Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 June 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests 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.

No public questions were submitted.

(a)  The local Public Realm Officer 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.

(b)  Written Environmental Reports

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

(a)Public Realm Update

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 Area Committee.

In response to a Member’s question, a representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration advised the Area Committee of the Council’s revised procedure for dealing with fly tipping.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

(b)Written Environmental Reports

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

In accordance with Minute 7(iii) (2) from the meeting of the Area Committee held on 11 June 2015, the Chair reported that it was the view of the Area Committee that the written summary of the work carried out by the Public Realm Service and enforcement team within the Public Protection Service which had previously been sent to Members prior to meetings of the Area Committee should be reinstated. The situation had arisen as a result of staffing restructures within the teams in the Public Realm Service which meant that the team that had previously prepared the reports was no longer in existence.

Members felt that it was imperative that they were still provided with the information with regard to particular aspects of the work of the Public Realm Service and enforcement team, notably fly tipping, waste presented incorrectly, abandoned vehicles and graffiti.

RESOLVED – That this Area Committee requests that it receives a written copy of the Public Realm updates provided by the Public Realm Inspector at each meeting of the Area Committee and comparative information for the Wards in the Central Stockport area relating to fly tipping, waste presented incorrectly, abandoned vehicles and graffiti.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda for the meeting, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 as the proposal from Virgin Trains was scheduled to come into operation on 18 August 2015).

 A representative of the Democratic Services Manger reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

Councillor Bailey reported on a proposal from Virgin Trains to introduce ticket gates at either end of the underpass at Stockport Railway Station which linked the entrance from the Edgeley side of the station to the main entrance on Station Road. This was a result of a requirement from the Department of Transport in the franchise renewal process that ticket gates be introduced at train stations on the West Coast Main Line as a means of maximising revenue from ticket sales. There was no other feasible location at the station for Virgin Trains to install the ticket gates. In addition, Virgin Trains proposed to have a number of ‘Welcome Hosts’ at the ticket gates as from 18 August 2015.

Members highlighted the following issues why local residents required access from one side of the underpass to the other:-

·         as an access route to Stockport Exchange

·         as a well used walking route into the town centre 

·         as a route for accessing the town centre shuttle bus

·         as a route for accompanying children to local primary schools

·         as an access route for local primary school children attending the nearby swimming pool

·         it was useful for residents who used mobility scooters to access the town centre

·         as an access route for people going to watch Stockport County Football Club.

Members expressed concern that the proposal would encourage greater car use, be detrimental to Edgeley District Centre and that the ticket gates would cause potential security problems when large groups of people approached them at the same time.

RESOLVED – (unanimously) (1) That this Area Committee opposes the proposed closure of the underpass at Stockport Station. This would cause considerable inconvenience for hundreds of residents who use this walking route on a daily basis.  There has been no consultation with either local Councillors or local residents. The Area Committee calls on Virgin Trains to suspend implementation until such time as an alternative proposal can be put forward that would continue to allow public use of this underpass.

(2)That this issue be considered further at the next meeting of the Area Committee on 13 August 2015.

(3)That the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Executive Councillor (Supporting Places), Group Leaders, local Members of Parliament and Chairs of the other Area Committees be made aware of the Area Committee’s resolution.

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

Parking at the Peel Centre

Councillor Patrick McAuley, Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy), has received an e petition from 1,870 signatories entitled:-

“Remove Excel from the Peel Centre or provide alternative free parking for Stockport residents”.

Parking at the Peel Centre

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that Councillor Patrick McAuley, Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy), had received an e petition from 1,870 signatories entitled:-

“Remove Excel from the Peel Centre or provide alternative free parking for Stockport residents”.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for investigation.

A representative from Stockport Homes will attend the meeting in connection with the issue of the bio mass fuel charges in the high rise blocks of flats in Brinnington.

A representative from Stockport Homes attended the meeting in connection with the issue of the fuel charges from the biomass heating systems in the high rise blocks of flats in the Central Stockport area.

It was reported that biomass district heating schemes with existing district heating networks were in place at Mottram Street, Lancashire Hill, York Street and Hollywood Towers. Biomass district heating schemes that replaced night storage heaters were in place at Heaton and Norris Towers, Brinnington and Victoria Park. All the biomass district heating schemes saved £17,042 tonnes of carbon per year and benefited 2,174 customers.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members had received mixed comments from residents about their fuel costs following the installation of the bio-mass boilers. There appeared to be an imbalance between the tariffs levied on customers in different blocks of flats and whether customers had pre-paid meters or paid by direct debit.

·         The biomass district heating schemes with existing district heating networks had the same tariff for customers.

·         Stockport Homes was not regulated like other energy suppliers and there was not the opportunity for customers to switch suppliers.

·         The future supply of the bio-mass schemes was being examined by Stockport Homes.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee be updated further once a detailed report had been prepared on the fuel charges in the blocks of flats with biomass heating systems.

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

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

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.

Conversion of former church to form 9 no. apartments with associated external works.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 57663 for the conversion of a former church to form 9 no. apartments with associated external works at St. Augustine’s Church, St Augustine’s Road, Edgeley

a member of the public spoke against the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (1)That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to determine the application, in consultation with Ward Councillors, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement relating to the applicant agreeing to cover the costs of investigating permit parking on St. Augustine’s Road and should this be proved necessary cover the costs of implementing a scheme and issuing permits to households for the first twelve months of any scheme.

(2) That the planning conditions include conditions relating to fencing, lighting, the boundary treatment and an updated bat survey being undertaken.

(3) That the applicant be requested to remove the gates across the vehicular and pedestrian site entrances to the site from the scheme.

Demolition of garages and refurbishment of existing building to provide 2 no. apartments. Erection of extensions to building to provide 1 no. house and 4 no. apartments with associated car parking and access off Lilac Street.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 55809 for the demolition of garages and refurbishment of existing building to provide 2 no. apartments; erection of extensions to building to provide 1 no. house and 4 no. apartments with associated access off Lilac Street at Dundonald Street Club, Dundonald Street, Cale Green (application ‘called up’ by Councillor Wendy Wild)

a member of the public spoke against the application

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be requested to undertake a site visit, preferably in the evening, in order to assess on-street car parking in the area and the Highways Engineer be requested to undertake a survey of car parking at the location.

Demolition of existing industrial buildings and erection of 113 no. residential units. Comprising 79 no. houses and 34 no. apartments with associated access, road and landscaping.

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

In respect of plan no. 57163 for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of 113 no. residential units, comprising 79 no. houses and 34 no. apartments with associated access road and landscaping at Impact House, Charles Street, it was

RESOLVED – (One against) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, but advised of the Area Committee’s concerns regarding the lack of a visibility splay at the junction of Christie Street and Hempshaw Lane.

Conversion of an existing terraced house into 3 flats.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Karyn Clarke on 0161 474 3551 or email: karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 58880 for the conversion of an existing terraced house into 3 flats at 14 Church Road, Heaton Norris, it was

RESOLVED –That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to determine the application, in consultation with Ward Councillors, subject to clarification of the amount of amenity space.

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 enforcement activity 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 People

The report updates the Area Committee on progress with the re-building of Bridge Hall Primary School under a Private Finance contract and provides details of the financial implications of the contract on the budget of Bridge Hall Primary School.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Stephen Bell on 0161 474 3846 or email: stephen.bell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with the re-building of Bridge Hall Primary School under a Private Finance contract and providing details of the financial implications of the contract on the budget of Bridge Hall Primary School.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was clarified that in accordance with the requirements of the Priority Schools Building Programme, the School’s Governing Body had entered into a Private Finance contract for 25 years and would pay a contribution towards the hard facilities management costs of the building at £15,305.08 per annum. This figure would be index-linked.

·         The actual energy costs for the new building were not yet known, however the building would meet the Education Funding Agency’s specification which required energy efficient design solutions. This meant that there was likely to be a reduction in the costs of the new building due to improved energy performance. This would incentivise the school to minimise energy use.

·         The feedback from local residents was that the building works were being undertaken considerately.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report considers the findings of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the junction of Mountfield Road and Edgeley Road, Edgeley.

The Area Committee is recommended to request the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) to approve the statutory legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order on Mountfield Road, Edgeley and, subject to no objections being received within the statutory period, the Order can be made.

Officer Contact: Vivian Butterworth on 0161 474 4848 or email: vivian.butterwworth@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 the results of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at the junction of Mountfield Road and Edgeley Road, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be recommend to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order at an approximate cost of £500 to be funded from the Executive’s Highways delegated budget and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order be made:-

Proposed Revocation of Traffic Regulation Order – Resident Permit Holders Only on first team match days or a 1^st team rugby match 1^st August-31^st may Noon-5.30pm or 5.30pm-10pm

          Mountfield Road - both sides, from the south easterly kerbline of Edgeley Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – No Waiting At Any Time

Mountfield Road - both sides, from the south easterly kerbline of Edgeley Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Edgeley Road - south east side from a point 10 metres east of the easterly kerbline of Mountfield Road to a point 10 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Mountfield Road.

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

The report sets out commuted sums received by the Council from housing developers towards the cost of play provision.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the allocation of the commuted sums as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@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) inviting the Area Committee to consider proposals for the allocation of commuted sums received from housing developers for play provision.

RESOLVED – That the following commuted sums be allocated to the play areas indicated:-

·         £10,172.44 from development no. 1117 (DC 049103, former Lomax Nursery adjacent to 69 Adswood Lane) towards future play improvements at Bridgehall Play Area.

·         £1,338.48 from development no. 1145 (DC 053263, Berlin Road, Edgeley) towards future play improvements at Alexandra Park.

·         £8,030.88 from development no. 1147 (DC 053220, former Greyhound Public House, 169 Ladybridge Road) for future play improvements at Cale Green Park.

·         £42,372.56 from development no. 1158 (DC Various, Hopes Carr Regeneration Plots 1-5) be allocated to Peak Street Play Area and St Thomas’ Park.

·         £836.55 from development no. 1163 (DC 05571, land adjacent to 15 Bishop Street) to safer surface improvements at Peak Street.

·         £334.62 from development no. 1174 (DC 054633, 14 Heath Crescent) towards future play improvements at Cale Green Park.

·         £836.55 from development no. 1177 (DC 054121, 200 Edgeley Road) towards future play improvements at Alexandra Park.

·         £669.24 from development no. 1178 (DC 054072, 59 Offerton Lane) to future play improvements at St. Thomas’ Park.

·         £669.24 from development no. 1185 (DC 056519, land adjacent to 255-261 Councillor Lane, Cheadle Hulme) towards future play improvements at Adswood Park.

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

The report considers a proposal from ENW Limited to run an electrical underground cable under Alexandra Park, Edgeley.

The Area Committee is requested to note and 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 a proposal from ENW Limited to run an electrical underground cable under Alexandra Park, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal from ENW Limited to run an electrical underground cable under Alexandra Park, Edgeley.

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

The report considers an application from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold their first half marathon on Sunday 6 September 2015 with a circular route being run from and back to Stockport County Football Club along the Trans Pennine Trail between Woolpack Bridge through Mersey Vale Nature Park and on into Manchester.

This report will also be considered by the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee at its meeting on 13 July 2015.

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

Officer Contact: Jane Bardsley on 0161 474 2279 or email: jane.bardsley@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) outlining an application from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold its first half marathon on 6 September 2015 which would take in part of the Trans Pennine Trail between Woolpack Bridge through Mersey Vale and on into Manchester.

The Area Committee was advised that at the meeting of the Heatons and Reddish Area Committee held on 13 July 2015 Members had approved the application and requested the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to investigate alternative arrangements in the event that the proposed works planned along the Trans Pennine Trail Route were not completed in time for the event.

RESOLVED – That the application from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold its first half marathon on 6 September 2015 which will take in part of the Trans Pennine Trail between Woolpack Bridge through Mersey Vale and on into Manchester be approved, subject to the production of appropriate papers, event plan and traffic management plan.

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 ward flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: 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 Ward Flexibility funding.  The report also included the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.