Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 September 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.

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 following announcements were made:

Armistice Day, Saturday 11 September 2023

Residents and councillors were welcome to attend and observe a two-minute silence on Armistice Day on Saturday 11 November. At 11am, the Mayor of Stockport would observe the silence on the steps of Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery. To mark the beginning and end of the silence, maroon rockets would be launched from the civic complex. The sound should be heard from up to two miles away, and residents and shoppers should not be alarmed.

Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 12 November 2023

On Remembrance Sunday, the Mayor of Stockport would lead the borough in paying respects at the Civic Act of Remembrance outside Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery. At precisely 11am, there will be a two-minute silence beginning with The Last Post and ending with The Reveille. Following prayers, hymns and reflections, wreaths would be laid on the steps of the War Memorial.

One Stockport family Hub

The first two One Stockport Family Hubs had been opened in Adswood and Brinnington, and it was noted that there were seven planned hubs.

Half-term Town of Culture events

As Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, many community events had been planned in Stockport for this October half-term; details were available on the Stockport Town of Culture website.

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.

One public question was submitted in relation to the opening hours of Edgeley Library.

RESOLVED – That the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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 (GMP)) attended the meeting to provide an update and answer questions in relation to neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The team had experienced a busy period since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

·         A Closure Order was obtained and secured on a property in Durham House, York Street Estate, Edgeley, Stockport, following an escalation in reports of serious anti-social behaviour. Working closely with Greater Manchester Police and the council, the Safer Neighbourhoods Team were able to gather sufficient evidence to take legal action against the property and its tenant, utilising powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Closure Order meant that no one was permitted to reside in, or visit, the property as was for a period of three months.

·         A high-visibility day of action took place in Stockport town centre on 21 September 2023, resulting in 6 arrests. A total of 14 stop-searches and three premises visits in partnership with Trading Standards also took place and resulted in £80,000 worth of illegal vapes being seized.

·         Operation Riminni took place on 18 October 2023 throughout the Area Committee Area and was a dedicated response to tackling reports of various offences in Stockport town centre, such as theft, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour.

·         A warrant had been executive in the Shaw Heath area on 25 September 2023 and had been issued by the courts under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A criminal investigation was ongoing.

·         Burglaries across Stockport had fallen by almost a quarter over the past year, meanwhile the number of arrests had risen.

·         There had been 1,653 reported incidents in the borough in the past 12 months compared with 2,165 in the previous year; this indicated a reduction of 23.6%.

·         A warrant had been executed at a property on Avenue Street in Portwood on 6 October following community intelligence. Over 300 cannabis plants were seized, with an estimated street value of £40,000.

·         Members were encouraged to promote the Neighbourhood Watch scheme as a valuable scheme comprising of communities and officers working closely to gather and share intelligence. It was requested that feedback on how intelligence had helped be given to residents to enable members to promote the scheme effectively.

·         In response to a concern regarding car vandalism, officers were changing shifts to target certain locations at specific times.

·         It was noted that Inspector John Picton was covering the role of sergeant until a new sergeant was appointed for Brinnington. Recruitment was underway.

RESOLVED – That Inspector John 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 for Legal and Democratic Governance 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.

(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:

A 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).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Proposed change of use from an assisted living nursing home with 2no. self-contained flats on the second floor to 10no. self-contained dwellings 9no.1 bed and 1no. 3 bed. 

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to conditions, informatives and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 agreement. 

Officer contact: Jane Chase 0161 474 3550 | jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk  

In respect of application DC/088030 for the proposed change of use from an assisted living nursing home with 2no. self-contained flats on the second floor to 10no. self-contained dwellings 9no.1 bed and 1no. 3 bed at Rosemount, 133 Cheadle Old Road, Edgeley, Stockport, it was reported that since the publication of the agenda, two further representations had been received in relation to how the apartments would be disposed of, the robustness of the parking survey, potential noise from pets and double yellow lines. It was noted that the representations had not raised material planning considerations.

RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to conditions, informatives and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 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 Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any 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.

Members were pleased to see that work had begun on 287 Wellington Road South, Heaviley, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out a request for funds to facilitate the completion of a project to improve the CCTV coverage in Brinnington.

The Area Committee is requested to:

(1)  recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approve the use of £10,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget towards the cost of six dedicated CCTV columns to improve CCTV coverage in Brinnington; and

(2)  to approve the use of £4,612 from the Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Stockport Central ward allocation) towards the cost of the installation of the columns.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax | andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out a request for funds to facilitate the completion of a project to improve the CCTV coverage in Brinnington.

It was noted that the sixth camera was unable to be placed where it had previously been envisaged, and that once Greater Manchester Police had recommended other potential sites, members would be contacted regarding the new location.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work to date.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be recommended to approve the use of £10,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget towards the cost of six dedicated CCTV columns to improve CCTV coverage in Brinnington.

(2) That approval be given to the use of £4,612 from the Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Stockport Central ward allocation) towards the cost of the installation of the columns.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

Members are asked to consider a report of the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee in relation to Greek Street Bridge and Stockholm Road Bridge road over rail bridges which have been identified by Network Rail as needing replacement due to the deteriorating condition of the structures.  

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.  

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) in relation to Greek Street Bridge and Stockholm Road Bridge which have been identified by Network Rail as needing replacement due to the deteriorating condition of the structures.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members were advised that the works would be disruptive to travel but were necessary works for safety reasons. The council would endeavour to reduce the impact on travel where possible.

·         It was noted that the new structures were expected to have walkways on both sides of the bridges for increased accessibility. It was also expected that the concrete barriers would be removed as they did not add cosmetic value.

·         Funding for the project was guaranteed as the bridges must be replaced for safety reasons.

·         Work on both bridges would overlap, to take advantage of the rail closures in August.

·         A report would be submitted to the Area Committee next Spring with further detail as to next steps, following a consultation process.

·         It was proposed that a Bridge Replacement Working Group be established to receive regular updates as work progresses and comprise of at least one member from each ward within the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That a Bridge Replacement Working Group be established, comprising of at least one member from each ward within the Central Stockport Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report provides detail of the proposed scheme for Bee Network Crossings on Edgeley Road/ Dale Street and recent consultation carried out with residents.  

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing approves the implementation of the scheme with all arms of the junction and with pedestrian crossing provision included, to be funded subject to approval from the MCF Captial Fund.  

Officer contact: Nick Whelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated (copies of which had been circulated) providing detail of the proposed scheme for Bee Network Crossings on Edgeley Road/ Dale Street and recent consultation carried out with residents.

Thanks were expressed to officers for sourcing further funding for the additional arm of the pedestrian crossing. It was requested that members be kept up to date with progress on the scheme.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the implementation of the scheme with all arms of the junction and with pedestrian crossing provision included, to be funded subject to approval from the MCF Capital Fund.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report provides an update on the remedial Traffic Regulation Order work required to complete the Offerton to Stockport Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF) Schemes and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order for Static/ waiting restrictions.   

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways, and Transport Services approves the legal advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order 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 (to be funded from the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) 2 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 remedial Traffic Regulation Order work required to complete the Offerton to Stockport Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF) schemes and sought Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order for Static/ waiting restrictions.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the legal advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order 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 (to be funded from the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) 2 Budget).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report provides an update on the remedial Traffic Regulation Order work required to complete the Town Centre Access Plan Phase 1 and Phase 2 schemes and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders for both Moving and Static restrictions.   

The Area Committee is recommended to request 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 orders be made (be funded from the Town Centre Access Plan 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 remedial Traffic Regulation Order work required to complete the Town Centre Access Plan Phase 1 and Phase 2 schemes and sought Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders for both Moving and Static restrictions.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve 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 orders be made (be funded from the Town Centre Access Plan Budget).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a cost of £1, 250 to be funded from the Manor Delegated Ward Budget): 

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ 

Ludlow Road, Offerton 

Southeast side from the intersection of the south westerly kerb line of Bideford Road for a distance of 15 metres. 

Bideford Road, Offerton 

Southwest side from the intersection of the south easterly kerb line of Ludlow Road for a distance of 20 metres. 

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 the findings of a consultation exercise and sought Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made at a cost of £1,250 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation):

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Ludlow Road, Offerton

Southeast side from the intersection of the south westerly kerb line of Bideford Road for a distance of 15 metres.

Bideford Road, Offerton

Southwest side from the intersection of the south easterly kerb line of Ludlow Road for a distance of 20 metres.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report details an application from the Friends of Cale Green Park to utilise Cale Green Park to host their Christmas in the Park event on 3 December 2023 from 12:00 hours to 15:00 hours. 

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application.

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes 07866999906 | Josephine.holmes@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 the Friends of Cale Green Park to utilise Cale Green Park to host their Christmas in the Park event on 3 December 2023 (from 12pm to 3pm).

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report details an application from Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for their Family Fun Run Santa Dash event on 9 December 2023 between 11:00 hours and 12:30 hours (with access from 9:30 hours). 

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to ward councillors at least 2 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 Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for their Family Fun Run Santa Dash event on 9 December 2023 between 11am and 12:30pm (with access from 9:30am).

RESOLVED – RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to ward councillors at least 2 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.