Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 June 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 which 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 thanked everyone who was involved in the organising and running of the Stockport Pride event which took place on Sunday, 30 July 2023.

The Chair announced that the Tour of Britain would return to Stockport on Sunday, 3 September 2023. The race formed part of the Town of Culture events and more information could be found on the council’s website.

The Chair also highlighted that the Stockport Frog Trail had been relaunched for 2023 and was due to run until the end of September. Residents were encouraged to follow the colourful outdoor trail and have a fun day out.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the area committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the code of practice (questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting. You can also submit via the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the codes of practice.

One public question was submitted in relation to police actions and illegal motorcycles in the area. 

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members understood the concerns of the questioner and were aware of the problems occurring from off road bikes.

·         Ward councillors advised they were going to write to the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester outlining ongoing concerns in relation to the issue of off road bikes, and requesting an increase in action to address this.

·         Inspector Picton notified the Area Committee that he had a positive update regarding off road bikes, which would follow.

RESOLVED – That a further written response from Inspector Picton be supplied to the questioner in due course.

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:

·         Members were advised that three neighbourhood officers were assaulted in the Brinnington area on 18 July. The case was on going and the police were hopeful that arrests would follow. 

·         The annual Armed Forces Day had proved to be a great success, with police presence and positive community involvement.

·         An increase in anti-social behaviour in Brinnington in the month of June was highlighted which had been the subject of intervention.

·         There had been an increase in the use of stop and search powers, due to a rise in violent offences. Possessions of drugs and balaclavas were seized, and arrests were made.

·         A police car had recently suffered damage and officers were verbally abused, the offender was identified through CCTV and arrested.

·         Following intelligence led works, the police were able to carry out a drug warrant at a property in Lincoln Towers, on 13 July. 

·         It was reported that the police were going undertake a monthly day of action within the town centre to combat anti-social behaviour and shop lifters. Officers were to be deployed around the Peel Centre in plain clothes to further address the matter.

·         There was to be an increase in high visibility patrols involving stop and search activities and arrests. It was stated that proactive work was key in tackling anti-social behaviour in Stockport Central and Brinnington.

·         Inspector Picton encouraged residents to get in touch via Crimestoppers to report any intelligence relating to crimes having taken place and the identification of offenders.

·         The current policing priorities for the area were burglary, antisocial behaviour, and off-road bikes.

·         Clarity was requested in relation to the ongoing monitoring of the email address used by the public to report off road bike activity.

·         In response to concerns raised in relation to antisocial behaviour on local bus services, it was stated that the police were working with Stagecoach to address this.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Picton be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

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.

A representative of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance (Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the area committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (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 Deputy Chief Executive 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 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

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

Proposed demolition of existing buildings on site and construction of 24 no. apartments with associated hard and soft landscaping and car parking.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk | 0161 474 3657

In respect of application DC/087511 for the demolition of existing buildings on site and construction of 24 no. apartments with associated hard and soft landscaping and car parking on the site of the former 1-19 Higher Hillgate, Stockport (at the corner of Higher Hillgate and Higher Barlow Row),

the applicant’s agent 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 the completion of a legal agreement.

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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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.

The Chair reported that this item had been included on the agenda following a resolution of the Area Committee at its meeting on 22 June 2023 that the matter remain a standing agenda item until such a time that the Area Committee agrees otherwise.

It was then further reported that it had not been possible for a representative of the Director of Place Management to attend the meeting on this occasion.

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

The Area Committee has a long-standing arrangement whereby development applications are not considered until 6.30 pm. The Area Committee is requested to consider whether this arrangement remains fit for purpose.

The Area Committee is recommended to give consideration the start time for the consideration of development applications.

Contact officer: 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) requesting that the Area Committee gave consideration the start time for the consideration of development applications.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the removal of any stipulation relating to the commencement time of any individual items contained with the agenda for future meetings of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance.

At the Budget Council Meeting on 23 February 2023, approval was given to the allocation of £0.260m to fund the creation and administration of a Ward Discretionary Budget to provide each ward with an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

This report details the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget and the delegation arrangements for the making of decisions with regard to those proposed allocations.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note that each ward has been allocated an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

(2) Give approval to the identification of those priorities, or proposed allocations, on a ward-by-ward basis.

(3) Work with officers to draw up formal costed proposals that have the full support of all Members of the ward for submission to a future meeting of the area committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: 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) outlining the creation and administration of a Ward Discretionary Budget to provide each ward with an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

The report also detailed the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget and the delegation arrangements for the making of decisions with regard to those proposed allocations.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members queried whether the sum could be used for projects which were due to be carried out within the next municipal year.

·         It was requested that further guidance be supplied to Members in writing outlining the arrangements for the proposed spending of the £10,000 sum.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That ward councillors work with officers to draw up formal, costed proposals that have the full support of all councillors for the relevant the ward for submission to a future meeting of the area committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on the progress of the Edgeley to Stockport Active Travel Fund Scheme and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of permanent Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for the Moving and Static Restrictions (to be funded by the Edgeley to Stockport Active Travel Fund budget).

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

Officer contact: Pam Hibbert pam.hibbert@stockport.gov.uk | 0161 474 4840

Appendices to follow in a supplementary agenda pack.

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 for Edgeley to Stockport Active Travel Fund Scheme and detailing proposals for the introduction of a package of permanent Traffic Regulation orders for the Moving and Static Restrictions.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertisement of the Moving and Static Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) set out in Appendix A and attached drawings, 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 Edgeley to Stockport Active Travel Fund budget.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks to consolidate the Moving Traffic Regulation Orders currently on site.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the following proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Order as set out in Appendix A (to be funded from the Moving Traffic Order Scheme), and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made:

Proposed Moving Traffic Order Schedule

No Right Turn

Bramhall Lane, Stockport

At the intersection with Wellington Road South (A6), prohibited right turn – south eastbound.

No Left Turn

Buxton Road (A6), Stockport (Northbound)

At the intersection with Bramhall Lane, prohibited left turn - south westbound.

Wellington Road South (A6), Stockport (Southbound)

At the intersection with Higher Hillgate, prohibited left turn – north eastbound.

No U Turns

Wellington Road South/Buxton Road (A6), Stockport (South eastbound/North west bound)

Both directions from a point 14 metres south east from the south eastern kerbline of Bramhall Lane in a north westerly direction for a distance of 60 metres.

Officer contact: Jon Brown jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk | 07800 618197

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) noting that the existing Moving Traffic Regulation orders currently on site at Wellington Road, Buxton Road (A6) and Bramhall Lane had been made under an experimental order and proposing that these orders be made permanent.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services) be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Moving Traffic Order and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £650 to be funded from the Moving Traffic Order Scheme.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approves the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order set out in Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made.

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

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

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

An application has been received from Cancer Research UK to host their annual 3K and 5K charity event at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks on 12 May 2024 between 11:00 and 12:30 hours (set up from 05:00 hours and vacating the site by 15:30 hours).

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks prior to the event taking place (with this being confirmed to ward councillors).

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

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 received from Cancer Research UK to host their annual 3K and 5K charity event at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks on 12 May 2024

RESOVLED – That the application be granted subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

An application has been received from UK Tribute Festivals to host their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Friday 24 May 2024 to Sunday 26 May 2024 inclusive, between 11:00 and 22:30 hours.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks prior to the event taking place (with this being confirmed to ward councillors).

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

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 received from UK Tribute Festivals to host their annual family music festival (Rockstock and On A Summers Night) at Woodbank Memorial Park on Friday 24 May 2024 to Sunday 26 May 2024 inclusive.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

RESOLVED – That this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee pending the circulation of an updated report.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for an experimental order for No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on part of Woodsmoor Lane in Woodsmoor.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order:   

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Woodsmoor Lane (Offerton Ward)

South East side, from a point 5 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of Claremont Road in a South Westerly direction to a point 5 metres South West of the South Western kerb line of Claremont Road.

Woodsmoor Lane (Davenport & Cale Green Ward)

North Western side, from a point 10 metres North East of the (projected) North Eastern kerb line of Claremont Road for a distance of 21 metres in a South Westerly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Area Committee could consider the matter concurrently with the Stepping Hill Area Committee and to avoid any consequent undue delay in the advertisement of the orders).

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 a proposal for the introduction of an experimental No Waiting at Any time Traffoc Regulation order on Woodsmoor Lane, Woodsmoor.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertisement of that element of the following Traffic Regulation Order that fell within the purview of this Area Committee and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £760 to be funded from the Stepping Hill Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Offerton ward allocation):-

No Waiting at Any Time (Experimental):

Woodsmoor Lane (Offerton Ward)

South East side, from a point 5 metres North East of the North Eastern kerb line of Claremont Road in a South Westerly direction to a point 5 metres South West of the South Western kerb line of Claremont Road.

Woodsmoor Lane (Davenport & Cale Green Ward)

North Western side, from a point 10 metres North East of the (projected) North Eastern kerb line of Claremont Road for a distance of 21 metres in a South Westerly direction.