Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 August 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 13 August 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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 requested that brown tourist signs be erected on the A6 Wellington Road South and Higher Hillgate directing people towards St. Thomas’ Church, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to investigate the erection of brown tourist signs on the A6 Wellington Road South and Higher Hillgate directing people towards St. Thomas’ Church, Stockport and that this be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation).

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 on the number of heavy goods vehicles which travelled down Range Road and Gilmore Street which had contributed towards collapsed gullies on the roads. He requested that a traffic census be carried out to map the usage of these roads by heavy goods vehicles and where they were travelling to.

Councillors Daniel Hawthorne requested that a similar traffic census regarding heavy goods vehicle usage be carried out on Hempshaw Lane, Banks Lane, Hall Street and Offerton Lane, Offerton.

RESOLVED – That traffic censuses to monitor heavy goods vehicle usage and where they are travelling to be carried out in the following areas:-

·         Range Road and Gilmore Street, Stockport

·         Hempshaw Lane, Banks Lane, Hall Street and Offerton Lane, Offerton.

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.

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.

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 and Public Protection Enforcement Officers in the Central Stockport area (copies of which had been circulated).

A Member raised the issue of the poor condition of the land next to the car park at the Aldi store on Newbridge Lane, Stockport and the need for the litter, rubbish and fly tipping to be cleared up by the store.

RESOLVED – That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance.

Brigitte Lechner from the Wellbeing Friends Society submitted an e petition containing 1,592 signatures; and a hard copy of the petition containing 938 signatures as follows:-

“We call on Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group to reverse the decision to close the Joseph Whitworth Community Centre (formerly known as Wellbeing Centre) on Chestergate. This centre is of enormous benefit to community groups, charities and NHS support services”.

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Leader of Stockport Council and the Chief Clinical Officer of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group for consideration.

Representatives from two local groups will address the Area Committee.

Brigitte Lechner from the Wellbeing Friends Society and Irene Harris from Rethink Mental Illness Stockport addressed the Area Committee on the decision to close the Sir Joseph Whitworth Community Centre (formerly known as Wellbeing Centre) on Chestergate and the effect on the community groups, charities and NHS support services who used it.

Members debated the proposed closure of the centre and the effect on the activities of the groups who currently used the centre, and it was:-

RESOLVED – (Ten For, One abstention) (1) That this Area Committee notes the important work of the Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre, formerly known as the Wellbeing Centre, and the positive contribution that it makes to the lives of community groups, charities and NHS support groups including the carers group for mentally ill people. The Area Committee requests the Council to liaise with the Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and other interested bodies to ensure that this valuable resource in its current accessible location is adequately funded so that it is saved for the people of Stockport.

(2) That the Area Committee requests that the current deadline for the closure of the Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre of December 2015 be extended by six months in order that Stockport Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group can investigate keeping the Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre open and identifying alternative sources of funding for the centre, and consider what support it can offer to the groups who use the centre.

(3) That the Area Committee requests that Officer support be dedicated from Stockport Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group to enable the work identified in Minute (2) above to be carried out.

This item have been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillors Chris Murphy, Maureen Rowles and Andy Sorton

The following issues will be discussed:-

-       Children in Multi-Storey Tower Blocks

-       Children’s Play Areas around the tower blocks in Brinnington

-       Maintenance programme for the multi-storey tower blocks in Brinnington.

Officers from Stockport Homes will be in attendance.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillors Chris Murphy, Maureen Rowles and Andy Sorton.

Officers from Stockport Homes attended the meeting to discuss issues regarding:-

·         Children in multi-storey tower blocks

·         Children’s play areas around the tower blocks in Brinnington

·         The maintenance programme for multi-storey tower blocks in Brinnington..

Councillor Sorton reported that there had been an increase in families with children living in the multi-storey tower blocks and there were no facilities for the children to play. It was acknowledged by Officers from Stockport Homes that this was not an ideal situation but it had arisen as a result of the last Government’s changes to the housing benefit system which had meant that properties could not be under-occupied.

With the agreement of the Chair, a local resident addressed the Area Committee to outline the problems he and his young family had experienced living in a multi-storey tower block.  The problems related to the maintenance of the flat and anti-social behaviour from other residents. Officers agreed to look into issues regarding repairs to the windows and whether the window replacement programme could be brought forward, and investigate delays to the lifts being repaired.

The Area Committee was advised that there was a four year programme upgrading CCTV in the tower blocks.

RESOLVED – That the Officers from Stockport Homes be thanked for their attendance.

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.

Change of use from vacant nightclub and retail unit (Sui Generis) to 11 residential units (C3) with associated external alterations

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to determine the application, subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement in respect of off-site open space provision.

In respect of plan no. 58692 for a change of use from vacant nightclub and retail unit (Sui Generis) to 11 residential units (C3) with associated external alterations at The Arches, Wellington Road South, Stockport

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to determine the application, subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement in respect of off-site open space provision.

Erection of 2 semi-detached 2 storey dwellinghouses, together with vehicular accesses, car parking and boundary treatments.

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to determine the application, subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement in respect of open space provision.

In respect of plan no. 58879 for the erection of 2 semi-detached 2 storey dwelling houses, together with vehicular accesses, car parking and boundary treatments

a local resident spoke against the application

It was then

RESOLVED – (Six for) That planning permission be refused on the grounds of overdevelopment, incongruous design, the impact on residential amenity from overlooking and proximity of the dwellings, harm to trees, highway safety and the impact on parking.

Outline planning application seeking approval for means of access for a residential development comprising 27 no. houses and 36 no. apartments

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration to determine the application, subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement in respect of off-site contributions for play provision.

Officer Contact: Karyn Clarke/Pippa Brown on 0161 474 3551/3531 or email: karyn.clarke@stockport.gov.uk/pippa.brown@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 59009 for an outline planning application seeking approval for means of access for a residential development comprising 27 no. houses and 36 no. apartments at the former Sovereign Rubber site, Hillgate Industrial Estate, Carrington Field Street, Heaviley

a local resident spoke against the application

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred to enable further discussions with the applicant regarding access to the site as the Area Committee does not support access to the site being via Ward Street.

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.

The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee’s visiting team shall whenever practical, inspect one completed development each cycle and report to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee on the quality of the decision and any matters which should be addressed.

The Area Committees are requested to select, on a rota basis, a recently completed development site for inspection as part of the Council’s approved practice of monitoring developments and reviewing current policies. 

The Area Committee is requested to select a site to be visited by the Visiting Team.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee requested that the Area Committee select a recently completed development site for inspection as part of the Council’s approved practice of monitoring developments and reviewing current policies.

 RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be requested to undertake a monitoring visit to the residential development at Hopes Carr, Stockport.

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

The report sets out the result of an investigation into the need to rationalise the Traffic Regulation Orders on Owen Street, Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) to approve the statutory legal advertising of a No Waiting Traffic Regulation Order 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.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) setting out the result of an investigation into the need to rationalise the Traffic Regulation Orders on Owen Street, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be requested to approve the legal advertising of the following No Waiting At Any Time Traffic Regulation Order on Owen Street, Stockport at an approximate cost of £1,195 to be funded from the Executive Highways delegated budget and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order be made:-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – No Waiting Monday – Saturday 8.00am - 6.30pm

Owen Street - both sides from its junction with Chestergate for its full length and cul de sac end.

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

The report sets out the result of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles on Back Adcroft Street, between the junction of Brooks Street and Adcroft Street.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the statutory legal advertising of a No Waiting Traffic Regulation Order 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.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) setting out the result of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles on Back Adcroft Street, between the junction of Brooks Street and Adcroft Street.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee be minded to approve the following No Waiting Traffic Regulation Order on Back Adcroft Street, Stockport, as set out below, at an approximate cost of £650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Budget (Manor Ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – No Waiting Monday -- Saturday 8.00am-6.00pm

Back Adcroft Street - west side, from the southerly kerbline of Brooks Street to the northerly kerbline of Adcroft Street - a distance of approximately 34 metres.

(2) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order can be made.

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

The report sets out the result of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at Curzon Green and Curzon Road, Offerton.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the statutory legal advertising of a No Waiting Traffic Regulation Order 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.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) setting out the result of an investigation into the difficulties caused by parked vehicles at Curzon Green and Curzon Road, Offerton.

RESOLVED – (1) That Area Committee be minded to approve the following No Waiting At Any Time Traffic Regulation Order on Curzon Green and Curzon Road, Offerton, as set out below, at an approximate cost of £550 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Budget (Manor Ward allocation):-

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – No Waiting At Any Time

Curzon Green - south west side from the south easterly kerbline of Curzon Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Curzon Road - south east side from the south westerly kerbline of Curzon Road for a distance of 10 metres in a south westerly direction.

(2) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order can be made.

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

The Council is responsible for many kilometres of highway grass verges that are maintained on an ongoing basis in terms of mowing under the Street Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance contract.  However, the Council is receiving an increasing number of reports relating to damaged / rutted grass verges from vehicles parking half on and half off the verge or driving over the verge.

The report details the various options for the repair and prevention of damage to grass verges.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Johanna Smith on 0161 474 4896 or email: johanna.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the Council’s policy and options in responding to damage to grass verges caused by parked vehicles.

 RESOLVED – (1) That the limited options available to the Council to take formal action against people who cause damage to grass verges be noted.

(2) That the approach to prevent repeated damage by considering each verge on a site by site basis be endorsed.

(3) That the Ward Spokesperson be authorised to act as the point of contact for discussion and final decision on the recommended solution, and that it be at his or her discretion as to whether agreement is given to the costs of any works (above the cost of equivalent repair) being funded from the Ward Delegated Budget.

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

The report sets out the results of an investigation into the need for further one Way Traffic Signs on Lyme Grove, Shaw Heath,

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the installation of additional One Way Traffic signs and road markings on Lyme Grove, Shaw heath, as shown on the plan attached to the report.

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) setting out the results of an investigation into the need for further One Way Traffic Signs on Lyme Grove, Shaw Heath.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee be minded to approve the installation of One Way Traffic signs and road markings on Lyme Grove, Shaw Heath, as shown on the plan, drawing number NM36/5927/02, attached to the report, at an approximate cost of £700 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation).

(2) That approval be given to the statutory legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order and, subject to no objections being received within twenty one days from the advertisement date, the Order can be made.

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

The report considers the proposed granting of three leases to Metronet (UK) Limited for the placement and operating of telecommunication masts on Ludlow Tower, Blackberry Lane Stockport, Lincoln Tower, Bosden Fold, Stockport and Norris Tower, Wilkinson Road, Stockport.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

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 Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the proposed granting of three leases to Metronet (UK) Limited for the placement and operating of telecommunications masts on Ludlow Tower, Blackberry Lane, Stockport; Lincoln Tower, Bosden Fold, Stockport; and Norris Tower, Wilkinson Road, Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposed granting of three leases to Metronet (UK) Limited for the placement and operating of telecommunications masts on Ludlow Tower, Blackberry Lane, Stockport; Lincoln Tower, Bosden Fold, Stockport; and Norris Tower, Wilkinson Road, Stockport.

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

 The report considers a request from Stockport Anglers Association to make a claim for the possessory title to the land shown on the plan attached at Rostrevor Road, Adswood as they allege that they have been in exclusive occupation of the land for a considerable period of time.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

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 request from Stockport Anglers Association to make a claim for the possessory title to the land shown on the plan attached to the report at Rostrevor Road, Adswood.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the request from Stockport Anglers Association to make a claim for the possessory title to the land shown on the plan attached to the report at Rostrevor Road, Adswood.

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

The report sets out a proposal for a grazing licence on a piece of land at Rostrevor Road, Adswood.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

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) setting out a proposal for a grazing licence on a piece of land at Rostrevor Road, Adswood.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be deferred for further information regarding the proposed length of the lease, the number of horses which the proposed grazing licence is for, where the owner of the horses would be living and the horses kept, how horses would be prevented from going into gardens which back onto the land and how this would be enforced.

(2) That a revised plan be submitted delineating the land for Stockport Anglers Federation (Minute 16 from this meeting refers) and the land for the grazing licence referred to in this report.

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

To consider a request from the Friends of Cale Green to hold their 2015 Christmas Event on 6 December 2015 from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application.

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 (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a request from the Friends of Cale Green to hold their 2015 Christmas Event on 6 December 2015 from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Friends of Cale Green Park to hold their Christmas Event this year in the park from 12.30pm to 3.00pm on 6 December 2015.

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.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate a non-Executive Member to serve on the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee’s Scrutiny Review on Member Learning and Development.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported on a request for a non-Executive Member of the Area Committee to serve on the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee’s Scrutiny Review on Member Learning and Development.

RESOLVED – That the request be noted.