Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20 October 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.

Personal interest

To report any urgent action taken under the constitution since the last meeting of the committee.

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

The Chair reported a number of Christmas services that were due to take place over the festive period which included but were not limited to:

·         Stockport Music Service were holding a number of Christmas concerts across the central Stockport area.

·         Christmas Festival, 7 December 2022 at St George’s Hall.

·         Christmas Concerts were taking place on 12 and 15 December 2022 in the ballroom at Stockport Town Hall.

Festive wishes were expressed to the people of Stockport.

It was also reported that railway timetables were scheduled to change on 11 December 2022, and that certain services halted over the covid-19 pandemic were due to be reinstated in order to improve capacity on the network.

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.

A public question was submitted in relation to capturing drug activities on CCTV in Edgeley to support police action.

In response, it was advised that there were options to be explored in relation to funding for CCTV. The Chair would look into the options and respond to the questioner in writing in due course, copying in ward councillors.

A further question was raised in relation to the need to update the road markings outside St Matthew’s Primary School.

In response, it was noted that the Road Safety Around Schools Programme included St Matthew’s Primary School and future works would include updating markings.

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

The Chair reported that, due to a combination of night shifts and illness, the neighbourhood policing team had sent their apologies for the meeting. However, a written response had been provided to a question relating to Operation Avro and off-road bikes submitted in advance of the meeting.

Response

Avro was a borough wide Operation, the overall results were:

17 – Warrants executed across Stockport.

28 – Suspects arrested (for various offences).

39 – Traffic Offences identified.

8 – Vehicles seized.

9 – Traffic related arrests.

From a central area perspective, a variety of work was undertaken:

·         Crime prevention stall in the Town centre.

·         Partnership working with Trading Standards around illegal cigarettes in Edgeley.

·         Speed Gun working in and around Adswood/ Bridgehall.

·         Mobile Police Station in Brinnington.

·         ASB inputs in local primary schools (in partnership with Stockport County Football Club.

·         Beat Surgery in Bridgehall.

·         Street Briefing in the Town Centre.

·         Execution of a warrant in Adswood.

The team were aware that reports of off-road motorcycles were still occurring. On Tuesday 29 November 2022, the Brinnington Team acted on information received from the public and executed a warrant in the locality and recovered a stolen off-road motorcycle, which would be returned to the owner in Blackpool (who used it legitimately) in due course.

The team continued to seek intelligence around off-road motorcycles and urged the public to let the Police know where they were stored, which could be done anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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

A petition was submitted opposing a plan to redevelop Woodbank Hall as flats. The petition had 1,200 signatories.

It was noted that agenda item 10 of the meeting agenda asked members to consider and determine the nomination for Woodbank Hall to be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

A further petition was submitted relating to funding for Active Communities Experiences (ACE).

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

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.

No organisation had indicated that they wish to address the area committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

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 application 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 Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

The Clerk outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Redevelopment of existing site comprising erection of 2 blocks of varying heights from 6 to 8 storeys providing 202 apartments together with associated car parking for 207 spaces, cycle storage, amenity space, landscaping and external works (alternative to planning approval reference DC/064893).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

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

In respect of application DC/079227 for the comprehensive redevelopment of existing site comprising erection of 2 blocks of varying heights from 6 to 8 storeys providing 202 apartments together with associated car parking for 207 spaces, cycle storage, amenity space, landscaping and external works at Site of Former Springmount Mill, Brinksway, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 0JX,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulations Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

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 Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer (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 members of the Area Committee.

To receive a verbal update on ongoing work to alleviate pressures on the existing Edgeley Resident Parking Scheme in light of Stockport County Football Club’s rise to the Football League, as well as issues of commuter parking in the area.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels 0161 218 1621 | richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

Richard Daniels (District Centre Manager, Stockport Council) and Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways & Transportation, Stockport Council) attended to meeting to provide a verbal update on ongoing work to alleviate pressures on the existing Edgeley Resident Parking Scheme and issues of commuter parking in the area.

An action plan from Stockport County was circulated to members for their information.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A number of actions had been taken since the last meeting of the committee, which were recorded in the action plan circulated to members.

·         The blue route was being continually monitored and coach parking seemed to be running fairly smoothly.

·         Improvements to signage had been considered and agreed with Transport for Greater Manchester and would be implemented in due course.

·         Feedback had indicated the desire for sustainable modes of travel to be promoted and it was expected that this information would be added to the website/ social media channels.

·         Work was ongoing in relation to alternative parking provision and members would continue to be updated on progress.

·         The council were working with local residents to ensure their parking permits were up to date and visible in vehicles.

·         It was noted that, if there was a desire to have a new resident’s permit scheme in the area, this would be chargeable.

·         Members were advised that a number of issues had been raised by the Highways Spokespersons and it was requested that a representative from the Highways Department attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to address the matters raised.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That a representative of the Highways Department attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to address matters raised by Highways Spokespersons in relation to the existing Edgeley Resident Parking Scheme and issues of commuter parking in the area.

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

The report provides an update on the council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Edgeley District Centre.

The Area Committee is requested to:

1. Note and comment on the final report from the Institute of Place Management on Edgeley District Centre.

2. Authorise the District Centre Manger, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to develop an Action Plan for Edgeley District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

3. Note the intention of the District Centre Manager to report progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 07800 618140 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of Edgeley District Centre.

Richard Daniels (District Centre Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The role of the District Centre Manager was to facilitate projects in supporting the development of Edgeley District Centre.

·         It was the intention that a sub group would be formed to take forward actions from the Action Plan. As part of their work, the sub group would consider how to promote Edgeley, by way of example, through social media.

·         Work to increase the vibrancy of and a longer term ambition for Castle Street was ongoing. It was suggested that the Mayoral Development Corporation could have a part to play in supporting growth in the area. It was noted that there was an issue with abandoned cars on Castle Street.

·         Members praised the Bee Market coming to Edgeley and expressed their thanks to officers for an encouraging report.

·         It was asked that comments from ward councillors regarding their views as to priorities for the area be added to the report.

·         It was suggested that a masterplan be drawn up for the area, to include a longer term ambition for Edgeley.

RESOLVED - (1) That the final report from the Institute of Place Management on Edgeley District Centre be noted.

(2) That the District Centre Manger be authorised (in collaboration with local stakeholders) to develop an Action Plan for Edgeley District Centre based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Report.

(3) That the intention of the District Centre Manager to report progress on delivering the Action Plan to the Area Committee on a quarterly basis be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals for Hempshaw Lane for measures including road widening, bus stop improvements, parking restrictions and a new controlled crossing.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) gives approval for the following schemes:

·         Sheet 1 of 7 – Tactile paving at side roads and bus stop upgrades.

·         Sheet 2 of 7 - Bollards on Hempshaw Lane, both sides of Thirlmere Road, reduced pedestrian guard railing length, footway widening on Hulme Street and removal of one bollard.

·         Sheet 3 of 7 – Bus stop relocated adjacent to Stockport Lads Club, continuous footways across Stockport Lads Club entrance/exit, carriageway widening adjacent to Electricity North West sub station/No. 384 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 4 of 7 – Build out, heritage style guard rail, bollards and directional sign adjacent to the Finger Post Hotel. Widened traffic islands and upgraded traffic signal equipment plus a new diagonal crossing.

·         Sheet 5 of 7 – Bus stop upgrades, continuous footways across existing minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Sydney Street and Whalley Road, parking bay on Sydney Street, resurfacing and lighting of path to rear of property No’s 463 to 473 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 6 of 7 – Continuous footway across minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Milford Grove and Filey Road.

·         Sheet 7 of 7 – Relocated bus stops, toucan crossing, raised table, footway build outs each side of Offerton Fold, parking bay between No. 530 and No. 550 Hempshaw Lane. New refuge and widened footways.

Officer contact: Katy Farrer 0161 474 4907 | katy.farrer@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) which provided results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) proposals for Hempshaw Lane for measures including road widening, bus stop improvements, parking restrictions and a new controlled crossing.

Thanks were expressed to officers for a comprehensive report and it was asked that local ward members be kept up to date with the progress of the schemes. It was also asked that aesthetically pleasing guardrails be installed by the Finger Post Hotel.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to give approval to the following schemes:

·         Sheet 1 of 7 – Tactile paving at side roads and bus stop upgrades.

·         Sheet 2 of 7 - Bollards on Hempshaw Lane, both sides of Thirlmere Road, reduced pedestrian guard railing length, footway widening on Hulme Street and removal of one bollard.

·         Sheet 3 of 7 – Bus stop relocated adjacent to Stockport Lads Club, continuous footways across Stockport Lads Club entrance/exit, carriageway widening adjacent to Electricity North West sub station/No. 384 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 4 of 7 – Build out, heritage style guard rail, bollards and directional sign adjacent to the Finger Post Hotel. Widened traffic islands and upgraded traffic signal equipment plus a new diagonal crossing.

·         Sheet 5 of 7 – Bus stop upgrades, continuous footways across existing minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Sydney Street and Whalley Road, parking bay on Sydney Street, resurfacing and lighting of path to rear of property No’s 463 to 473 Hempshaw Lane.

·         Sheet 6 of 7 – Continuous footway across minor accesses, bollards at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Milford Grove and Filey Road.

·         Sheet 7 of 7 – Relocated bus stops, toucan crossing, raised table, footway build outs each side of Offerton Fold, parking bay between No. 530 and No. 550 Hempshaw Lane. New refuge and widened footways.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management.

The report details a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and determine the nomination for Woodbank Hall to be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth 0161 218 1934 | paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Estates and Asset Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid.

Paul Edgeworth (Property Services Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Stockport Council was the asset owner of Woodbank Hall.

·         The building was on the ‘heritage at risk’ register. A sustainable future use for the building, appropriate for its setting in the park, was needed. It was reported that the best way to protect the hall’s heritage would be to find a sustainable use for the hall (which would require significant funding). It was noted that a café offer would compete with a nearby premises. Any future use for the building would require planning permission. The building was currently substantially unused, with some of the areas being used for yard storage and a mess area for the Friends of Woodbank Park.

·         Work was taking place to review what the cost would be of restoring the hall, although it was expected that the cost would be very high.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the addition of Woodbank Hall to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Area Committee.

A representative from the Neighbourhood’s Department has been invited to attend the meeting to support the discussion on this item.

Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways & Transportation) attended the meeting to support the discussion on this item.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A public facing guide for alleyway greening projects would be added to the work programme of the Transport Strategy Team.

·         Members stressed that there were thousands of metres of incredibly valuable and unused space that local residents were keen to improve.

·         It was noted that the spaces were usually kept clear for safe access, bin movements and drainage.

·         It was suggested that the Climate Change Team could work with the Transport Strategy Team in drafting a guide, as part of the council’s work to combat climate change.

·         Concerns were raised over alleyways that were adopted by the Local Authority (LA) but were not maintained. The importance of the council being able to claim back area’s once voluntary groups stop maintaining the areas was highlighted. Where LA’s were not notified when groups stop maintaining areas and areas became unmaintained, this led to claims against LA’s.

RESOLED – That the update be noted.

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 Assistant Director - Legal & 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.

A supplementary agenda pack containing an updated version of the Ward Flexibility Funding position statement had been published to accompany the report.

Members noted that the Brinnington and Central ward allocation for 2022/ 2023 had been spent.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.