Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9 July 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

No announcements were made.

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 at 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 Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

One public question was submitted from a member of the public who had requested information with regard to how she could join the Stockport Carnival Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

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 had been circulated).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members commended the successful prosecution for fly tipping at Heathside Road/Nursery Lane, Stockport.

·         A Member requested that the graffiti in the Great Egerton Street area, Stockport be removed.

RESOLVED – That Jacky Budd be thanked for her attendance.

No petitions were submitted.

Representatives from the Community Safety Unit (Stockport Council) and Greater Manchester Police will attend the meeting to provide an update on their activities within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

Inspector Scott Winters (Greater Manchester Police) and Helen Preston (Neighbourhood Officer, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to make a presentation in respect of the work of the Safer Stockport Partnership to reduce crime in 2013/14 and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the Central Stockport area.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The reasons for the significant increase in vehicle crime in the Central Stockport area.

·         How the Restorative Justice Panels had been working and the on-going work to increase the number of Panels.

·          Reference was made to the Councillor Referral Form which was in use in the Stockport North Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team (INPT).

·         Problems with cars parking on the pavement in the Covent Garden area and on a bridleway in Heaton Norris.

·         Initiatives which could be used to help prevent the burglaries which had been occurring in the Little Underbank and Lower Hillgate area in Stockport.

·         Noise nuisance from off-road motorcycles and whether they were included in the figures for anti-social behaviour.

·         Various initiatives being undertaken by the Police, for example the Summer Safety Campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and alcohol during the period when the football World Cup was in progress; Operation Treacle targeting anti-social behaviour during halloween and bonfire night; and Operation Whistler targeting serious acquisitive crime and burglary.

·         The work of Operation Hotel which was one of the Brinnington Partnership’s activities aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of loan sharks.

·         The door knocking undertaken in Brinnington to provide residents with target hardening advice around burglary was raised.

·         The benefits of neighbourhood action, for example to address problems such as litter or highlight the benefits of neighbourhood watch schemes.

RESOLVED –  (1) That Inspector Winters and Helen Preston be thanked for their attendance.

(2) That Members of the Area Committee be provided with a copy of the Councillor Referral Form which was in use in the Stockport North INPT.

To consider a report of the West Area and East Area Housing Managers (Stockport Homes Limited)

The report updates Members on progress in the delivery of Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The Area Committee is requested to note and comment on the progress relating to the Neighbourhood Action Plans, in particular Members’ views are sought on further issues that the Neighbourhood Action Plans might embrace in 2014-15 and priorities for 2015/16 which will be formulated later on this year.

Officer Contact: Maria Lindars/Rebecca Cullen on 0161 474 4371/4372 or email: maria.lindars@stockporthomes.org/rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org.

Representatives of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress in the delivery of Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans. The report also requested Councillors to comment on further issues which the Action Plans may address in 2015/16.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The significant benefits from the work of the two detached youth workers who had been funded by Stockport Homes to engage with young people on the Adswood estate in order to organise constructive activities and liaise with other agencies.

·         A Member requested clarity with regard to the situation at Covent Garden where some of the blocks of flats had people back living in them.

·         The appointment of a Greenspace Project Officer to undertake an audit of the greenspaces on the Adswood and Bridgehall estates was welcomed.

·         The problems caused by horses being left in greenspace areas and the signs which have been erected to try and promote responsible horse ownership. However, it was acknowledged that there was difficulties with enforcement.

·         A Member praised the pilot which had been set up with a flat in Edgeley being used as a ‘trainer flat’ for young people leaving care. Intensive support was provided to give the young person the knowledge and skills to live independently. Secure tenancies were offered in such circumstances once the person had been assessed as being able to manage a tenancy successfully.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 (To be heard 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 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 applications will be considered by the Area Committee:-

Development applications were submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for 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 Services to Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

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

External alterations including installation of external cladding and creation of revised window openings to existing building.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 54939 for external alterations including the installation of external cladding and the creation of revised window openings to the existing building at Hygarth House, 103 Wellington Road South, Stockport

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

It was then

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

Construction of 2 no. semi-detached houses.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 55376 for the construction of 2 no. semi-detached houses on land to the rear of the Victoria Arms, Hall Street, Offerton

a local resident spoke against the application

and

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

RESOLVED – (Three for, two against) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to enable the car park and access to it to be viewed on site.

Three storey side extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

In respect of plan no. 55571 for a three storey side extension at 1 Knowsley Road, Offerton, it was

RESOLVED – That, in light of the fact that residents had only received a consultation letter the day before the meeting, the application be deferred until the next meeting of the Area Committee.

Erection of 3 no. advertising boards.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 55385 for the erection of 3 no. advertising boards at Stockport Super Bowl, Wellington Road South, Stockport (for a temporary period of twelve months during construction on site), it was

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report summarises recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals and enforcement activity within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (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 Adswood and Bridgehall Neighbourhood Management Board

The report outlines progress made by the Adswood and Bridgehall Neighbourhood Management Board from April 2013 – March 2014 and also highlights challenges and areas for improvement.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Jo Foskett on 0161 476 1262 or email: joanna.foskett@stockport.gov.uk

Consideration was given to a report of the Adswood and Bridgehall Neighbourhood Management Board (copies of which had been circulated) outlining progress made by the Board between April 2013 and  March 2014 and also highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The promotion of entrepreneurship, particularly amongst women should be encouraged.

·         The Area Committee was provided with details of the employment support available to residents in the Adswood and Bridgehall area.

·         What work was being carried out to increase educational achievement at Key Stage 2.

·         What work was being carried out in all the priority areas to help reduce domestic violence.

·         The initiatives to try and address health inequalities should be long term.

·         A Member requested that Members of the Area Committee be provided with the action plan once it was finalised which would address the issues raised in the report.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That Members of the Area Committee be provided with the Action Plan once it was finalised.

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

The report considers a series of highway measures due to the expansion of St. Paul’s Primary School, Brinnington, including proposed traffic regulation orders to prevent vehicles parking in dangerous locations, the installation of a puffin pedestrian crossing and the relocation of the existing speed camera.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) to approve the Traffic Regulation Order for Prohibition of Waiting and the associated build out and parking bays on Brinnington Road and Brinnington Rise.

Officer Contact: Vivian Butterworth on 0161 474 4848 or email: 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) considering a series of highway measures due to the expansion of St. Paul’s Primary School, Brinnington, including proposed Traffic Regulation Orders to prevent vehicles parking in dangerous locations, the installation of a puffin pedestrian crossing and the relocation of the existing speed camera.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order and associated build out and parking bays on Brinnington Road and Brinnington Rise, Brinnington at an approximate cost of £60k to be funded from the Development Agreement for the expansion of the school and included in the 2014/15 Highways Capital Programme:-

No Waiting At Any Time

Brinnington Crescent - both sides, from the north westerly kerbline of Brinnington Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.

Unadopted service road and entrance to Brinnington Rise Allotments - both sides, from the north westerly kerbline of Brinnington Road for a distance of approximately 50 metres in a westerly direction.

Brinnington Road – north west side,from a point 28 metres south west of the southerly kerbline of the service road to Brinnington Rise Allotments to a point 29 metres north east of the northerly kerbline of the service road to Brinnington Rise Allotments, and from a point 25 metres south west of the southerly kerbline of Brinnington Crescent to a point 10 metres north east of the northerly kerbline of Brinnington Crescent, and from a point 10 metres west of the westerly kerbline of the car park entrance to the Jack and Jill Public House to a point 10 metres east of the easterly kerbline of the car park entrance to the Jack and Jill Public House.

Brinnington Road - south east side, from a point 26 metres south west of the projected north easterly kerbline of the service road to Brinnington Rise Allotments for a distance of approximately 87 metres in a north easterly direction, (to finish adjacent/opposite to the existing school keep clear markings), and from a point 33 metres south west of the projected southerly kerbline of Brinnington Crescent for a distance of approximately 227 metres in a north easterly direction, (to tie in with existing  hatched markings).

Proposed Puffin Crossing

Brinnington Rise - from a point 121 metres south of the southerly kerbline of Brinnington Crescent.

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

The report considers a proposal to accept a surrender and the granting of a new long ground lease in respect of land at Borron Street, Portwood Industrial Estate.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 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) in connection with a proposal to accept a surrender and the granting of a new long ground lease in respect of land at Borron Street, Portwood Industrial Estate.

Members of the Area Committee expressed concern about the increase in the length of the lease being proposed.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred and Members provided with additional information regarding the financial implications of the proposal.

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

The report considers a proposal to lease the grass verge at Hempshaw Lane to provide 26 additional car parking spaces for the gym operation.

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 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) in connection with a proposal to lease the grass verge at Hempshaw Lane to provide twenty six additional car parking spaces for the gym operation.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred and Members provided with additional information regarding the financial implications of the proposal.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The Area Committee is invited to recommend the following reappointments:-

Councillor Sue Derbyshire – Banks Lane Infant School

Councillor Sue Derbyshire – Banks Lane Junior School

Councillor Maureen Rowles – St. Bernadette’s RC Primary School

Councillor Chris Murphy – St. Paul’s CE Primary School

Officer Contact: Pam Dunham on 07800 617 940 or email: pam.dunham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for People (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider various reappointments to School Governing Bodies.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) be recommended to approve the following reappointments:-

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, 0161 474 3137, 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.

(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 because arrangements were shortly to be commenced for Remembrance Sunday).

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

Councillor Murphy reported that the steps leading up to the war memorial had lamps that had fallen into disrepair and he requested that options for lighting the temporary flames on Remembrance Sunday be explored. He also requested that a report be submitted to the Area Committee with regard to publicising the exhibitions at the Art Gallery, for example using advertising banners and exploring the possibility of opening a café as a means of generating income.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to explore the options for lighting the temporary flames at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to submit a report to a future meeting of the Area Committee with regard to  publicising the exhibitions at the Art Gallery, for example using advertising banners and exploring the possibility of opening a café as a means of generating income.