Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Laura Clingan be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Matt Wynne be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 April 2022 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 they had 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 committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair welcomed Councillors Glithero and Heywood to the Area Committee following their election in May 2022.

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 in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

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

Inspector Ian Ashenden (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:-

·         Neighbourhood policing had been the subject of a force-wide review and a public consultation, and it was anticipated that the results of this would be available within the new few months and that this would be shared with councillors.

·         Work had been taken place to improve response times within Stockport which had seen a significant improvement through the more efficient management of resources.

·         Section 60 powers had been used to increase the number of stop and searches in response to incidents of knife crime in the borough.

·         Detection rates for burglary had increased.

·         Youth disorder and anti-social behaviour in the town centre remained a priority for the service including the use of plain clothed officers to assist with identifying those involved.

·         Work had taken place to tackle issues of illegal money lending around Brinnington and Lancashire Hill.

·         Planning for the summer was well underway including a partnership response to ensure there were diversionary activities in place.

·         There had been a number of new appointments within the area to ensure that the service remained appropriately staffed and these would be introduced to councillors in the coming weeks and months.

·         The number of reported incidents relating to the misuse of off-road bikes was significantly down on the same period last year.

·         Members expressed their thanks to Stagecoach Manchester and their drivers for maintaining continuity of service to communities in the centre of Stockport despite difficult issues of vandalism and criminal damage.  In response, it was stated there had been a number of arrests of people from Manchester City Centre and the south of Stockport in relation to these incidents.

·         Work had taken place with British Transport Police at Stockport Station to detect knives and drugs.

·         It was requested that crime statistic data be circulated to the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward councillors.

·         Concern was expressed that the neighbourhood policing review was having an impact on the recruitment of PCSOs.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Ashenden be thanked for his attendance.

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

One petition was submitted signed by 12 signatories relating to the method of grass mowing at Falmouth Crescent flats with a specific request that in future grass cuttings be collected to prevent them from being brought into residents’ properties and exacerbating health problems.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation.

To receive an update on the Community Payback Programme from Adam Forbes, Central Neighbourhood Manager.

Adam Forbes (Central Neighbourhood Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to provide an update on the Community Payback programme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The community payback programme had ceased operation during the covid-19 pandemic and had recently restarted in a limited manner.

·         Work had been identified at Stockport Cemetery and Stockport Lads’ Club, however due to the risk assessments in place there were significant limitations on other opportunities.  It was noted that welfare facilities, in particular, needed to be provided within a five-minute walk of the site.

·         The Community Payback service was able to undertake litter picking activities and paint using water-based paints.

·         It was suggested that Community Payback could be used to undertake works in Cale Green Park usually undertaken by Council staff who could then be used elsewhere.

·         The Ministry of Justice had placed orders for vehicles with welfare units attached to them that would enable more flexibility in the future.

·         Members undertook to liaise with officers to develop a list of sites that may be suitable for work to be undertaken by the Community Payback service.

·         It was requested that officers continue to update councillors on the position with regard to the Community Payback service and when it would be possible to start receiving requests for work with less rigorous pre-requisites.

RESOLVED – That Adam Forbes be thanked for his attendance.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report updates Members regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021. It provides an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where, and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The Area Committee is asked the note the report and promote the CAN Fund to community groups, residents, schools and other appropriate organisations within their wards.

Contact officer: Nick Leslie | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and providing an overview of how the funding scheme worked, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund had been allocated and where, and how Members could help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Area Committee is asked to agree one of the following options for the determination of Ward Flexibility Funding applications:

·         to continue to delegate the determination of applications for Ward Flexibility Funding (for the municipal year 2022 – 2023) to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer), in consultation with ward councillors (current practice); or

·         to determine applications for Ward Flexibility Funding at meetings of the Area Committee as part of the usual business on the agenda. (The current practice for the six other Area Committees at Stockport Council).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service and Monitoring Officer ( Legal and Democratic Governance) reported that, as in previous years, it was necessary for the Area Committee to consider its current practice for determining applications for Ward Flexibility Funding at the start of the Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to delegate the determination of applications for Ward Flexibility Funding for the Municipal Year 2022/23 to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer), in consultation with Ward Councillors.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) (to begin no earlier than 6.30pm).

(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 development applications.

(c) To consider consultations (if any) received by the Corporate Director on any planning issues relevant to the area.

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

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  Deputy Chief Executive 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/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Corporate and Support Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

Proposal to change of use of existing building to a vehicle repair and MOT testing garage along with elevational alterations including the introduction of new roller shutter doors, recladding of the roof and front of the building along with new dropped kerb to allow vehicles to egress the site.

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

Contact officer: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk  

With the consent of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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

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 0161 474 3219 | vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (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.

The work undertaken by TLC to remove the overgrown vegetation from the 287 Wellington Road South was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out a proposal for No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on parts of Curzon Green in Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders be made, at a total cost of £800 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation).

Contact officer: Max Townsend 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on parts of Curzon Green in Offerton.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders, at a total cost of £800 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Curzon Green

From the intersection of the North Western and South Western kerb lines of the green space and on that side for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

From the said intersection and on that side for a distance of 10 metres in South Easterly direction.

From the intersection of the North Eastern and South Eastern kerb lines of the

green space and on that side for a distance of 10 metres in a North Westerly

direction.

From the said intersection and on that side for a distance of 25 metres in a South Westerly direction then 10 metres in a North Westerly direction (to tie in with the above).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out a proposal for the placement of 20mph carriageway markings on Fernley Road and Aldersgate Road in Heaviley.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the carriageway markings at a cost of £400 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation).

Contact officer: Max Townsend 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the placement of 20mph carriageway markings on Fernley Road and Aldersgate Road in Heaviley.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the placement of carriageway markings on Fernley Road and Aldersgate Road in Heaviley at a cost of £400 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the release of £4,000 from the Brinnington and Central Ward delegated budget to carry out the necessary residents' consultation, investigations and on-site parking surveys for the purposes of introducing an appropriate residents permit parking scheme for households on Gordon Street, Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the release of funds to the amount of £4,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation) to enable Network Management to carry out a residents’ consultation and investigations in line with Stockport’s Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

Contact officer: Noel Nhengu 07977344015 | noel.nhengu@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the release of £4,000 from the Brinnington and Central Ward delegated budget to carry out the necessary residents' consultation, investigations and on-site parking surveys for the purposes of introducing an appropriate residents permit parking scheme for households on Gordon Street, Stockport.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the release of funds to the amount of £4,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation) to enable Network Management to carry out a residents’ consultation and investigations in line with Stockport’s Residential Parking Scheme Policy for the purposes of introducing an appropriate residents permit parking scheme for households on Gordon Street, Stockport.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for funding towards the cost of enclosing the football pitches at Warth Meadow with 2.0 metre high weld mesh fencing.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the scheme outlined in the report and authorise the allocation of £4,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central ward allocation) to fund the fencing at Warth Meadow Football Pitch.

Contact officer: Richard Booker 0161 474 4829 | richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for funding towards the cost of enclosing the football pitches at Warth Meadow with 2.0 metre high weld mesh fencing.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the enclosure of the football pitches at Warth Meadow with a 2 metre high weld mesh fence at a cost of £4,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington & Central ward allocation) subject to compliance with planning permission, legal approvals and successful funding application to the Football Foundation.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around St Thomas’ C of E Primary School and to seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage and widening of the existing speed hump.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the traffic regulation orders detailed in Appendix A to the report and the associated widening of an existing speed hump, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation.

Contact officer: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around St Thomas’ C of E Primary School and to seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage and widening of the existing speed hump.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the traffic regulation orders detailed in Appendix A to the report and the associated widening of an existing speed hump, and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an event application submitted by Stockport Harriers & AC to hold their annual Schools Cross Country League on 6 Saturday mornings, taking place between 10.30am – 12pm, with access from 8am.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place and this being confirmed to the ward councillors.

Contact officer: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application submitted by Stockport Harriers & AC to hold their annual Schools Cross Country League on six Saturday mornings (24 September 2022, 15 October 2022, 5 November 2022, 26 November 2022, 21 January 2023 and 18 February 2023), taking place between 10.30am – 12pm, with access from 8am.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place and this being confirmed to the ward councillors.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and agree whether it wished to make an allocation from its Delegated Budget towards the provision of additional bulb planting within its area.

Officer contact: Peter Cooke on 0161 474 4851 or email: peter.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

It was stated that while members agreed in principle with the proposal to provide an element of funding from the Delegated Budget to bulb planting schemes, it would be necessary to see the detail of such schemes before funding was committed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on stalled development sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Contact officer: Robert Goulsbra 0161 218 1764 | robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on stalled development sites in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Area.

It was commented that in the light of the significant progress that had been made with regard to the development of the sites listed in the report, it was no longer necessary for the item to remain as a standing item on the agenda for future meetings of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol is attached for information.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons in accordance with the Protocol.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED - That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Brinnington and Central Ward – Councillor Andy Sorton

Davenport and Cale Green Ward – Councillor Wendy Wild

Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward – Councillor Matt Wynne

Manor Ward – Councillor Charlie Stewart

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

The report asks members to consider appointments of representatives to Outside Bodies.

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations to represent the council on the following outside bodies:

·         Cheadle Heath Community Association

·        Woodbank Community Association

Officer Contact: Charlotte Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2022/2023:-

Cheadle Heath Community Association

Councillors Sheila Bailey, Louise Heywood and Matt Wynne

Woodbank Community Association

Councillors Laura Clingan, Sue Glithero and Charlie Stewart.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and 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 and delegated budget.

The area committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) 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. The report also set out the latest position on the ward flexibility funding and delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application submitted by the Friends of Cale Green Park for a ‘Summer in the Park’ event on Sunday, 26 June 2022, from 12.30pm to 4.00pm.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.