Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 August 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 August 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and Officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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. 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 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 wishing to make an application for Area Flexibility Funding for Stockport Borough Football Club.

RESOLVED – That the application for Area Flexibility Funding from  Stockport Borough Football Club be considered by the councillors from the Brinnington and Central, Davenport and Cale Green, Edgeley and Cheadle Heath, and Manor Wards.

The 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.

Mark Calderbank (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:-

·        Details were requested of the Council’s Highways Investment Programme.

·        The amount of waste presently incorrectly in the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward did not reduce from each reporting period.

·        The amount of graffiti differed to a great extent in the different Wards.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

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

(a)  Parking at the junction of Canada Street and Maple Close

To report on the receipt of a petition signed by 18 signatories requesting the Council investigate the issue of double parked vehicles at the junction of Canada Street and Maple Close.

(b)  Crosby Street – Residents Only Parking

To report on the receipt of a petition signed by 11 signatories requesting the Council investigate a residents’ only parking scheme on Crosby Street (West) between its junctions with Lyme Grove and Lowfield Road.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on the receipt of two petitions, namely:-

·         A petition signed by eighteen signatories requesting that the Council investigate the issue of double parked vehicles at the junction of Canada Street and Maple Close, Stockport.

·         A petition signed by eleven signatories requesting that the Council investigate a residents’ only parking scheme on Crosby Street (West), Stockport, between its junctions with Lyme Grove and Lowfield Road.

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

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

The report provides details of the proposed Town Centre Access Package and consultation process.

The Area Committee is requested to support the principles of the package and provide comments on the individual schemes proposed as part of the package.

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

(NOTE: The plans associated with the Town Centre Access Package proposals will be available in Committee Room 2 from 5.00pm).

Nick Whelan  (Network Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to present a report providing details of the proposed ‘Town Centre Access Package’ and outlined the consultation process that would be followed.

Schemes included:-

·         Widening St Mary’s Way and Hempshaw Lane at key ‘pinch points’

·         Creating a new link from the A6 to Travis Brow

·         Widening and improvements at Booth Street, Edgeley

·         Pedestrian improvements on Chestergate

·         Improvements to links over and under the M60 into the town centre

·         Improvements to pedestrian and traffic movements on the A6

·         New bridge for walkers and cyclists over the River Goyt accessing Woodbank Park.

·         Improvements to the Merseyway and Bridgefield Street shopping areas.

A full list of the schemes was set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         With regard to the proposed widening of St Mary’s Way, whether noise reduction and screening had been considered for the residents of Rectory Fields.

·         Would  there be any alterations to Hall Street at its junction with St Mary’s Way.

·         There should be a lane on St Mary’s Way for traffic turning onto Hall Street only.

·         Some of the consultation events should be held in the evening

·         As a result of the works at Stockport Exchange, whether any improvements would be made to access from the railway station.

·         Moscow Road East was incorrectly identified in some of the consultation documentation.

·         What would be the effect of increased traffic in the area, particularly at Junction 27 of the M60 and on Higher Hillgate.

·         Whether the Friends of Woodbank Park had been consulted directly.

·         The knock-on impact on residential areas, particularly as more traffic (including heavy goods vehicles) was diverted to King Street West from the A6. Gradwell Street and Chatham Street in Edgeley had particular problems with to the roads being used as ‘rat runs’.

·         Mitigation measures needed to be looked at on King Street West, such as safety at pedestrian crossing points and the camber on the bend, and mitigation measures also needed to be looked at on nearby residential streets.

·         Whether the proposals took into account the number of people who would be working at the new Stockport Exchange site.

·         The timescale for the completion of the new Stockport Interchange and whether this coincided with the proposals in the Town Centre Access Package.

RESOLVED – (1) That the comments expressed by the Area Committee be taken into consideration as part of the consultation on the Town Centre Access Package proposals.

(2) That this Area Committee recommends that the proposals contained in the Town Centre Access Package be considered by all the Area Committees.

(3) That this Area Committee requests that the results of the consultation be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

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.

Change of use of ground floor from office (B1a) to shop (A1) and hot food takeaway (A5) and external alterations.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan number 54928 for a change of use of ground floor (B1a) to shop (A1) and hot food takeaway (A5) and external alterations at Hygarth House, 103 Wellington Road South, Stockport

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

It was then

RESOLVED – (Eight for, one abstention) That the application be deferred to enable more details to be provided to the Area Committee in respect of the intended hours of operation of the proposed ground floor commercial uses.

Three storey side extension.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions contained in the report.

In respect of planning application 55571 for a three storey side extension at 1 Knowsley Road, Offerton

a local resident spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in order to assess the effect of the proposals on neighbouring properties in view of the Area Committee’s concerns regarding residential amenity.

Proposed single storey side extension

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions contained in the report.

In respect of plan no. 55881 for a proposed three storey side extension at 28 Scholars Drive, Edgeley

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in order to assess the effect on neighbouring properties of the proposals in view of the Area Committee’s concerns regarding residential amenity.

Change of use from A1 retail to A5 hot food takeaway. Erection of extraction flue and amended rear door access.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contacts: Karyn Clarke/Cathy Hodgson on 0161 474 3551/3540 or email: karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk/catherine.hodgson@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 56161 for a change of use from A1 retail to A5 hot food takeaway, and erection of extraction flue and amended rear door access at 13 Castle Street, Edgeley

a local resident spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED -  (Eight for) That planning permission be refused as the application fails to meet the three tests set out in Saved Unitary Development Plan Policy PSD2.2 ‘Service uses in the town centre, district and large centres’.

Single storey outbuilding to rear

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of a single storey outbuilding to the rear of 29 Rosefield Close, Adswood, it was

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to view the height of the outbuilding and whether the garden size was substandard for such a dwelling.

(2) The Area Committee requests that the legal position is clarified with regard to the permitted development right being withdrawn by condition whilst the applicant had submitted two retrospective applications for development.

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report considers objections to a Tree Preservation Order at 96 Bramhall Lane, Cale Green,

The Area Committee is requested to confirm that the Order be made.

Officer Contact: Jim McGarrie on 0161 474 4436 or email: jim.mcgarrie@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) regarding objections received to a Tree Preservation Order at 96 Bramhall Lane, Cale Green.

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

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

The report considers the proposed Brinksway/Chestergate cycle route following the successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), via the Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG).

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report and recommend that the Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) approves the proposals and Traffic Regulation Orders set out in the report.

Officer Contact: Mark James on 0161 474 2077 or email: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the proposed Brinksway/Chestergate cycle route following the successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport via the Cycle City Ambition Grant.

The Council had been granted funding from the Department for Transport to provide cycle safety improvements on/off the highway within the Borough. Funding had been made available throughout Greater Manchester for selected similar schemes where it had been agreed that significant real or perceived hazards to cyclists had been identified. One of the proposed schemes was to introduce a shared use pedestrian/cycle facility along Brinksway/Chestergate between Hollywood Way Bridge and King Street West.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The estimated cost of the scheme was £220K which would be included in the 2014/15 Highways Capital Programme and funded from the Cycle City Ambition Grant.

·         How many cyclists currently used the facility.

·         How the proposals linked to those contained in the Town Centre Access Package.

·         There would be a significant increase in traffic on Brinksway and Chestergate if there was an anti-clockwise closure of the M60 due to an accident.

·         Proposals to combat vehicles parking on Chestergate, Hardman Street and Albert Street would be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) be recommended to approve the proposals detailed in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.9 of the report and the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed in paragraphs 4.2 - 4.4 inclusive of the report.

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

The report updates the Area Committee about the proposed works to the highway and bridge structure on Bridge Street and part of Warren Street. This work is being completed by the Highways and Structures service, in co-ordination with Traffic Services, in order to facilitate the partial replacement of Lancashire Bridge.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposed permanent opening up of the river to the Bridge Street/Warren Street area.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 3451 or email: 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) updating the Area Committee about the proposed works to the highway and bridge structure on Bridge Street and part of Warren Street. The work was being completed by the Highways and Structures service, in co-ordination with Traffic Services, in order to facilitate the partial replacement of Lancashire Bridge. The works were being funded from the Government’s Local Pinch Point Fund to remove bottlenecks on the local highway network which were impeding growth.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Area Committee welcomed the proposals, in particular the proposal to create a permanent opening to the River Mersey.

·         The possibility of opening up other relatively small sections of the River Mersey would be explored.

·         What discussions had been held with the Council’s partners, including the Environment Agency, to remove rubbish from the river.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supports the proposed permanent opening up of the River Mersey to the Bridge Street/Warren Street area, as shown on the Proposed General Arrangement drawing included as Appendix A to the report.

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

The report seeks approval to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons parking bay fronting 5 Harold Street, Offerton.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting approval to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons parking bay fronting 5 Harold Street.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the revocation of the existing Traffic Regulation Order for a disabled persons parking bay fronting 5 Harold Street, Offerton at an approximate cost of £600 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation).

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

The report considers an objection to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order in the Churchgate area of Stockport.

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

Officer Contact: Neville Kay on 07800 618216 or email: neville.kay@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding an objection made to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order in the Churchgate area.

RESOLVED - That, notwithstanding the objection received, the proposed Traffic Regulation Order in the Churchgate area, Stockport be made as advertised.

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

The report considers the available options regarding the security of the vacant school building at Lapwing Lane, Brinnington.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report.

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) regarding the future security of the former Castle Hill High School building, Lapwing Lane, Brinnington.

Due to the location of the vacant former Castle Hill High School site in the Green Belt, its demolition could not be completed until planning consent had been granted and construction of the new leisure facility had taken place. Partial or phased demolition was not possible due to the continued presence of the Lapwing site.

Until the future of the site was finalised, the property had to be secured.There were some security measures in place, however, it was now proposed to employ the services of Camelot Property Management to provide guardians who were members of the public who lived in vacant properties. This provided a physical presence in the building which was seen as a deterrent for vandalism and criminal activity. In the event that the building was deemed unsuitable for this use, one or a combination of the other options set out in the report would be used.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report considers the propsed disposal of two council owned buildings at 17 Greek Street and Barn Street, Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the proposal.

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) regarding the proposed disposal of two Council owned buildings which were properties formerly occupied by Council Services which had been relocated to other Council owned accommodation at Enterprise House. As a consequence the two buildings had been declared surplus to requirements and it was proposed to dispose of them on the open market.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal.

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.

This item was deferred at the last meeting of the Area Committee.

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.

This item had been deferred at the last meeting of the Area Committee in order that Members of the Area Committee could be provided with additional information regarding the financial implications of the proposal.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports 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.

This item was deferred at the last meeting of the Area Committee.

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.

This item had been deferred at the last meeting of the Area Committee in order that Members could be provided with additional information regarding the financial implications of the proposal.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal.

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

The report considers an application from The Bridgeway Church to hold a bonfire and firework event on the 5 November 2014.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the application, subject to the event organiser producing the appropriate paperwork.

Officer Contact: Josephine Holmes on 0161 474 3278 or email: 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) regarding an application from The Bridgeway Church to hold a bonfire and firework event on 5 November 2014 in Heaton Norris Park.

RESOLVED - That the application from The Bridgway Church to hold a bonfire and firework event in Heaton Norris Park on 5 November 2014 be approved, subject to the event organiser producing the appropriate paperwork, there being no reference to the event as a civic bonfire and no religious leaflets being distributed at the event.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Wendy Wild.

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

Councillor Wild reported on incidences of graffiti outside Davenport Railway Station where Network Rail had painted over the graffiti rather than remove it. Other Councillors referred to similar cases in other parts of the Borough, and instances where the graffiti had not been removed.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to pursue the issue of graffiti with Network Rail on land which it owned, and invite them to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

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, 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 – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to submit a report on expenditure on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget during 2014/15 to the next meeting of the Area Committee.