Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 December 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.

The following interests were declared:

Personal Interests

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.

No announcements were made.

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.

There were no public questions.

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

The Chair reported that Inspector Gareth Davis had sent his apologies for the meeting. However, an update was provided by the Clerk on behalf of Inspector Davis:

·         Inspector Ian Ashenden has left his post to focus on other projects. Contact details for his replacement would be provided to the Area Committee in due course. Police officers and staff within the Central Neighbourhood Team wished him success in his new role.

• The Central Neighbourhood Team were currently in the midst of a week of action whereby additional resources would be deployed into Central Stockport to tackle issues raised by members of the public. As a consequence, over the next few days, more officers would be visible on the streets. Members were reassured that there was no cause for concern as regards to this increase.

• Over Christmas, Operation Advent was undertaken in order to reduce anti-social behaviour associated with the Christmas festivities and an anticipated increase in domestic related and theft issues. Whilst figures were yet to be produced, the feeling was that the operation was a success. Planning was underway for ‘Operation Safe for Summer’.

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

A petition was submitted requesting a parking permit scheme for Hardman Street, Edgeley. The petition had 6 signatories.

A further petition was submitted requesting a residents only parking permit scheme between the hours of 8am and 7pm (weekdays) on Rostherne Road. The petition had 19 signatories.

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

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sorton.

Jennifer Boswell (Head of Carecall Concierge, Stockport Homes) and Anila Khalid (Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods, Stockport Homes) attended to meeting to provide a verbal update on the Stockport Home concierge service and answer questions from councillors.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Since October 2022, Stockport Homes Group (SHG) had undertaken a pilot in the Offerton and Edgeley areas, which focussed on a number of safety related features including visitor access and enabled tenants to access their own visitor calls.

·         The cost of the concierge service was calculated by SHG based on staffing, planned and preventative maintenance and repair costs, as well as the cost of replacing CCTV. The cost was then divided by the residents that received the concierge service, which was £7 for this year. In light of the cost of living crisis, a freeze had been put on the charge for the service for this year. It was not possible to reduce the fee at this time as the service was operating at a loss and contractors were charging more.

·         SHG had allocated £200k until March 2023 to support tenants with the cost of energy, fuel and/ or food. SHG would also support people who met the criteria with the cost of the concierge service charge.

·         It was noted that the team monitoring the cameras also had access to the police radio system, which supported a swift police response if needed.

·         The team were aware of vulnerable customers, who were given as many fobs as they required, free of charge.

·         Members requested that the Area Committee be updated when there were future changes to fees, for example, when the charge was no longer frozen, and be provided with a breakdown of costs in relation to the concierge service, as well as information on the benefits of the service.

·         It was noted that residents could request a summary of charges which explained the breakdown of costs for the service.

·         The team had received positive feedback on the pilot from residents thus far.

·         Members were advised that the team were reviewing the security of the magnetic doors and SHG would incur the cost of any works.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Brinnington and Central ward members.

The Chair advised members that the council released a statement on 25 January 2023 stating that the consultation process on the school’s closure had been paused until June 2023. The school were meeting to discuss and digest the decision, and had requested that their attendance be postponed until the meeting of the Area Committee scheduled to be held on 9 March 2023.

RESOLVED – That the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance be requested to make arrangements for the item to be programmed onto the agenda of the next meeting of the Area Committee.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wynne.

The Chair advised members that Jane Bardsley (Senior Neighbourhoods Officer, Stockport Council) had sent her apologies for the meeting and so was unable to support the discussion on this agenda item. It was requested that attendance be postponed until the meeting of the Area Committee scheduled to be held on 9 March 2023.

RESOLVED – That the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance be requested to make arrangements for the item to be programmed onto the agenda of the next meeting of the Area Committee.

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:

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 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.

Two storey rear extension. Conversion of the existing garage into habitable room, insertion of windows to replace garage doors

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission subject to conditions

Officer contact: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/085394 for a two storey rear extension. Conversion of the existing garage into habitable room, insertion of windows to replace garage doors at 28 Highfield Close, Davenport, Stockport, SK3 8UB,

a member of the public spoke in objection to the application.

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the officers report, as well as an additional condition removing the right to change of use for the purposes of housing in multiple occupation. 

Single storey rear extension following demolition of the existing conservatory. Conversion of the existing garage into habitable room, insertion of windows to replace garage doors. Roof extension involving raising the ridge height and rear dormer

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission subject to conditions

Officer contact: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk   

In respect of application DC/085395 for a Single storey rear extension following demolition of the existing conservatory. Conversion of the existing garage into habitable room, insertion of windows to replace garage doors. Roof extension involving raising the ridge height and rear dormer at 28 Highfield Close, Davenport, Stockport, SK3 8UB,

a member of the public spoke in objection to the application.

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the officers report, as well as an additional condition removing the right to change of use for the purposes of housing in multiple occupation. 

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - 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 for Legal and Democratic Governance (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.

It was noted that the planning appeal for 30 Hampstead Lane had been included on the report in error, and related to the Stepping Hill area.

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 and issues of commuter parking in the area.

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

Rick Simkin (Stockport County Football Club (FC)), Richard Daniels (District Centre Manager, Stockport Council) and Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the 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.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The NCP parking deal had now been launched which enabled visitors to get a reduced fee on car parking for using this provision. Occupancy rate on three recent match days had risen from approximately 5% to 15%.

·         The new footbridge link was reported as working well, as was coach parking on Bergara Close.

·         Stockport County FC were having ongoing conversations with local schools and colleges in relation to using their car parks for additional parking provision on match days. This additional provision would provide 100 car parking spaces across the four schools. The club would pay the schools and steward accordingly.

·         Positive feedback on the increased provision had been received by Greater Manchester Police, residents and fans, although it was recognised that there was more work to be done.

·         Ongoing conversations were taking place with Transport for Greater Manchester in relation to the potential for special bus services and/ or the diverting of routes from the A6 to the grounds.

·         The club and council were continuing to promote car sharing for fans and staff. It was noted that staff tended to car share in any case. Communications also asked fans to plan their journey in advance of matches, and promoted nearby car parking provision.

·         Cycle shelters had been put in place and associated signage would be implemented imminently. This provision would also be promoted in due course.

·         A fan survey would be taking place imminently to gather data on how they were travelling to matches.

·         Business parks in the area were to be approached to determine whether their parking provision could be utilised on match days.

·         The club were working closely with the Enforcement Team to tackle parking issues.

·         It was noted that the traffic management plan on Castle Road and Caroline Street was working but was being monitored. It was suggested that bollards could be a useful measure in supporting the traffic management plan in this area.

·         Members were advised that Stopford House Car Park could not be used owing to events in Stockport Town Hall on weekends which meant provision was already in use.

·         It was requested that residents in the area be surveyed to get a better understanding of issues, and whether there was appetite for an expansion of the residents parking zone, as well as a breakdown of any costs attached. Members agreed that a report on the residents parking zone should be brought back to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Head of Highways and Transportation be requested to provide a report on the residents parking zone to the next meeting of the Area Committee (9 March 2023), including information on a resident’s survey and a breakdown of any costs attached, produced in consultation with the Highways Ward Spokespersons.

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

The report provides an update on the trial of the Speed Indicator Devices (SID’s) and details of the proposed implementation of SID’s across the wards.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

a)    endorse the Speed Indicator Device programme; and

b)   request that the Highway Ward Spokespersons submit four potential locations where they would like the SIDs to be installed to Engineer Transportation Officer, Graham O’Connor.

Contact officer: Adam Meadowcroft 07800618430 | adam.meadowcroft@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the trial of the Speed Indicator Devices (SID’s) and detailed the proposed implementation of SID’s across the wards.

Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors.

RESOLVED - That the Director of Place Management be authorised to determine the locations for the installation of mobile speed indicator devices within the Brinnington and Central, Davenport and Cale Green, Edgeley and Cheadle Heath and Manor wards (four locations per ward) following consultation with the Highway Ward Spokespersons.

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

The report outlines the locations of council-owned parking spaces within the Cheadle Area where it is proposed to install Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI).

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    consider and comment on the proposed EVCI locations within the Area Committee's jurisdiction; and

b)   note that Cabinet delegated approval of final terms for the lease agreements to the Director of Place Management in consultation with Cabinet Member for Climate Action Now.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) which outlined the locations of council-owned parking spaces within the Central Stockport Area where it was proposed to install Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI).

Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The charging spaces would be open to anyone to use (with electric vehicles).

·         It was requested that further EVCI be considered for Manor. The Head of Highways and Transportation encouraged members to feedback any sites they may deem appropriate to be included within potential future programmes.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) that Cabinet delegated approval of final terms for the lease agreements to the Director of Place Management in consultation with Cabinet Member for Climate Action Now be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wynne.

The Chair advised members that Emma Stubbs (Strategic Head of Neighbourhoods, Stockport Council) had sent her apologies for the meeting of the Area Committee. Further, that a meeting was due to take place with the premises imminently, and so it was suggested that Emma attend the next meeting of the Area Committee scheduled to be held on 9 March 2023 to support discussion on this agenda item.

Concerns were raised that the situation had still not improved.

RESOLVED – That the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance be requested to make arrangements for the item to be programmed onto the agenda of the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details findings of a residents permit parking consultation undertaken in the Bateson Street area, including Alpine Road, Carlton Crescent and Peak Street.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a) note the report and appendix;

b) acknowledge and endorse department's commendation that no further action be taken in this area, as the representations received at consultation do not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme as per Stockport’s Residential Parking Scheme Policy; and

c) note the return of the £2,000 funding previously allocated from the Brinnington and Central Delegated Ward Budget to progress a scheme, to the ward budget, due to the discontinuation of the scheme.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a residents permit parking consultation undertaken in the Bateson Street area, including Alpine Road, Carlton Crescent and Peak Street.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That approval be given to Network Management’s commendation that no further action be taken in relation to the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme in the Bateson Street area, including Alpine Road, Carlton Crescent and Peak Street, and to the return of £2,000 funding previously allocated from the Brinnington and Central Delegated Ward Budget to progress a scheme, to the ward budget, due to the discontinuation of the scheme.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The Area Committee is asked to consider a Local Initiative scheme on Countess Street, Davenport.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the maintenance scheme to resurface the carriageway on Countess Street, Davenport at a cost on £12,000 from the Davenport and Cale Green Delegated Ward Budget (part contribution) and authorise the Director of Place Management to order the work. 

Contact officer: Simon Sherry 0161 474 2420 | simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) proposing a Local Initiative scheme on Countess Street, Davenport.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a maintenance scheme to resurface the carriageway on Countess Street, Davenport, at a cost of £12,000 fromthe Davenport and Cale Green Delegated Ward Budget (part contribution) and authorised the Director of Place Management to order the work.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the supply and installation of 2 No. Illuminated Give Way Signs on Bloom Street, Edgeley, at the junctions of Farr Street and Earl Street in order to provide clear warning to motorists to ‘Give Way’ at the junction.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the installation of the Illuminated Give Way Signage (Drawing No. NM36/Bloom Street) at a total cost of £5,800, to be funded from the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Delegated Ward Budget.

Contact officer: Graham O'Connor 0161 474 5057 | graham.oconnor@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the supply and installation of 2 No. Illuminated Give Way Signs on Bloom Street, Edgeley, at the junctions of Farr Street and Earl Street in order to provide clear warning to motorists to ‘Give Way’ at the junction.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of Illuminated Give Way Signage on Bloom Street, Edgeley at the junctions of Farr Street and Earl Street (as shown on Drawing No. NM36/ Bloom Street) at a total cost of £5,800, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around St Bernadette’s Primary School seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; middleton and pencil bollards; and new school warning signs.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the proposals for the Road Safety around Schools – St Bernadette’s Primary School scheme which include the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; middleton and pencil bollards; and new school warning signs. It is recommended that the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order set out in appendix A, and shown on Drawing No. 0305/66/SB/002 be approved, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders be made.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval of the proposals for the Road Safety around Schools – St Bernadette’s Primary School scheme (to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to (1) the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; middleton and pencil bollards; and new school warning signs.

(2) the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order set out in appendix A and shown on Drawing No. 0305/66/SB/002, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders.

To give consideration to the appointment of Highway Ward Spokespersons for the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath ward.

The Area Committee was invited to nominate an additional Ward Spokesperson for the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath ward with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following councillor be appointed as a Ward Spokesperson for highways and traffic issues:

Edgeley & Cheadle Heath ward – Councillor Louise Heywood

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer.

The report asks members to consider appointing a representative to the Cheadle Heath Community Association outside body for the remainder of the municipal year 2022/ 2023.

The Area Committee is requested to make a nomination to represent the council on the Cheadle Heath Community Association outside body for the remainder of the municipal year 2022/ 2023.

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

Members considered a report proposing the appointment of a representative to the Cheadle Heath Community Association outside body for the remainder of the municipal year 2022/ 2023.

RESOLVED - The Councillor Georgia Lynott be appointed to the Cheadle Health Community Association outside body for the remainder of the municipal year 2022/ 2023.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the intention of T3 Events Ltd to hold their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 27 May, Sunday 28 May and Monday 29 May 2023, from 11am to 10.30pm, and asks the Area Committee to consider the application.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application received from T3 Events Ltd to hold their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 27 May, Sunday 28 May and Monday 29 May 2023, from 11am to 10.30pm, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

Officer contact: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from T3 Events Ltd to hold their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 27 May, Sunday 28 May and Monday 29 May 2023, from 11am to 10.30pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from T3 Events Ltd to hold their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 27 May, Sunday 28 May and Monday 29 May 2023, from 11am to 10.30pm, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the intention of Michael Mulhearn Amusements to hold their children's funfair events at Woodbank Memorial Park on four occasions, 10 - 11 March, 10 - 11 June, 22 - 23 July and 19 - 20 August 2023 from 12pm to 8pm, and asks the Area Committee to consider the application.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve an application received from Michael Mulhearn Amusements to hold their children's funfair events at Woodbank Memorial Park on 10 - 11 March, 10 - 11 June, 22 - 23 July and 19 - 20 August 2023 from 12pm to 8pm, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply (to be in place and received two weeks prior to the event taking place).

Officer contact: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Michael Mulhearn Amusements to hold their children's funfair events at Woodbank Memorial Park on four occasions, 10 - 11 March, 10 - 11 June, 22 - 23 July and 19 - 20 August 2023 from 12pm to 8pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Michael Mulhearn Amusements to hold their children's funfair events at Woodbank Memorial Park on 10 - 11 March, 10 - 11 June, 22 - 23 July and 19 - 20 August 2023 from 12pm to 8pm, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply (to be in place and received two weeks prior to the event taking place).

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.