Agenda and minutes

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

RESOLVED – That Councillor Wendy Wild 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 Charlie Stewart be elected Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20 April 2023 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.

There were no announcements.

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.

Inspector John Picton (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 Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Numerous warrants had been executed since the last update to the Area Committee.

·         Two operations relating to off-road bikes had taken place in the Offerton area.

·         An operation had taken place to tackle theft offences in Stockport town centre; two arrests were made and those people were charged. Additionally, two people had also been arrested and charged for drug offences during the same operation.

·         An increase in anti-social behaviour was expected over the summer months. Operation ‘Safer Summer’ was due to be launched to support work to prevent ASB around this particular time. Officers were expected to attend primary schools to talk to children about anti-social behaviour and the dangers of water.

·         Members were advised that patrols in relation to off-road bikes were taking place as much as possible, and that there had been two operations in the last weeks. The force were keen to run patrols more often and increase officer numbers, but this relied on funding.

·         An update on Speedwatch would be sought and circulated to members in due course.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Picton be thanked for his attendance.

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

A petition was submitted in relation to the safeguarding of Edgeley’s Wildlife Reserve. The petition had 183 signatories.

RESOLVED – That the petition 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.

In accordance with the code of practice, no organisation indicated that they wished to address the area committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

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 2023 – 2024) to the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance, 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).

Contact officer: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED - to continue to delegate the determination of applications for Ward Flexibility Funding for the municipal year 2023 – 2024 to the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance, 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:

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 Chair outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Proposed redevelopment of existing building, including partial demolition, to create a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme comprising of 14 apartments. (This application is to serve as an updated submission of the previously approved and now lapsed application DC/068530).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to:

·         conditions; and

·         a Section 106 agreement requiring a commuted sum contribution of up to £44,344.50 to be paid should a later financial viability assessment demonstrate that the development would be viable following occupation of the first new home within the development.

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

In respect of application DC/085262 for the proposed redevelopment of existing building, including partial demolition, to create a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme comprising of 14 apartments at 1 Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK4 1AA.

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

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to:

·         conditions; and

·         a Section 106 agreement requiring a commuted sum contribution of up to £44,344.50 to be paid should a later financial viability assessment demonstrate that the development would be viable following occupation of the first new home within the development.

Proposed erection of a terrace of 3No. two storey, two bedroom, three person dwellings and 1No. single storey, two bedroom, four person CAT3 dwelling with associated parking and hard/soft landscaping.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to:

1)    the submission of a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit together with a Designer’s Response that doesn’t raise any safety issues that cannot be addressed by minor, detailed design amendments approved by the Council’s Highway Engineer (delegated to officers to resolve);

2)    the imposition of necessary planning conditions; and

3)    the completion of a Section 111 legal agreement to secure the following heads of terms:

·         a financial contribution of £10,786.50 plus a £750 monitoring and reporting fee for the provision and maintenance of children’s play and formal recreation facilities;

·         a biodiversity net gain commuted sum to achieve 10% gain in biodiversity units off-site resulting in an offsetting payment currently in the region of £16,516.50 (note: precise figure to be confirmed once a detailed landscaping scheme has been finalised as changes to on-site planting etc. could change the results in the metric); and

·         a commuted sum of £7500 to introduce parking restrictions on Mountain Street around it’s junction with Alpine Road to secure access to the site by way of a Traffic Regulation Order.

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

In respect of application DC/085968 for the proposed erection of a terrace of 3No. two storey, two bedroom, three person dwellings and 1No. single storey, two bedroom, four person CAT3 dwelling with associated parking and hard/ soft landscaping at 1 Alpine Road, Portwood, Stockport, SK1 2NL.

It was noted that a supplementary agenda had been circulated and contained an update to the report and revised recommendation.

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

It was then

RESOLVED - That the application be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for a site visit and subsequent determination to enable queries from objectors in relation to the report to be addressed.

Proposed development of a grid-scale battery storage project consisting of battery racks, inverters, transformers and other electrical plant equipment connected via an underground ducted cable to Electricity North West's distribution network at the Vernon Park Substation. Erection of secure compound enclosed by a 2.4m high security fence. A 6m ball-stopping net will be installed on the western boundary of the site to prevent any footballs from landing within the boundary of the site from the adjacent football pitches.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

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

In respect of application DC/087394 for the proposed development of a grid scale battery storage project consisting of battery racks, inverters, transformers and other electrical plant equipment connected via an underground ducted cable to Electricity North West's distribution network at the Vernon Park Substation. Erection of secure compound enclosed by a 2.4m high security fence. A 6m ball-stopping net will be installed on the western boundary of the site to prevent any footballs from landing within the boundary of the site from the adjacent football pitches, at Welkin Mill, Welkin Road, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2BH.

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Proposed demolition of vacant public house and development of a single restaurant with drive-thru lane (Class E).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to conditions and informative.

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

In respect of application DC/085975 relating to the proposed demolition of vacant public house and development of a single restaurant with drive-thru lane (Class E) at Farmers Arms, 209 Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, SK3 0LX.

It was noted that the application had been considered at the Cheadle Area Committee meeting on 20 June 2023.

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

It was then

RESOLVED - That the application be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for a site visit and subsequent determination. The Area Committee recommended that the application be refused by the committee on the grounds of traffic concerns within the site (including provision for deliveries), at the junction and on the wider highways network, as well as concerns relating to air quality impact on the wider community, and specifically in light of the close proximity of the site to a school.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 0161 474 3219 | vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance 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.

It was noted that the ownership had changed for 287 Wellington Road South, Heaviley.

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. 

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk  

RESOLVED – That the following councillors be appointed Ward Spokespersons:

Brinnington and Stockport Central Ward – Councillor Kerry Waters

Davenport and Cale Green Ward – Councillor Wendy Wild

Edgeley Ward – Councillor Asa Caton

Manor Ward – Councillor Charlie Stewart

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

The report asks members to consider appointments of representatives to outside bodies. 

The Area Committee is requested to nominate representatives to represent Stockport Council on the following outside bodies:

·         Cheadle Heath Community Association

·         Woodbank Community Association

Officer Contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk  

The Area Committee agreed to defer the appointment of councillors to the Woodbank Community Association outside body whilst the Clerk sought clarity in relation to outside body.

RESOLVED - The Area Committee has appointed the following representatives of the council to the Cheadle Heath Community Association outside body for 2023/ 24:

Councillor Asa Caton

Councillor Leah Taylor

Councillor Matt Wynne

To receive a verbal update on Stockport County Football Club’s expansion plans, match day parking and the 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

Richard Daniels (District Centre Manager, Stockport Council) read aloud an update on behalf of Rick Simkin (Operations Director at Stockport County):

‘Following yet another very successful 2022/ 23 campaign, which ultimately concluded with an unfortunate penalty defeat in the play-off final at Wembley, the club would like to provide the following updates for the Area Committee meeting on Thursday 22 July 2023.

The club have identified additional potential car parking locations and are having positive discussions with key local partners to explore the utilisation of small-scale parcels of land - all being within proximity to the ground. Whilst there are no confirmed quantities of spaces at this stage, there are positive discussions ongoing which will only help to alleviate the match day parking issues on a match day/ event day. As you are aware, the club have entered into a very beneficial arrangement with NCP for fans to use the 1,000 space MSCP at the station on match days at heavily discounted rates. Take up has been low on account of the fact that there is no footpath link from the MSCP to the Thomson Street footbridge which is placing an extra 10 minutes on the journey time from the car park to the stadium. We have approached the council to explore if such a footpath link could be installed so any help and support the Area Committee could provide in trying to “make this happen” would be greatly welcomed as, with such a footpath link provided we are confident that hundreds more fans would use this facility thus removing a significant volume of cars from the stadium neighbourhood.

The club has recently submitted a planning application for an extension to the current office space located within The Cheadle End car park which does not impact on any car parking spaces and is sympathetic to the local area. This is due to the growth of full-time members of club staff across both operational and commercial departments and will enhance both the working experience and environment.

The club continue to work on plans for the expansion of Edgeley Park Stadium with a view to go back out for a second round of public consultations in the autumn.

Match day car parking will again be a key focus of the club for the upcoming 2023/ 24 season, and with the continued support from the local enforcement officers, the message has been getting across to the fan base that parking in restricted areas will not be tolerated. The club will continue to issue communications to all fans and for all match days, and we kindly request that the enforcement officers continue to patrol as much as physically possible.’

It was asked that, if this agenda item remained a standing item on the agenda, a representative from the Highways department attend the meeting to answer any questions from the Area Committee.

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

The report provides an update on delivering the Edgeley District Centre Action Plan.

The Area Committee is requested to note the partnership approach to developing the Edgeley District Centre Action Plan.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on delivering the Edgeley District Centre Action Plan.

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The district centre action plan had been drafted with input from the Institute of Place Management, local councillors and various stakeholders and organisations.

·         At least four new businesses had been established during April and May 2023.

·         Businesses received regular updates from the District Centre Manager and were signposted to the relevant departments and/ or organisations that they required.

·         A Workplace Wellbeing Workshop and free accountancy clinic had been promoted for traders. Further e-learning had been offered to help reduce costs, carbon footprint and improve profits.

·         Retail crime information had been circulated to traders, with security advice for small retail premises.

·         A fantastic addition to Castle Street was the new Sky Hub. A partnership between Age UK and Sky, the Hub offered a welcoming and comfortable community space where people could use Sky devices and free Wi-Fi, as well as receive help with tech and accessing services online. Age UK Stockport, supported by Sky Cares volunteers, planned to run regular workshops and support sessions over June and July, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 3pm. Digital sessions and information and advice support sessions would run from August, and would be promoted via the council’s social media and on the building itself.

·         The three planters at the end of Castle Street had been adopted by traders, and were all growing well. Thanks were expressed to Friends of Alexandra Park for their support in getting the planters in place.

·         Traders were keen to establish a Crime Partnership meeting. This would be held with police officers to discuss crime statistics and key performance indicators to support Crime Partnership. The next step was to set a date for the first Crime Partnership meeting.

·         A successful Spring Worker Bee Market had been held on 13 May 2023, with positive feedback received from traders and stall holders. A meeting was scheduled to be held to progress plans for the (summer) 12 August 2023 market. It was hoped to increase animation, live music and family entertainment at the market.

·         The team were looking to update the ‘welcome to Edgeley’ signage.

·         Members requested to meet with the District Centre Manager and relevant officers to review the action plan and put forward ideas to be incorporated into the plan. To look at the district centre in a holistic sense and to include but not be limited to, a review of domestic waste arrangements, network management arrangements and anti-social parking.

RESOLVED – That the report and partnership approach to developing the Edgeley Action Plan be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a desk-top study of the parking availability on Rostherne Road, Adswood, following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the desk-top study and acknowledge the view of Network Management, namely that, although it is clear that the area is experiencing parking issues primarily due to the school, Network Management would recommend no further action (as it is felt that this is a resident versus school issue and could be resolved with alternative methods).

Should the Area Committee not wish to accede to the recommendation or believe that there is an immediate need for a parking scheme in the area, then funding to the amount of £6,000 will need to be made available from the Davenport and Cale Green Delegated Ward Budget to enable consultation and further investigation.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a desk-top study of the parking availability on Rostherne Road, Adswood, following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee to enable further consideration of the report by members.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to consolidate the existing arrangement, eligibility, and allocation of parking permits for residential properties located within the town centre Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services approves the proposals and funding to legally advertise the experimental order (to be funded as per paragraph 3.4 of the report).

Officer contact: Noel Nhengu 07977344015 | noel.nhengu@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to consolidate the existing arrangement, eligibility, and allocation of parking permits for residential properties located within the town centre Controlled Parking Zone.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services be recommended to approve the proposals and funding to legally advertise the experimental order (to be funded as per paragraph 3.4 of the report).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal to reintroduce a Bus Stop, and introduce new Bus Clearway Markings on Castle Street, Edgeley.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services approves the scheme, at a cost of £600 to be funded from the Edgeley Delegated Ward Budget.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to reintroduce a Bus Stop, and introduce new Bus Clearway Markings on Castle Street, Edgeley.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services be recommended to approve the scheme, at a cost of £600 to be funded from the Edgeley Delegated Ward Budget.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on the progress of the scheme and the associated Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for the Market and Underbanks Area Active Travel Fund Scheme and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of permanent TROs for the Moving and Static Restrictions.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services approves the legal advertisement of the Moving and Static Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) set out in Appendix A and attached drawings, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made (to be funded from the Market and Underbanks Active Travel Fund Budget).

Officer contact: Steven Ashton steven.ashton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of the scheme and the associated Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for the Market and Underbanks Area Active Travel Fund Scheme and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of permanent TROs for the Moving and Static Restrictions.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Transport and Highways Services be recommended to approve the legal advertisement of the Moving and Static Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) set out in Appendix A and attached drawings, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made (to be funded from the Market and Underbanks Active Travel Fund Budget).

To report the findings of a consultation exercise for the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) - Compstall Road, Bramhall Lane Highway Improvement proposals, and seek Cabinet Member (Economy, Regeneration and Climate Change) approval for the scheme and for the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks | c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement - Bramhall Lane Highway Improvement proposals, and sought approval for the scheme by the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services).

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member (Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services) be recommended to approve the Bramhall Highway Improvements Scheme and associated legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders (Appendix C), and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

An application has been received from 4 Season’s Events Group to host a Kids Adventure Kingdom event at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August 2023 (access on site 2 - 7 August 2023).

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from 4 Season’s Events Group to host a Kids Adventure Kingdom event at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August 2023 (access on site 2 - 7 August 2023).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from 4 Season’s Events Group to host a Kids Adventure Kingdom event at Woodbank Memorial Park on Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August 2023 (access on site 2 - 7 August 2023) subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

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

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, and details the current position on ward flexibility funding and delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance 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.

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

This item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wynne. Concern was raised as to the management and operation of the toilet facilities at Alexandra Park, including the disabled toilets which were padlocked. It was requested that officers attend the next meeting of the Area Committee to discuss the concerns and whether the council planned to refurbish the facilities.