Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 December 2015  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 interests were 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 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.

260 public questions were submitted regarding the Council’s proposal to relocate Stockport Market from its current location in the market place. The questioners were advised that written responses would be sent to them.

A public question was submitted regarding the possible use of solar PV panels at the Aurora industrial park at the former Gorsey Bank site. In the absence of the questioner, it was agreed that a written response be sent.

An additional public question was submitted regarding the Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre. The questioner was provided with a written response at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That written responses be provided to the questioners regarding the Council’s proposal to relocate Stockport Market and the possible use of solar PV panels at the Aurora industrial park.

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).

The Area Committee debated the recent flooding of the gardens at the back of Dorset Avenue, Stockport and what the Council’s procedure was for reporting incidences of flooding.

RESOLVED – (1) That Mark Calderbank be thanked for his attendance,

(2) That a report on the procedure for the reporting of incidences of flooding be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

To receive petitions from members of the public and community groups:-

(a)  Stockport Market

A petition has been received from 6,524 signatories calling on the Council to:-

‘Reverse the decision to close Stockport Market in its present location, and reverse the decision to relocate it away from the historic market place’.

(b)  Nangreave Road, Stockport

A petition has been received from ten residents of Nangreave Road, Stockport requesting that access is made in front of the houses by means of an eantrance and exit via Nangreave Road from numbers 120-128a in order to gain access to all houses from numbers 120-130.

The petition also requests that some measures are made to ensure that no one else gains access to the road either by means of parking permits or yellow lines.

(c ) Brinnington Crescent, Brinnington

A petition has been received from ten residents of Brinnington Crescent, Brinnington requesting residents only parking or waiting restrictions due to the high number of parking problems experienced by residents due to school pick up/drop off times.

 (a)  Stockport Market

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a petition had been received from 6,524 signatories calling on the Council to:-

‘Reverse the decision to close Stockport Market in its present location, and reverse the decision to relocate it away from the historic market place’.

RESOLVED – (1) That the petition be referred to the Executive Councillor (Thriving Economy) and Chief Executive for investigation.

(2) That the issue be considered further by the Area Committee upon the expiry of the consultation period.

(b)  Nangreave Road, Stockport

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a petition had been received from ten residents of Nangreave Road, Stockport requesting that access was made in front of the houses by means of an entrance and exit via Nangreave Road from numbers 120-128a in order to gain access to all houses from numbers 120-130.

The petition also requested that some measures were taken to ensure that no one else gained access to the road either by means of parking permits or yellow lines.

RESOLVED – That the petition e be referred to the Chief Executive for investigation.

(c ) Brinnington Crescent, Brinnington

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that a petition had been received from ten residents of Brinnington Crescent, Brinnington requesting residents only parking or waiting restrictions due to the high number of parking problems experienced by residents due to school pick up/drop off times.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Chief Executive for investigation.

Representatives from the Community Safety Unit and the Police will attend the meeting to outline the proposal by the Council to exercise its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014 and impose a Public Space Protection Order on part of Stockport Town Centre which has been affected by certain forms of anti-social behaviour. The Officers will also outline the results of the consultation process which expired on 8 January 2016.

Helen Preston from the Community Safety Unit and Sergeant Jill Slaine from Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting to outline the proposal by the Council to exercise its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014 and impose a Public Space Protection Order on part of Stockport Town Centre which had been affected by certain forms of anti-social behaviour. The Officers also outlined the results of the consultation process which had expired on 8 January 2016 and which had demonstrated a clear preference for the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order.

RESOLVED– (1) That Helen Preston and Sergeant Jill Slaine be thanked for their attendance.

(2) That Members of the Area Committee be provided with a map showing the area covered by the Public Space Protection Order.

Representatives from Chelwood Foodbank will attend the meeting to make a presentation about their work.

With the agreement of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

(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 to prevent undue delay in the consideration of the matter).

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 that early work on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework had identified a number of possible sites in Stockport for housing development and that these included the allotment sites at Barnfield Road East and Cuddington Crescent Community Orchard in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward. Councillor Wild requested that that these sites be not designated for housing development in the Greater Manchester Spatial Strategy and that the Area Committee agree to oppose any allotment sites in Stockport being used for housing development.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee opposes the inclusion of the allotment sites at Barnfield Road East and Cuddington Crescent Community Orchard in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

(2) That this Area Committee further opposes any allotment sites in Stockport which are currently in use being designated for housing development.

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

The report considers a request from Network Rail and their contractors to occupy land at the Lapwing Centre for use as a compound during maintenance works to the Reddish Viaduct for a sixteen weeks period from February 2016.

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

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 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 Network Rail and their contractors to occupy land at the Lapwing Centre for use as a compound during maintenance works to the Reddish Viaduct for a period of sixteen works from February 2016.

A representative of the Network Rail attended the meeting to discuss the proposals.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was confirmed that about fifteen to twenty car parking spaces would be required and that these would be contained in the identified area.

·         Concern was expressed about the volume and weight of materials being delivered to the site and the route which would be taken by the delivery vehicles. Potholes would need reinstating after the works had been completed.

·         It was confirmed that residents in the local area had been advised of the proposals.

·         Members expressed concern that a report on this proposal had not been submitted to them at an earlier stage.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

To consider consultations (if any) received by the Chief Executive on any planning issues relevant to the area.

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

(to begin no earlier than 6.30pm)

A development application was submitted.

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the 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 Dwelling House (C3) to Mixed use Community Facility (D1) with ancillary Office (B1a) use (including dropped kerb to Edgeley Road and extended parking to the rear utilising existing access).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Pippa Brown on 0161 474 3531 or email: pippa.brown@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 59682 for a change of use from Dwelling House (C3) to Mixed Use Community Facility (D1) with ancillary office (B1a) use (including dropped kerb to Edgeley Road and extended parking to the rear utilising existing access) at 32 Edgeley Road, Edgeley.

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED - That planning permission be refused for the following reasons:-

·         The proposed use would result in the loss of a dwelling contrary to Saved Policies HP1.3 ‘Avoidance of Loss of Dwellings’ and HC1.4 ‘New Uses for Buildings in Conservation Areas’ of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review.

·         The proposal by virtue of its commercial use would fail to preserve or enhance the character of the Alexandra Park Conservation Area and would have a detrimental impact on residential amenity, contrary to the requirements of Saved Policies HC1.4 ‘New Uses for Buildings in Conservation Areas’ and CDH1.9 ‘Community Facilities in Predominantly Residential Areas’ of the Stockport Unitary Development Plan Review.

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 Chief Executive 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 joint report of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for corporate and Support Services

The report sets out proposals relating to land in Covent Garden which is the subject of regeneration proposals under the Covent Garden Urban Village Master Plan. This Executive Meeting will be asked to confirm as surplus to requirements an area of community land currently used as Public Open Space; appropriation of land to planning purposes pursuant to Section 122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 and to reaffirm the intention of the Executive of the 17 December 2013 to the disposal of land to Eric Wright Construction and Your Housing Group.

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

Officer Contacts: Murray Carr/Andy Kippax on 0161 474 3019/4319 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk/andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a joint report of the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposals relating to land in Covent Garden which was the subject of regeneration proposals under the Covent Garden Urban Village Master Plan.

The Executive at its meeting to be held on 22 March 2016 would be asked to confirm as surplus to requirements an area of community land currently used as Public Open Space, the appropriation of land for planning purposes pursuant to Section 122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 and reaffirm the intention of the Executive at its meeting on 17 December 2013 to dispose of land to Eric Wright construction and Your Housing Group.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report sets out a proposal for the introduction of a Vehicle Activated Sign on Brinnington Road, Brinnington.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) to approve the erection of two Vehicle Activated Signs on wide base poles on Brinnington Road, Brinnington.

Officer Contact: Andrew Dutton on 0161 474 4654 or email: andrew.dutton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a proposal for the introduction of a Vehicle Activated Sign on Brinnington Road, Brinnington.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be requested to approve the erection of two Vehicle Activated Signs on wide base poles on Brinnington Road, Brinnington at an approximate cost of £7,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Brinnington and Central Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The report considers the findings of a consultation exercise with residents regarding the need to introduce a Residents Parking Scheme on Crosby Street, Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the results of the consultation and approve the relaxation of the necessary criteria due to the turnover of people in the nearby flats and for the works to commence to implement the Residents Parking Scheme.

Officer Contact: Craig Peet on 0161 474 4813 or email: craig.peet@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the findings of a consultation exercise with residents regarding the need to introduce a Residents Parking Scheme on Crosby Street, Stockport.

The report considered relaxing the criteria for a Residents Parking Scheme on Crosby Street, Stockport due to the turnover of flats in the area which iwas affecting the true figure of residents in favour of the scheme.

RESOLVED – (1) That the findings of a consultation exercise amongst local residents be noted.

(2) That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be requested to relax the criteria necessary in order to implement a Residents’ Parking Scheme on the section of Crosby Street, Stockport between Lyme Grove and Lowfield Road, as shown on plan number NM27/5887/02 attached to the report.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

To consider a request to purchase and manage a Mobile Speed Indication device for use in the Manor Ward, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation).

The Area Committee’s views are requested.

Officer Contact: David Warburton on 0161 474 2078 or email: david.warburton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a request from the Manor Ward Highways and Traffic Spokesperson to purchase and manage a Speed Indication Device to be used exclusively in that ward

RESOLVED - That the request from the Manor Ward Highways and Traffic Spokesperson to purchase and manage a Speed Indication Device to be used exclusively in that ward be approved at an anticipated yearly cost of £4,790.25 in 2016/17, £1,937.50 in 2017/18 and £1,937.50 in 2018/19 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Manor Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

 The report details a proposal for the naming of a linked series of bridle/ cycleways extending from Hilltop Drive in Marple, along the Goyt Valley, through to Dark Lane in Lower Bredbury as the Alan Newton Way.

The Area Committee is requested to

(1) Note the report.

(2) Support the proposal by giving consideration to the use of some of its Local Initiative Funding towards the total anticipated costs of £10,000.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider a proposal to name a linked series of bridle/cycleways from Hilltop Drive in Marple to Lower Bredbury as the ‘Alan Newton Way’ in recognition of the Stockport cycling Olympian.

RESOLVED – (1) That the proposal for the creation of the Alan Newton Way be supported.

 (2) That financial support towards the costs of providing signage and information boards for the Alan Newton Way be provided from the Delegated Budget of the four Wards in the Central Stockport area as follows:-

-       Brinnington and Central Ward - £200

-       Davenport and Cale Green Ward - £200

-       Edgeley and Cheadle Heat Ward - £200

-       Manor Ward - £200

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

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

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the allocation of the commuted sums 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 Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding details of commuted sums received by the Council from housing developers towards the cost of play provision.

RESOLVED – That the following allocations of commuted sums for the Central Stockport area be approved:-

·         The use of £334.62 from development no. 1181 (DC 054982 Studio 5, Edgeley Fold) towards future play improvements at Alexandra Park.

·         The use of £26,277.21 from development no. 1202 (DC 507163) for St. Thomas Play Area

·         The use of £26,277.21 from development no. 1202 (DC 507163) for Shaw Heath Recreation Ground.

·         The reallocation of £6,332.92 to a new play space at Mottram Street which had previously been allocated to Covent Garden as follows:-

-       £2,676.96 from development no. 976 (DC 045196/452 Ratcliffe Street, Middle Highgate)

-       £2,317.48 from development no. 989 (DC 021312 Mac House, Hillgate)

-       £1,338.48 from development no. 1054 (DC 050317, 79 Wellington Road South).

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

The reports sets out a proposal to dispose of a car park at York Street, Edgeley to enable the development of affordable housing.

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

With the agreement of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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

The report considers a proposal for Electricity North West to locate an electricity substation and cable easement to serve the proposed redevelopment for the former Gorsey Bank estate.

The Area Committee is requested to note 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 proposal by Electricity North West to locate an electricity substation and cable easement to serve the proposed redevelopment for the former Gorsey Bank estate.

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

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

The report considers a proposal to grant a licence to George Cox and Sons Ltd, to occupy an area of land on Newbridge Lane which is owned by the Council as a works compound and is currently used for landscaping.
George Cox and Sons Ltd are the main contractor on the TCAP (Town Centre Access Plan), and the use of the compound will be solely associated with those works.

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 proposal to grant a licence to George Cox and Sons Ltd to occupy an area of land on Newbridge Lane, Stockport which was owned by the Council as a works compound and was currently used for landscaping. George Cox and Sons Ltd were the main contractor on the Town Centre Access plan (TCAP) and the use of the compound would be solely associated with those works.

Members requested clarification where the footpath to the land in question would be and it was:-

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred for further discussions with the Ward Councillors.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report sets out a park event application received from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold their second half marathon on Sunday 4th September 2016 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 9 February 2016.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health and safety documentation, licences and/or insurances.

Officer Contact: Wayne Bardsley on Tel: 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) regarding an application from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold its second half marathon on Sunday 4 September 2016 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.

RESOLVED –  (1) That approval be given to an application from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative to hold its second half marathon on Sunday 4 September 2016 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.

(2) That the approval in (1) above be subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health and safety documentation, licences and/or insurances, and the users of the public address system having consideration for local residents.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

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

Councillor Bailey reported that the car park at the Stopford Open Learning Centre, Hardman Street, Stockport was used by people attending the learning centre and the Hollywood Park Combined Nursery, and that this had on occasions been problematic with regard to the number of spaces available. She requested that a survey be carried out of people using the car park.

RESOLVED – That a survey be carried out of the users of the Council-owned car park at the Stopford Open Learning Centre, Hardman Street.

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 ward delegated budgets.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: David Clee, 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.