Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 31 October 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the constitution since the last meeting of the committee.

To receive announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair shared a note from the Planning Officer in relation to the Government’s Design Code Pathfinder Programme: ‘Members might recall that the council was selected to be part of the Government's Design Code Pathfinder Programme. After a competitive procurement process, we have now selected their preferred consultant, and work has begun on the project. One of the key aims of the design code project is to 'reduce opposition to new development, by empowering local communities to set standards that they expect all new development to meet, by winning hearts and minds.' To achieve this aim, the project will include a series of engagement exercises with local residents and stakeholders to gain their views and will include a mix of in-person and online events. Early engagement will begin over the coming weeks and members will be informed upon commencement.’

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 on any matters in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise neighbourhood policing issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Inspector Jason Holmwood (Greater Manchester Police (GMP)) attended the meeting to provide an update and answer questions in relation to neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         An update on local policing matters was provided and included several recent successful operations leading to arrests and other actions. A joint operation with the council around taxi licensing where 11 test purchases for the sale of knives were successfully completed by all stores involved.

·         Some incidents of phone-snatching were being investigated and two people were in custody for the offences.

·         There had been an incident of child abuse in Brinnington, and the parents of the child had been charged as a result of the investigation. There had been some damage to property and GMP urged people not to take matters into their own hands; the incident was dealt with swiftly.

·         Operation Limit would run over the festive period to tackle any drink and drug driving incidents; spot checks would take place on the road networks.

·         Members of the public were urged to report incidents via 101 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.

·         Operation North Star would also run over the festive period to provide additional support to shops and tackle any incidents of theft.

·         Following reports of anti-social behaviour in Edgeley, the neighbourhood team would be looking to target individuals to refer onto the youth offending team.

·         Members expressed their thanks to officers for their ongoing work to update ‘Be in the Loop’, which had proved valuable for residents.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Jason Holmwood be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the code of practice, no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the area committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance reported that no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

No development applications were submitted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates 0161 474 3219 | vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions; listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Central Stockport Area Committee area.

It was asked that an update be sought on 6 Clwyd Avenue, Stockport, given that the appeal had been listed on the report for some time.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the works required and schedule associated with the Network Rail led Greek Street bridge renewal project. This includes providing an overview of the potential subsequent disruption and the corresponding mitigation works.  

The Area Committee is requested to comment on and note the report, and endorse the following recommendations to Cabinet:  

·         Approve to enter into the Bridgeguard 3 agreement and make any payments to Network Rail necessary under this agreement.  

·         Agree that the decisions related to the necessary diversion routes are delegated to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services in conjunction with officers following engagement with members. 

·         Agree that the decisions related to the final highway layout on the new structure are delegated to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services following consultation with the Member Working Group. 

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the works required and schedule associated with the Network Rail led Greek Street bridge renewal project.

Pam Hibbert and Jamie Birtles (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council) attended the meeting to speak to the report and answer questions from members.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The report included an overview of the potential subsequent disruption, and the corresponding mitigation works.

·         The report had recently been considered by members of the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee at their meeting held on 25 November 2024.

·         It was reported that preparatory works for the project had begun, and local residents were aware of the forthcoming works. The Edgeley Community Association were concerned about the proposed diversion routes, which officers had been made aware of. It was noted that one of the diversion routes ran adjacent to Our Ladies Roman Catholic Primary School, which was a poorly lit and narrow route, and felt unsuitable for pedestrian and cyclist use at the same time. It was also noted that a resolution had been put to Council in relation to funding for the scheme, but members had since been advised of changes relating to funding and a letter had been sent to the Mayor of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Andy Burnham.

·         Ward members asked to be kept regularly informed of developments as works progressed.

·         It was suggested that work on the Hempshaw Lane City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Scheme could coincide with these works, and for officers to be aware of the potential impacts of the schemes on each other.

·         Thanks were expressed to officers for keeping local councillors informed of developments on the preparatory works and asked that the working party continues to meet with regularity.

·         It was asked that information on drop-in sessions be circulated to local councillors to distribute to residents.

·         Members were advised that Network Rail had responsibility for the scheme and wider communications as lead for the scheme, and that the council would be working closely with Network Rail to ensure that the council’s expectations around communications were met.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the following recommendations to Cabinet endorsed:

·         Approve to enter into the Bridgeguard 3 agreement and make any payments to Network Rail necessary under this agreement.

·         Agree that the decisions related to the necessary diversion routes are delegated to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services in conjunction with officers following engagement with members.

·         Agree that the decisions related to the final highway layout on the new structure are delegated to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services following consultation with the Member Working Group.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) on Armadale Close, Davenport. 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Armadale Close, Davenport, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a cost of £1,200, to be funded from the Delegated Budget (Davenport & Cale Green ward allocation))

Traffic Regulation Order – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ 

Armadale Close, Davenport 

South Side 

From a point 2.5 metres north of the north eastern projected building line of 68 Bracadale Drive for a distance of 5 metres in a westerly direction. 

East Side 

From a point 2.5 metres north of the north eastern projected building line of 68 Bracadale Drive for a distance of 23 metres in a north then north easterly direction. 

Officer contact: Graham O'Connor 0161 474 5057 | graham.oconnor@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and which sought Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) on Armadale Close, Davenport.

It was felt that the proposed Traffic Regulation Order would resolve resident’s concerns around access and parking, following two unsuccessful letter drop communications which had sought a resolution.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Armadale Close, Davenport, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a cost of £1,200, to be funded from the Delegated Budget (Davenport & Cale Green ward allocation))

Traffic Regulation Order - ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Armadale Close, Davenport

South Side

From a point 2.5 metres north of the north eastern projected building line of 68 Bracadale Drive for a distance of 5 metres in a westerly direction.

East Side

From a point 2.5 metres north of the north eastern projected building line of 68 Bracadale Drive for a distance of 23 metres in a north then north easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around School – Westmorland Primary School scheme and seeks Area Committee approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders, associated signage, dropped kerbs and bollards. 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders (Appendix A and Drawing No 0305/20/WP/004) for the Road Safety around School – Westmorland Primary School scheme and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the orders be made. 

Officer contact: Gillian Kidd 0161 474 4848 | gillian.kidd@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around School – Westmorland Primary School scheme and which sought Area Committee approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders, associated signage, dropped kerbs and bollards.

Members welcomed the proposal.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders (Appendix A and Drawing No 0305/20/WP/004) for the Road Safety around School – Westmorland Primary School scheme and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the orders be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report sets out the intention of Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks for their annual family 3k and 5k charity events on Sunday 6 July 2025. 

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application, subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks prior to the event taking place and this being confirmed to the ward councillors. 

Officer contact: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the intention of Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks for their annual family 3k and 5k charity events on Sunday 6 July 2025.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Cancer Research UK to utilise Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks for their annual family 3k and 5k charity events on Sunday 6 July 2025, subject to all appropriate paperwork, fees, health and safety documentation and licences being obtained and submitted to the council at least two weeks prior to the event taking place and this being confirmed to the ward councillors.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 and delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailed the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding and the Delegated Ward Budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.