap between them. The proposals are shown on drawing no. NM1-6342-00 attached to the report and the costs of works is £4,468.19 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Strategic head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer)

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 and 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.