Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 June 2022 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.

The following interest was declared:

Personal interest

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

With deep regret, the Chair referred to the recent death of Councillor Sheila Bailey. Councillor Bailey had served as a member of the Area Committee and its predecessors since her election to Stockport Council in 1990.

The Chair and members led tributes to Councillor Sheila and spoke to her many years of service, contribution and devotion to public service. Members offered their condolences to Councillor Bailey’s family.

Postcards detailing information about pension credit were provided to members for distribution to local residents.

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

Sergeant Gareth Davies (Greater Manchester Police (GMP)) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         In the last month, there had been focus on reducing response times, as well as crime management and detection (solving issues more quickly).

·         The Brinnington Team would welcome a new sergeant to the team week commencing 8 August 2022.

·         In August, a new Neighbourhood Action Team would be established to focus on resolving problems in neighbourhoods across the borough.

·         It was noted that anti-social behaviour had decreased since May 2022.

·         It was advised that certain areas had seen an increase in road bikes, and although crime statistics suggested that this was less of a problem compared to last year, GMP were committed to gathering intelligence and seizing bikes once found.

·         Members noted a recent incident that took place at a dental practice and the specific laws around protecting NHS staff.

·         It was noted that there was a designated police officer for Stockport County, who worked alongside the club in designating matches as ‘low’, ‘medium’, or ‘high’ risk, and allocating resources accordingly.

·         Members and residents were encouraged to use CrimeStoppers to report crime anonymously.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Gareth Davis be thanked for his attendance.

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 submit questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

Four public questions were submitted as follows:

·         Relating to Begara Close as part of the Match Day Parking Zone, and the possibility of extending permit times of operation or double yellow lines to reflect the demand for parking in the area.

RESOLVED – That the matter be referred to the Director of Place Management for review and an options report be brought back to a future meeting of the Area Committee for consideration.

·         Relating to the possibility of introducing permit parking on streets nearby to Edgeley Park grounds to help alleviate parking issues in the area in light of Stockport County’s recent success.

It was noted that the issues raised by the questioner would be considered as part of Agenda Item 14 – ‘Edgeley Residents’ Parking Zone’.

RESOLVED – That the matter be referred to the Director of Place Management for review and an options report be brought back to a future meeting of the Area Committee for consideration.

·         Relating to the three-hour parking limit for blue badge holders at The Light Cinema.

RESOLVED - That the Town Centre Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to the temporary arrangements for buses in Stockport town centre and issues of connectivity.

In response, it was noted that this matter was not within the remit of the local authority, however a response should be sought from Transport for Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to write to Transport for Greater Manchester to seek a response in relation to the temporary arrangements for buses in Stockport town centre and issues of connectivity.

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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that no organisations had indicated that they wish to address the area committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) (to begin no earlier than 6.30pm).

(a) To consider the development applications where members of the public have attended the meeting in order to speak or hear the Area Committee’s deliberations.

(b) To consider the remaining development applications.

(c) To consider consultations (if any) received by the Corporate Director on any planning issues relevant to the area.

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

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 Corporate & Support Services 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 upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

The Chair outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Proposal for change of use of existing building to a vehicle repair and MOT testing garage along with elevational alterations including the introduction of new roller shutter doors, recladding of the roof and front of the building along with new dropped kerb to allow vehicles to egress the site.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Contact officer: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/083710 for change of use of existing building to a vehicle repair and MOT testing garage along with elevational alterations including the introduction of new roller shutter doors, recladding of the roof and front of the building along with new dropped kerb to allow vehicles to egress the site at Sherlock House, Old Road, Heaton Norris, Stockport, SK4 1TD,

a member of the public spoke in objection to the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in the light of the Area Committee’s concerns with regard to parking and the proximity of the site to adjacent housing.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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 Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report requests the views of the Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be considered, together with those received via the public consultation (Stage 1 and Stage 2). Revised proposals will be brought back to the Area Committee cycle in October 2022 for consideration prior to a final report being considered by the Cabinet Meeting on 1 November 2022 and the Council Meeting on 17 November 2022.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the views of the committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The reports seeks approval for a weight limit on part of Old Road in Heaton Norris with associated measures.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks & Leisure Services) approves the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders be made.

Contact officer: Max Townsend 0161 474 4861 | max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for a weight limit on part of Old Road in Heaton Norris with associated measures.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks & Leisure Services) be recommended to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A, 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.

To report the results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) Bee Network Crossing proposals to provide a new signalised junction on Edgeley Road at Northgate Road/ Edgeley Fold, new ‘green man’ pedestrian crossing facilities at the existing signal junction of Edgeley Road/ Dale Street, plus some associated new parking restrictions and amendments to access controls in the area.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) approves the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order be made (to be funded (subject to the approval of the business case by Transport for Greater Manchester) from the MCF Capital fund).

Contact officer: Nick Whelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report of the (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the results of a consultation on the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) Bee Network Crossing proposals to provide a new signalised junction on Edgeley Road at Northgate Road/ Edgeley Fold, new ‘green man’ pedestrian crossing facilities at the existing signal junction of Edgeley Road/ Dale Street, plus associated new parking restrictions and amendments to access controls in the area.

Thanks were expressed to officers for securing the crossing on Dale Street.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the implementation of the scheme and the legal advertising of the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (to be funded from the MCF Capital fund, subject to the approval of the business case by Transport for Greater Manchester).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To consider an application for Cancer Research UK’s annual 3k & 5k charity event to take place on Sunday 14 May 2023 at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks, which would comprise of a main event arena with stage, marquees, bouncy castle and stalls. The park and athletics track would be utilised for their sponsored walk.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained, and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Contact officer: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application for Cancer Research UK’s annual 3k & 5k charity event to take place on Sunday 14 May 2023 at Woodbank Memorial and Vernon Parks, which would comprise of a main event arena with stage, marquees, bouncy castle and stalls. The park and athletics track would be utilised for their sponsored walk.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To consider an application for Stockport Harriers and AC to use Woodbank Memorial Park on Sunday 20 November for their 2023 Stockport Road Race. 

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained, and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Contact officer: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Stockport Harriers and AC to use Woodbank Memorial Park on Sunday 20 November for their 2023 Stockport Road Race.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To consider an application from Big Kid Entertainment Ltd to use Woodbank Memorial Park for their circus events in October 2022.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained, and submitted to the council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Contact officer: Kath Hughes 0161 474 4418 | kath.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from Big Kid Entertainment Ltd to use Woodbank Memorial Park for their circus events in October 2022.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons (HWS) and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlines proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings subject to all area committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

Officer Contact: Eraina Smith on Tel: 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlining proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be authorised, in consultation with the Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings subject to all area committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

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

RESOLVED - That the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) be requested to place an item on the agenda for the next meeting of the Area Committee in relation to this matter and that the Director of Place Management be requested to make arrangements for the attendance of appropriate officers to facilitate a discussion in relation to the Edgeley Residents Parking Zone.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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 Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) 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. The report also set out the latest position on the ward flexibility funding and delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

It has been reported that all three reservoirs have suffered from and are still suffering from an oxygen crash which has resulted in the death of a large number of fish, particularly in the No.2 reservoir. The Environment Agency has been informed, aerators provided on a temporary basis and the dead fish have been disposed of. The problem now remains that oxygen levels are not as high as they should be, and the cause of the oxygen loss may be attributable to the sudden heatwave.

(Note: the Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that issues be addressed in a timely manner given the urgency of the matter and catastrophic loss of fish in the reservoirs).

This item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the late Councillor Bailey.

The Chair reported on the loss of oxygen and its impact on reservoirs 1, 2 and 3, Edgeley.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members noted that there were low oxygen levels in reservoirs 1, 2, and 3, which was believed to have been caused by the recent hot weather and had resulted in the death of a large number of fish.

·         It was also noted that the Environment Agency had installed aerators on a temporary basis to pump oxygen into affected areas.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be recommended to meet with the Environment Agency to resolve the issue of low oxygen levels in reservoirs 1, 2, and 3, Edgeley.