Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 February 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 February 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:-

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

Personal Interest

No announcements were made.

The Chair reported that no representative of Greater Manchester Police was able to attend the meeting.

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 and at local libraries and information centres.  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 Area Committee on any matters within its powers and duties.

One public question was asked seeking clarification on the details of possible changes to the parks maintenance service contained in the Council’s consultation on future savings proposals and the responsibilities of the Council in relation to play equipment funded by Friends of Groups.

The Chair advised that he had been advised by Officers that these were a package of proposals which were being consulted upon and it was not possible to provide a breakdown of the costs of all the activity listed in the consultation. In relation to play equipment, the Council would continue to maintain all equipment until the end of its life. The current proposal did not affect that and it meant that broken and worn-out play equipment would be removed and not repaired.

It was clarified that this was a consultation process and everyone was encouraged to respond, although some Members expressed concern that it was solely an on-line consultation.

A further three public questions were submitted where the questioners were not present at the meeting. In accordance with the Code of Practice for asking public questions at meetings of the Area Committee, it was stated that a written response would be sent to the questioners.

Jacky Budd (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to public realm issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.  A written summary was also provided of the work carried out by the Public Realm Service (copies of which were circulated).

RESOLVED – That Jacky Budd be thanked for her attendance.

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

-       Permit Parking – Gradwell Street and Hilton Street, Edgeley

(a) Councillor David White submitted a petition on behalf of a number of residents of Adswood Road, Adswood Old Hall Road and Weston Drive objecting to plan no. 50214 for the change of use to develop the site of the former brickworks, Adswood Road, Cheadle as a waste storage treatment and recycling facility including open air soil screening and hardcore crushing and screening including parking.(see Minute 5 (iii) below).

RESOLVED – That the petition be noted and referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for its consideration as part of the determination of the application.

(b) A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a petition had been received from residents of Gradwell Street and Hilton Street in Edgeley requesting the Council to investigate the parking situation in the area.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to investigate the matter.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

(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 applications.

(c)  To consider consultations (if any) received by the Service Director (Place Development) on any planning issues relevant to the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

Officer contact: Mark Jordan/ Jim Seymour, 0161 474 3557/ 3656, email mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk / jim.seymour@stockport.gov.uk

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 Service Director (Place Development) 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 from the Services to Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges.

The Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Part demolition of existing Maitland Street Garage to allow for construction of new access road to serve proposed houses to land to rear; extension/raising of roof to retained garage building to form new workshop area; erection of 4 no. dwelling units to rear land; and associated works.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 50545 for the part demolition of the existing Maitland Street Garage to allow for the construction of a new access road to serve proposed houses to land to the rear; extension/raising of roof to retained garage building to form a new workshop area; erection of 4 no. dwelling units to rear of the land; and associated works at Maitland Street Garage, Maitland Street, Heaviley, it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted, subject to an informative regarding the retention and maintenance of customer parking spaces.

New build warehouse within car park of existing offices.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 49739 to build a warehouse within the car park of existing offices at 2 Wellington Grove, Stockport, it was

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred to allow for more information to be provided with regard to what the warehouse would be used for and the consequent traffic movement on the site.

Change of use to develop the site as a waste storage treatment and recycling facility including open air soil screening and hardcore crushing and screening including parking.

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

In respect of plan no. 50214 for the change of use to develop the site as a waste storage treatment and recycling facility including open air soil screening and hardcore crushing and screening including parking at the former Brickworks Site, Adswood Road, Cheadle Hulme, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse the application on the grounds of the detrimental impact on the amenity of local residents resulting from noise and dust.

Temporary mobile classroom

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

In respect of plan no. 51789 for a temporary mobile classroom at St Paul’s Primary School, Brinnington Rise, Brinnington, it was

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

Reconfiguration and relocation of existing approved office and decked car park with additional car park.

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

In respect of plan no. 52042 for the reconfiguration and relocation of existing approved office and decked car park with additional car park at Park Square, Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, it was

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

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) (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.

(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 100 B(4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 as the consultation process on proposed changes to the Play Development Team was on-going).

A representative of the Service Director (Children & Child Protection) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee about the current savings proposal relating to the Play Development Team and the potential implications for the Edgeley Play Centre.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and a further report submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on 6 June 2013.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report requests the area Committee to comment on the proposed introduction of play streets in Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the introduction of play streets in Stockport following a number of expressions of interest in the potential for closing roads for the purposes of children being able to play out near their homes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           Clarification was requested with regard to which groups in Stockport were interested in pursuing this type of road closure.

•           Why the cost of coning and signage for the play streets should come from Area Committee budgets and the problem of committing a potentially limitlessness amount of expenditure.

•           The need for residents to obtain public liability insurance to cover themselves in the event of an incident would deter them from participating in the initiative.

•           A Member felt that the initiative was too bureaucratic.

•           The initiative created an alternative to children playing in alleyways which caused problems on occasions.

•           Although it could cause divisions in neighbourhoods, the initiative would provide a good example of local democracy in action and assist community cohesion.

•           A level of conflict between vehicles and children would remain.

•           There were only certain streets in the borough where the initiative would work.

•           People who were supervising children on participating streets would need Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks.

•           It was safer for children to be encouraged to use local parks.

RESOLVED - That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to give consideration to the comments of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report outlines proposed changes to the current pay and display tariff through the introduction of an hourly charge and highlights the likely effects of this change. This hourly charge will enable visitors to easily extend their parking time in one hour increments. This will enable people to spend more time in the borough’s car parks and on street parking if needed, and encourage them to spend more time in the borough’s centres and so support their economies.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposals.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 3451 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining proposed changes to the current pay and display tariff through the introduction of an hourly charge and highlighting the likely effects of this proposed change.

It was reported that the hourly charge would enable visitors to easily extend their parking time in one hour increments. This would enable people to spend more time in the borough’s car parks and on street parking if needed and encourage them to spend more time in the borough’s centres and so supporting their economies.

The following comment was made/issue raised:-

•           The fact that it was proposed that there would be a decrease in the cost of a contract parking permit in the high turnover car parks (Cheadle,  Bramhall Precinct and Marple Bridge) effectively meant income was being redistributed from the less affluent parts of the borough to these car parks. Only if a change in the cost of parking in high turnover car parks caused a problem due to an increase in long stay parking would it be necessary to put in place a time limit on the length of stay available in the car park.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to give consideration to the comments of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report details proposals to make amendments to the Council’s residential parking policy and seeks the comments of the Area Committee on the proposed changes.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposed changes to the residential parking policy.

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

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make amendments to the Council’s residential parking policy and seeking the comments of the Area Committee on the proposed changes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The proposed increase in the charge for a residents permit and visitors permit from £21 or free to £30 in 2014/15 and £40 in 2015/16 was considered excessive.

•           The £3.22 identified in the cost of reviewing a year’s permit and £28.99 Traffic Services cost seemed excessive, and more information was requested on the costs included in a year’s permit.

•           Concern was expressed that the appeals process with regard to a Residents Parking Zone was to the Executive and it was suggested that there should be an alternative mechanism.

•           Concern was expressed that it was proposed that the cost of a medical/care visitor permit would increase from £10 to £15 in 2014/15 and £20 in 2015/16. The scheme should protect the most vulnerable people in the borough.

•           Concern was expressed with regard to the current free residents parking areas being moved over to a paid permit system, including the First Team Match and Event Time schemes around Edgeley Park Stadium. The parking problems on First Team Match days and events at Edgeley Park Stadium were not caused by residents who lived in the vicinity of the stadium. Residents in the less affluent areas of the borough were being penalised.

•           A Member queried the assertion that the Town Centre Controlled Parking Zone residents system should be amended to a paid permit parking scheme as there was an increasing amount of residential development happening in the town centre and future demand for spaces would be high.

•           The purpose of the proposals was that the scheme should break even and not be subsidised.

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED

That this Area Committee objects to the proposals for Residents Parking on the following grounds:-

1.    Huge increase in charges which are unaffordable.

2.    Charging for Match Day Parking.

3.    Appeals being undertaken with the ability to overrule the Area Committee by the Executive. If an appeal is overturned then it should come from the Executive budget and not the Ward budget.

4.    Removal of Free Parking Schemes.

For the motion 9, against 2.

MOTION CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (9 for, 2 against) (1) That this Area Committee objects to the proposals for Residents Parking on the following grounds:-

1.         Huge increase in charges which are unaffordable.

2.         Charging for Match Day Parking.

3.         Appeals being undertaken with the ability to overrule the Area Committee by the Executive. If an appeal is overturned then it should come from the Executive budget and not the Ward budget.

4.         Removal of Free Parking Schemes.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to give consideration to Minute (1) above and the comments of the Area Committee.

A named vote was requested in relation to the voting on Minute (1) above and the voting was recorded as follows:-

Those councillors who voted for the resolution were:-

Councillors Sheila Bailey, Richard Coaton, Philip Harding, Brian Hendley, Chris Murphy, Maureen Rowles, Andy Sorton, David White and Wendy Wild.

Those councillors who voted against the resolution were:-

Councillors Sue Derbyshire and Daniel Hawthorne.

To consider a joint report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and the Service Director (Place Management)

This report considers an objection to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order of prohibition of Waiting at Hempshaw Lane, Whalley Road and Garth Road, Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that the Order be made as advertised.

Officer Contact: Zoe Allan/Max Townsend on 0161 474 3138/4848 or e mail: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk

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

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and Service Director (Place Management)

The report considers an objection to proposed prohibition of waiting on Firwood Close and Offerton Lane in Offerton.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree to make the Order as advertised.

Officer Contacts: Zoe Allan/Mark James on 0161 474 3138/2077 or e mail: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and the Service Director (Place Management) requesting the Area Committee to consider an objection to proposed prohibition of waiting on Firwood Close and Offerton Lane in Offerton.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objection received, the Order be made as advertised.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and Service Director (Place Management)

The report considers objections regarding a proposed Restriction of Waiting Traffic Regulation Order at Mulberry Mews, Heaton Norris.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree to make the Order as advertised.

Officer Contacts: Zoe Allan/Neville Kay on 0161 474 3138/4836 or e mail: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/neville.kay@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services) and the Service Director (Place Management) requesting the Area Committee to consider objections regarding a proposed Restriction of Waiting Traffic Regulation Order at Mulberry Mews, Heaton Norris.

RESOLVED – That, notwithstanding the objections received, the Order be made as advertised.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The report sets out a proposal to accept a surrender of a lease granted by the Council to The Together Trust in respect of premises known as Bridge College, Curzon Road, Offerton.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposal.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161474 3649 or e mail: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

 A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to accept a surrender of a lease granted by the Council to The Together Trust in respect of premises known as Bridge College, Curzon Road, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

(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 100 B(4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 because of the undue delay if consideration of the item was left to the next meeting of the Area Committee).

Councillor Chris Murphy reported that he had been advised that the proposed expansion of Westmorland Primary School, Brinnington was not now proceeding as originally scheduled and requested an urgent meeting with Officers from the Services for People Directorate, Headteacher of the School and Ward Councillors.

RESOLVED – That the representative of the Democratic Services Manager be requested to convey the request to the Service Director (Education).

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report sets out proposals to use commuted sums from planning contributions for enhancements to local parks and areas of play.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the use of the commuted sums as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or e mail: ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for the use of new commuted sums for play provision in the Central Stockport area.

RESOLVED – (1) That consideration of the report be deferred.

(2) That the proposals in the report be discussed with Ward Councillors, a more detailed report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee and a representative of the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to attend the meeting for its consideration.

To consider the following reports of the Service Director (Place Management):-

To consider an application from the Friends of Woodbank, Vernon and Poise to hold a park event in Woodbank Memorial Park and Poise Brook.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the production of appropriate papers and event plans.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from the Friends of Woodbank, Vernon and Poise to hold the official opening of the Woodbank and Poise Nature and Heritage Trail in Woodbank Memorial Park and Poise Brook on 28 April 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the production of appropriate papers and event plans.

To consider an application from Cancer Research UK to hold the Race for Life event.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the production of appropriate papers.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from Cancer Research UK to hold the Race for Life event in Woodbank Park on 2 June 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted, subject to the production of appropriate papers and the organisers being requested not to erect a banner over the sandstone memorial at the entrance to the park.

To consider an application from Cale Green Residents Association to hold a summer fun day in Cale Green Park.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from Cale Green Residents Association to hold a summer fun day in Cale Green Park on 30 June 2013.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to the production of appropriate papers.

To consider the following reports of the Head of Property:-

To consider a proposal to grant a licence to Nightstop for the use of rooms within Brindale House, Brinnington.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposal.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to comment on a proposal to grant a licence to Nightstop for the use of rooms within Brindale House, Brinnington.

RESOLVED - That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be recommended to grant a licence to Nightstop for the use of rooms within Brindale House, Brinnington as detailed in the report.

To consider a proposal to grant a licence to Jan de Koning Funparks for the temporary use of the site of the former Booth Street Depot for a travelling fun fair between 28 July and 13 August 2013.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposal.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to comment on a proposal to grant a licence to Jan de Koning Funparks for the temporary use of the site of the former Booth Street Depot for a travelling fun fair between 28 July and 13 August 2013.

RESOLVED -  That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be recommended to grant a licence to Jan de Koning Funparks for the temporary use of the site of the former Booth Street Depot for a travelling fun fair between 28 July and 13 August 2013.as detailed in the report and subject to:-

•           the licence being revoked if problems are encountered and Environmental Health Officers being requested to regularly visit the site;

•           an appropriate buffer zone being created for nearby residents of Moscow Road East.

•           there being only one access to the fun fair from Booth Street; and

•           goldfishes not being used as prizes

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or e mail: david.clee@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on Area Flexibility funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.