Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 5 December 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 following announcements were made:

·         The 'Call for Sites’ which had been ongoing since December was reported to close on Sunday 2 February 2025. The Call for Sites was part of the work being undertaken to develop a new Local Plan for Stockport, with the council asking residents to identify land or sites they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. A Call for Sites exercise was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest land or buildings within Stockport for development, a change to alternative uses or to protect land or buildings for their existing use. This would help to inform the evidence base, which would underpin the Stockport Local Plan.

·         The council was involved in the Government Design Code Pathfinder Programme. One of the key aims of the design code project was 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.' The Stockport Design Code website had been set up and early engagement had commenced and would run until Friday 21 February 2025. Everyone who lived, worked or visited Stockport was invited to take part.

·         Thanks were expressed to the officers that assisted with the flood incident response that took place over the new year. Members requested that a brief report be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee detailing an overview of the impact of the flood incident within the Area Committee area and next steps regarding future actions.

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.

The representative of Greater Manchester Police had given apologies for the meeting and the following written update was provided in relation to neighbourhood policing matters:

·         Police Constable vacancies were expected to be filled from February, recent advertisements for the posts had a closing date of the end of a January.

·         Week commencing 6 January 2025 was ‘Stockport District Domestic Abuse Week of Action’ and was a successful week tackling the most high-risk offenders; there were 39 arrests, 13 domestic violence offenders, 7 most wanted detained, 7 Claire’s Law disclosures served to individuals and one Domestic Violence Protection Notice served to safeguard victims from individuals.

·         On Friday 17 January 2025, Mark Swindells was arrested in Stockport Town Centre for three theft offences by the local neighbourhood team. He was charged and remained in prison pending sentencing.

·         Five youths who had been involved in a series thefts, assaults and public order offences at Co-op stores in the town centre had collectively received 21 charges. One youth had been referred to the Youth Offending Service for early intervention, whilst the others had been charged to the Youth Court for their criminality.

·         £15,000 of funding had been provided through ARIS and Operation Libra funding and given to Foundation 92 to support youth work taking place at the Interchange and surrounding area. The funds would be used to deploy staff to engage and deter offending.

·         On Monday 20 January 2025, a dedicated team for tackling violence were patrolling key hotspots in Stockport when covert officers in one of these areas witnessed a drug deal taking place in Shaw Heath. Officers engaged in following the suspect in vehicles and subsequently on foot, after which the suspect was detained and arrested.

·         On 22 January 2025, Operation Rimini saw two arrests of men on suspicion of theft, 11 stop-searches with four positive outcomes, four community resolutions processed, 13 traffic offence reports submitted and local intelligence building.

·         The force encouraged residents to support their local policing teams. Two cannabis farms had recently been shut down in the Adswood area, and people were asked to report any information or intelligence about illegal activities through their local policing team or anonymously online through Crime Stoppers.

·         Stockport District Operation Avro was scheduled to take place on Thursday 13 February 2025, with a briefing at the county ground from 7am.

·         It was reported that the next Central Neighbourhood Policing Team Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting would take place from 6.30pm on 6 February at Cornerstone, 2 Edward Street, Stockport, SK1 3NQ.

·         Members commended the new way that crime statistics were reported to the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

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

·         Petition for new parking scheme – Broadhurst Street

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

A petition was submitted by the residents of Broadhurst Street in relation to a request for resident permit parking on Broadhurst Street, Cale Green. The petition had 11 signatories.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

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 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 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 requested to note the report.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and Assistant Director for Governance. 

The report details objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Stopping Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm on School Keep Clear Markings and associated installations on Neston Grove, Adswood. 

The Area Committee is recommended to resolve that the Traffic Regulation Order on Neston Grove, Adswood, be made as originally advertised: 

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order Schedule  

School Keep Clears – No Stopping Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 

Neston Grove (South Side)  

From a point, 13 metres south west from the intersection of the south western kerb line of Rostherne Road for a distance of 63.12 metres in a south westerly direction. 

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a joint report of the Director of Place Management and the Assistant Director for Governance (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Stopping Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm on School Keep Clear Markings’ and associated installations on Neston Grove, Adswood, and sought approval for the Traffic Regulation Order to be made as originally advertised.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work on the report.

RESOLED – That approval be given to the Traffic Regulation Order on Neston Grove, Adswood, being made as originally advertised:

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order Schedule 

School Keep Clears – No Stopping Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Neston Grove (South Side) 

From a point, 13 metres south west from the intersection of the south western kerb line of Rostherne Road for a distance of 63.12 metres in a south westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report seeks Area Committee approval for the revocation of a Traffic Regulation Order – Residents Permit Holders Only Mon – Sat 8am – 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green (free scheme). 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the revocation of a Traffic Regulation Order – Residents Permit Holders Only Mon – Sat 8am – 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green: 

Revocation of existing Traffic Regulation Order Residents Permit Holders Only Mon – Sat 8am – 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green.

North West Side 

From a point 15m north east of the intersection of the north eastern kerbline of Adswood Road for a distance of 177 metres in a north easterly direction. 

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out objections made in relation to the Traffic Regulation Order – Residents Permit Holders Only Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green (free scheme), and sought approval for the revocation of the scheme.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the revocation of a Traffic Regulation Order – Residents Permit Holders Only Mon – Sat 8am – 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green:

Revocation of existing Traffic Regulation Order Residents Permit Holders Only Mon – Sat 8am – 10pm on Shaw Road South, Cale Green.

North West Side

From a point 15m north east of the intersection of the north eastern kerbline of Adswood Road for a distance of 177 metres in a north easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for a Section 106 Development Control scheme on Charles Street and seeks Area Committee approval for the implementation of a cyclist cut-through, bollards, parking restrictions, and planters on Charles Street.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the proposals for the provision of a cycle cut through, bollards, parking restrictions, and planters on Charles Street.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks | c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for a Section 106 Development Control scheme on Charles Street and sought approval for the implementation of a cyclist cut-through, bollards, parking restrictions, and planters on Charles Street.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work on the report, including the addition of planters in the scheme as requested.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposals for the provision of a cycle cut through, bollards, ‘H-bar’ markings and planters on Charles Street:

·         the development of a 1.5-meter-wide cycle cut through in the existing closure on Charles Street;

·         evenly space bollards across the width of the carriageway and either side of the cycle cut through;

·         implementation of “H-bar” markings on either side of the closure on Charles Street across the road; and

·         the provision of community-maintained planters either side of the proposed cycle cut through.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report requests funding to enable a feasibility study to be carried out looking at safety for all highway users along St Matthews Road and Old Chapel Street between the junctions of Grenville Street and York Street, Edgeley.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve funding in the amount of £5,000 from the Delegated Budget (Edgeley ward allocation) for the feasibility study along St Matthews Road and Old Chapel Street between the junctions of Grenville Street and York Street, Edgeley.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought funding approval for feasibility study to be carried out looking at safety for all highway users along St Matthews Road and Old Chapel Street between the junctions of Grenville Street and York Street, Edgeley.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the allocation of funding in the amount of £5,000 from the Delegated Budget (Edgeley ward allocation) for a feasibility study along St Matthews Road and Old Chapel Street between the junctions of Grenville Street and York Street, Edgeley.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted reports on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing applications received on behalf of organisations with the intent to use parks in the Area Committee’s area for their upcoming events.

The report sets out the intention of Fairway Primary PTA to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for the Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application, subject to the organiser  obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to the ward  councillors at least two weeks prior to the event taking place.

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

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received by Fairway Primary PTA to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park for the Fairway 5 Trail Race on 2 November 2025, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to the ward councillors at least two weeks prior to the event taking place.

The report sets out the intention of Cale Green Park Residents Association to utilise Cale Green Park for their summer event on 29 June 2025.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses,  insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to the ward  councillors at least two weeks prior to the event taking place.

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes 0161 474 3278 | Josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk   

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received by Cale Green Park Residents Association to utilise Cale Green Park for their summer event on 29 June 2025, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply and being presented to the ward councillors at least two weeks prior to the event taking place.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that are currently free of charge. This is in terms of the viability and justification for the introduction of charges as agreed as part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs | emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an overview of the rationale and criteria being applied to those car parks within the borough that currently operated free of charge.

Ian O’Donnell (Head of Service Public Protection, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members queried the report’s recommendation to the Area Committee, namely, that the Area Committee be asked to note the report and invited to seek clarification from the Cabinet Member on any of its contents. The Area Committee’s recollection was that future proposals for the introduction of charged car parks would be put to members for consultation. Members felt that clarification should be sought from the Cabinet Member as to the previous decision made on the matter and had concerns around due process, as members felt that the proposals had not been adequately scrutinised. The council’s call-in procedure was queried.

·         It was reported that the earlier petition received by the Area Committee relating to Broadhurst Street would be directly impacted by the proposal to introduce charges at Green Street Car Park, an area that already faced significant parking problems. Members held frequent discussions with officers around parking problems in this particular area, and felt that there were ‘no easy answers’, but only best possible options to alleviate parking issues for the area. Members also queried the previous view of the council that the introduction of charges at this car park would be unviable, as the cost of infrastructure outweighed the perceived benefits of the scheme.

·         The timing of the report being presented to members for their consideration was queried, given that the justification for the introduction of charges was agreed as part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2024 – 2025.

·         Members were advised that Hallam Street Car Park had high usage and usage would continue to be monitored. Concerns were raised about the proximity of Hallam Street Car Park to Aquinas College, which faced serious parking issues during the daytime. Further, that the college’s expansion plans could exacerbate parking issues in the future. In response to a question as to whether users would make use of nearby local roads as opposed to paying a fee at the car park, it was noted that the proposed fees were modest.

·         It was advised that implementation of the proposals was expected to be imminent, and that the next stage of the process would be for the relevant legal documentation to be signed. It was advised that a Traffic Regulation Order was needed but was not required to be consulted upon publicly.

·         It was felt the proposals could have helped to alleviate match-day parking issues, but options should have been explored further through consultation with councillors and residents.

·         It was reported that it appeared Marple Area Committee councillors had been consulted in relation to proposals for the Marple area, from the discussion had by councillors at the Marple Area Committee meeting held on 29 January 2025.

·         Members felt that an adjournment would be appropriate in order to seek advice from Democratic Services as to the Area Committee’s options in relation to a resolution from the committee.

At 7.04pm, it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 7.22pm.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That consideration of the report be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee in light of the Area Committee’s concern in relation to the proposals with particular regard to the process that was being followed; to gain a broader understanding of the potential impact of the proposals; and to permit an opportunity to seek further clarification from the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be requested to delay the implementation of the proposals whilst further the clarification sought in the above resolution was provided, and that the Cabinet Member be requested to attend the next meeting of the Area Committee scheduled to be held on Thursday, 13 March 2025.

(3) That, in the eventuality that deferral of the item to the next meeting date would cause undue delay to the determination of the proposals, that approval be given to the convening of an extraordinary meeting of the Area Committee to consider the business in a timely manner.