Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 November 2013were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during part of the consideration of agenda item 7 ‘Award of Costs for Planning Appeal – We Buy Any Car – Kings Street West, Stockport’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 7 ‘Award of Costs for Planning Appeal -  We Buy Any Car, King Street West’ should the content of this appendix need to be discussed.

There were no announcements made.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no request had been received for a representative of Greater Manchester Police to attend the meeting for a specific issue.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at previous committee meetings. Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environment quality.

Wayne Bardsley (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.

RESOLVED – (1) That Wayne Bardsley be thanked for his attendance.

(2) That the data from the Clean and Inspect Team for the period  from 2 November 2013 be forwarded to Members of the Area Committee as soon as it was available.

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

A petition has been received from residents of Shaw Road South, Broadhurst Street and Green Street requesting that the Council investigate the need for permit parking on these streets.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported upon the receipt of a petition from residents of Shaw Road South, Broadhurst Street and Green Street, Stockport requesting that the Council investigate the need for residents’ permit parking on these streets.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for investigation.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To receive a presentation from Mr John Leatherbarrow, Co-ordinator for Shopmobility.

Mr John Leatherbarrow, Co-ordinator for Shopmobility, addressed the Area Committee on the work of the organisation. He reported that Shopmobility provided scooters, wheelchairs and sighted guides to take people to wherever they wanted to go in and around Stockport. It cost £10 a year or £20 for life membership, and offered independence for over 1,500 people who used the service.

RESOLVED – That John Leatherbarrow be thanked for his presentation and the services provided for Shopmobility.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

Further to a request at the last meeting of the Area Committee, the report outlines the background to the Council’s involvement in the Mac Court development, St. Thomas Place and intended actions.

The Area Committee is requested to agree that the outstanding work undertaken by partner agencies should be monitored and a further report submitted to the Area Committee once this work has been completed.

Officer Contact: Ian O’Donnell on 0161 474 4175 or e mail: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the background to the Council’s involvement in the Mac Court development at St. Thomas Place and intended actions, following concerns raised at the last meeting of the Area Committee regarding the condition of the development. The representative of the Corporate Director also outlined the directorate’s work with local residents to identify those issues that needed addressing with the developers.

RESOLVED – (1) That the outstanding work required to be undertaken by partner agencies be monitored.

(2) That Members be advised of progress on this issue at the next meeting of the Area Committee.

(To be heard no earlier than 6.30pm)

To consider a report of the Corporate director for Place Management and Regeneration.

(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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration on any planning issues relevant to the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

The following development application will be considered by the Area Committee:-

A development application was 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 Place Management and Regeneration 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 Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

Retain current outdoor café area

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Jim Seymour on 0161 474  3656, email jim.seymour@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 53739 for the retention of the current outdoor café area at 2 Little Underbank, Stockport it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions contained in the report.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report inform the Area Committee of a recent decision by the Planning Inspectorate to award costs against the Council in respect of a planning appeal for We Buy Any Car, King Street West, 

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ contained in its appendix that has been circulated to members of the Area Committee only).

The Area Committee is requested to give consideration to how it will meet the costs.

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) informing the Area Committee of a decision by the Planning Inspectorate to award costs for a successful appeal against a decision by the Area Committee to refuse planning permission at ‘We Buy Any Car’, King Street West, and inviting the Area Committee to consider how it wished to meet the costs.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ contained within one of its appendices that had been circulated to Area Committee members only).

RESOLVED – (Six for, Three against) That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report sets out recent planning appeal decisions and enforcement actions in the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Area Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217 or e mail: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (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 consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy, Policy, Transformation and Reform).

The report sets out the final proposals for polling arrangements within the area and seeks the Area Committee’s views in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be reported to the Executive and taken into consideration in making recommendations to the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Steve Callender on 0161 474 3184 or email: steve.callender@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy, Policy, Partnerships & Transformation) (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Area Committee’s views on the proposed polling arrangements within the Central Stockport area in order to inform the Council Meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

With regard to the polling station at the Millbrook Centre (Polling District RF) in the Brinnington & Central Ward and the polling station at the Quaker Meeting House (Polling District VF) in the Manor Ward, the Area Committee noted that there could be possible confusion resulting from electors in Polling District RF having to walk past a polling station (the Quaker Meeting House) to vote at their polling station.

RESOLVED – That the Returning Officer be requested to give consideration to the comment of the Area Committee in determining the polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

To consider a report of the Brinnington Neighbourhood Management Board

The report outlines the progress made by the Brinnington Neighbourhood Management Board and also highlights challenges and areas for improvement.

The Area Committee is requested to note the progress made by the Brinnington Management Board in the last twelve months (October 2012- October 2013) and to support the recommendations contained in the report.

Officer contact: David Stokoe on 0161 218 1465 or email:david.stokoe@stockport.gov.uk.

The Head of Community Safety and Neighbourhood Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the progress made by the Brinnington Management Board in the last twelve months and highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The success of the ‘You Say We Pay’ event held in February 2013.

·         The high proportion of pupils from Brinnington who attended schools which were rated good or very good.

·         A Member requested information on how the education system in Stockport had assisted social mobility.

·         The work of the Brinnington Neighbourhood Management Board in aiming to improve educational attainment through place based interventions and the support the Brinnington Education Achievement Partnership offered children and their families.

·         Some of the most significant drivers of health inequalities such as alcohol, smoking and poor mental wellbeing remained very widespread in Brinnington. It remained unclear how health strategy and plans fitted into a focus on neighbourhood management or place based improvements. The Health Inequalities Pilot project had contributed some additional resources and this programme was currently being developed.

·         There was still a degree of mistrust from local people in Brinnington about the intentions of the Brinnington Neighbourhood Management Board. However, this had been greatly assisted by the stability of the membership of the Board over the last few years.

·         The increase in neighbourhood disputes and the role of community resolution panels.

·         It was unhelpful that there was not a designated Police Officer for Brinnington.

·         A Member expressed concern that there were 526 Job Seekers Allowance claimants in Brinnington which equated to 12.1% of the working age population.

·         A Member requested an evaluation of the outcomes of the monies allocated to Brinnington from the Single Regeneration Budget.

·         A Member felt that the reduction in the opening hours at Brinnington Library should be re-examined.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That David Stokoe, Neighbourhood Manager, be thanked for his work on behalf of the Brinnington Neighbourhood Management Board and offered the Area Committee’s best wishes in his new post with Perth and Kinross Council.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration)

The report outlines recent trends in air quality in the Central Stockport area and measures that have and are currently being implemented to alleviate poor air quality.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the contents of the report.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining recent trends in air quality in the Central Stockport area and measures that had and were currently being implemented to alleviate poor air quality.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A Member enquired if there were any proposals to increase the monitoring equipment.

·         With regard to the investigations being undertaken to assess the extent to which current signal phasing and co-ordination across junctions along the A6 could enable reductions in traffic delays, it was important that the waiting times of pedestrians at crossings on the A6 were also considered.

·         The review of the Greater Manchester Air Quality Action Plan was anticipated to be published in the summer of 2014.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report outlines the work done so far on wayfinding in the town centre and the future proposals for improving the current system with a specific focus on pedestrian signage.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposed way forward to improve the current system and the proposed signage for consideration by the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration).

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the work undertaken so far on wayfinding in the town centre and the future proposals for improving the current system with a specific focus on pedestrian signage. The aim was to improve the ability of visitors to find their way and appreciate what Stockport Town Centre had to offer. Making these improvements would help support the local economy.

RESOLVED – That the proposals to improve wayfinding in the town centre be supported.

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

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report advises Members of the Area Committee of a scheme to provide an improved cycle route from the train station to the town centre amenities.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to approve in principle the implementation of the proposed scheme and for a consultation exercise to be undertaken for the associated Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Schedules 1 and 2.

Officer Contact: Georgina Summers on 0161 474 4853 or e mail: georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of a scheme to provide an improved cycle route from the train station to the town centre amenities. The cycle route incorporated John Street, Loonies Court, Norbury Street, Lord Street and St. Petersgate.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve in principle the implementation of the proposed scheme and for a consultation exercise to be undertaken for the associated Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report addresses a number of complaints from businesses which have access onto Royal George Street regarding vehicles that park on the existing double yellow lines crating congestion for businesses wishing to service their premises.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) approves the Traffic Regulation order detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077 or e mail: mark.james@srtockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) addressing a number of complaints from businesses which had access onto Royal George Street regarding vehicles that park on the existing double yellow lines creating congestion for businesses wishing to service their premises.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Strategic Budget:-

Revoke 4 Pay & Display Parking Spaces, Maximum period of waiting 3 hours, Monday-Saturday 8.00am-6.00pm

Royal George Street – north east side, from a point 6 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of Greek Street for a distance of 21.5 metres in a south easterly direction.

Revoke No Waiting At Any Time

Royal George Street – north east side from its junction with Greek Street for a distance of 6 metres in a south easterly direction.

Royal George Street – north east side from a point 27.5 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line for a distance of 27 metres in a south easterly direction.

Introduce No Waiting At Any Time/No Loading 8.00am to 6.00pm

Royal George Street – north east side, from its junction with Greek Street, for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Royal George Street – north east side, from a point 20 metres south east of the south easterly kerb line of Greek Street for a distance of 33 metres in a south easterly direction.

Introduce 2 Pay and Display Parking Spaces, Maximum period of waiting 3 hours, Monday to Saturday 8.00am – 6.00pm

Royal George Street – north east side from a point 10 metre south east of the south easterly kerb line of Greek Street for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons parking bay (blue badge holders only) in the vicinity of 38 The Clough, Brinnington.

Officer Contact: Vivian Butterworth on 0161 474 4848 or e mail: vivian.butterworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons’ parking bay (blue badge holders only) in the vicinity of 38 The Clough, Brinnington.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following Traffic Regulation Order at an approximate cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation):-

One Disabled Persons’ Parking Bay (Blue Badge Holders Only)

38 The Clough, Brinnington – east side, from a point 30 metres north of the northerly kerb line of The Clough for a distance of 6.6 metres in a northerly direction, to be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

To consider an opportunity for the Council and Life Leisure, in conjunction with Stockport Harriers and DASH Athletics, to work collaboratively to access grant funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities funding pot to replace the existing clubhouse and associated buildings at Woodbank Park Athletics Stadium.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposal.

Officer Contact: Denise Irving on 0161 474 4494 or e mail: denise.irving@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an opportunity for the Council and Life Leisure, in conjunction with Stockport Harriers and DASH Athletics Club, to work collaboratively to access grant funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities funding ‘pot’ to replace the existing clubhouse and associated buildings at Woodbank Park Athletics Stadium. It was proposed to submit a bid to the next round of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities funding, opening in Spring 2014.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to submit a bid to the next round of Sport England’s Inspired Facilities funding, opening in Spring 2014, be supported.

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

The report sets out a proposal to dispose of a small parcel of surplus land on Dialstone Lane, Offerton which borders to the Offerton Ward. The report is also being considered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The Area Committee is invited to provide comments.

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3649 or email: 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 dispose of a parcel of surplus land on Dialstone Lane, Offerton. The land in question fell within the Manor Ward but due its proximity to the boundary with the Offerton Ward had also been been submitted to the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The Stepping Hill Area Committee had commented that this land was a desirable location and should be referred to as a ‘building plot’, rather than a ‘parcel of land’. Members emphasised the need to ensure that the valuation and sale price reflected the fact that this site would be suitable for housing.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Whilst generally supportive of the principle of disposing of the land, Members were concerned about the nature of the possible development and how this could be controlled.

·          A Member felt that the opportunity should be taken to improve the surface and lighting of the paths.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to give consideration to the Area Committee’s comments.

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

To consider a request for Virgin Media to lay appropriate cabling for a telecommunications service at the Adswood and Bridgehall Sure Start Centre, Adswood.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

Officer Contact: John Coles on 0161 495 6099 or e mail: john.coles@nps.co.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) in connection with a request from Virgin Media to lay appropriate cabling for a telecommunications service at the Adswood and Bridgehall Sure Start Centre, Adswood.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that this Area Committee supports the request from Virgin Media to lay appropriate cabling for a telecommunications service at the Adswood and Bridgehall Sure Start Centre, Adswood.

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

A report submitted to the meeting of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee held on 3 December 2013 is attached.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Philip Harding.

Consideration was given to a report submitted to the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee held on 3 December 2013 (copies of which had been circulated) in relation to the Contact Centre staffing and response times.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The report did not contain any performance indicators and required more detail about how long residents had to wait on the telephone before their call was answered.

·         A Member expressed concern that a number of telephone callers terminated their telephone call before they spoke to an operator.

·         Not all members of the public had access to on-line, digital technology and those that did not tended to live in the more deprived areas of the borough.

·         A Member requested that the staffing reductions at the Contact Centre be re-considered.

·         A Member advised that 14% of the calls taken by the Contact Centre were from Council Officers requesting telephone numbers.

·         A Member expressed concern about the proposal to remove the Council’s telephone number from all Council vehicles.  Members were generally of the opinion that the proposals to remove the Council’s telephone number from all Council vehicles and reduce the number of services that can be accessed from the freephone at the Council’s Information and Advice Centres should be reconsidered.

RESOLVED – That report be noted.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor David White.

Councillor White reported on complaints about Japanese Knotweed having been found near to the West Coast main line and it was:-

RESOLVED – That a representative of Network Rail be invited to a meeting of the joint Davenport & Cale Green and Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Ward Committee to discuss the action taken by Network Rail with regard to the Japanese Knotweed found near to the West Coast main line.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Chris Murphy.

In the absence of Councillor Murphy, Councillor Philip Harding reported on a building which had collapsed at 1-3 Lower Hillgate on 21 November 2013.

RESOLVED – That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Area Committee on 6 February 2014 regarding the collapse of the building at 1-3 Lower Hillgate on 21 November 2013.

To consider a report of the Corporate director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report considers a request from the Cancer Research UK Trading Ltd to hold a female only 5k run, walk or dance to be held on 1 June 2014 for the Race for Life 2014.

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

Officer Contact: Josephine Holmes on 0161 218 1177 or e mail: josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) in connection with an application from Cancer Research UK to hold a Race for Life 5K run, walk or dance event for women only in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park on Sunday 1 June 2014.

RESOLVED – That the application from Cancer Research UK to hold a Race for Life 5K run, walk or dance event for women only in Woodbank Park and Vernon Park on Sunday 1 June 2014 be approved, subject to the production of appropriate papers and event plans and the organisers being requested not to erect banners at the entrances to the parks.

There are no vacancies to consider.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that Councillor Sue Derbyshire’s current term of office on the Governing Body of Banks Lane Infant School was drawing to a close and requested that the Area Committee consider her reappointment.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) be recommended to agree to the reappointment of Councillor Sue Derbyshire to the Governing Body of Banks Lane Infant School.

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) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding.

A Member raised the condition of the rear door to Barclays Bank in the Town Centre which was in need of repair.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the condition of the rear door to Barclays Bank in the Town Centre be investigated.