Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20 June 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.

The following interests were declared:

Personal interests

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.

An announcement was given on behalf of the Chief Planning Officer (Stockport Council):

‘Members of Cabinet have recently taken the decision to commence a period of consultation on the draft Local Plan on 2nd September running to 28th October and officers have been preparing for a series of consultation events to take place starting in September when events before each of our 7 area committees. Earlier today the Deputy Prime Minister made a series of announcements regarding planning reform, this includes the publication of a new National Planning Policy Framework for consultation. We are currently reviewing what this means for the Local Plan and the planned consultation, and we will update Members as soon as we are in a position to do so. 

If the consultation goes ahead, it is important that residents and other stakeholders engage in this process and tell us what they think about the proposed plan.  During the period of consultation, the Council will be holding a number of events and drop-in sessions where residents can learn more about the plan and its policies.  A big part of this will be a series of consultation events that will be held prior to each of the next meetings of all our area committees. The events will be an opportunity to learn more about the plan and to speak directly to planning officers and other specialist officers who will be on hand to help residents to understand more and how to make comments on the draft plan.

This consultation will be widely publicised, please look out for further information in the usual places.’

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.

A public question was submitted in relation to agenda item 8 ‘City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements – A6 Corridor Improving Journeys’.

A further public question had been submitted electronically in advance of the meeting relating to inconsiderate behaviour and traffic issues on Hilton Street, Hilton Court and Gradwell Street as a result of building work taking place in the King Street area. Further, that the issue continued when Stockport County played home games, and the questioner requested that Hilton Street be considered as part of the extension of the parking zone.

It was confirmed that a parking review for affected areas would be progressed.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on delivering the Edgeley District Centre Action Plan and includes recent successes and priorities for the next 6 months.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    note the progress made in delivering projects and events; and

b)   provide feedback on initial ideas for priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UKSPF which will be discussed with Edgeley Vision Group.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report which provided an update on delivering the Edgeley District Centre Action Plan, including recent successes and priorities for the next 6 months.

Richard Daniels (District Centre Manager, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to speak to the report and respond to any questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Radios would give shopkeepers a further sense of security.

·         Concern was raised as to the distribution of funds across the borough, which focussed on equality rather than equity.  

Thanks were expressed to Richard for his work to support the vibrancy of Edgeley District Centre.

RESOLVED – That progress made in delivering projects and events be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

(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 Deputy Chief Executive on any planning issues relevant to the area.

The following development applications 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 Deputy Chief Executive 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).

Proposed hybrid planning application (part full/part outline) seeking full planning permission for Stockport Exchange Phase 5 office building with ground floor commercial use (Use Class E) and associated public realm and outline planning permission for Stockport Exchange Phases 6, 7 and 8 (with all matters reserved) following demolition of existing buildings. Phases 6 & 7 to comprise office buildings with ground floor commercial uses (Use Class E) and Phase 8 to comprise either office or residential use with ground floor commercial use (Use Class E or C3).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission (Phase 5 in full and all other phases in outline with all matters reserved), subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.

Officer contact: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk   

In respect of application DC/091580 for the proposed hybrid planning application (part full/part outline) seeking full planning permission for Stockport Exchange Phase 5 office building with ground floor commercial use (Use Class E) and associated public realm and outline planning permission for Stockport Exchange Phases 6, 7 and 8 (with all matters reserved) following demolition of existing buildings. Phases 6 & 7 to comprise office buildings with ground floor commercial uses (Use Class E) and Phase 8 to comprise either office or residential use with ground floor commercial use (Use Class E or C3) Land At Stockport Exchange, Railway Road/Wellington Road South/Station Road, Stockport, SK1 3SU.

RESOLVED – That that Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission (Phase 5 in full and all other phases in outline with all matters reserved), subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.

Proposed partial demolition/conversion of existing buildings, the creation of a residential development (Use Class C3) comprising 45 units, landscaping, highway works and other associated infrastructure.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be minded to grant planning permission, subject to the satisfactory completion of a S106 Agreement.

A site visit should be undertaken by the Visiting Team prior to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee. If the application is minded to be approved, the decision will need to be deferred and delegated to officers to enable completion of the legal agreement.

Officer contact: Daniel Hewitt 0161 218 1989 | daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk   

In respect of application DC/090964 for the proposed partial demolition/conversion of existing buildings, the creation of a residential development (Use Class C3) comprising 45 units, landscaping, highway works and other associated infrastructure at 18-37 High Street, Stockport, SK1 1EG.

RESOLVED – to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be minded to grant planning permission, subject to the satisfactory completion of a S106 Agreement. Further, that a site visit be undertaken by the Visiting Team prior to the meeting of the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee meeting at which the application will be considered.

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) listing outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement within the area represented by the Central Stockport Area Committee.

Concern was raised as to enforcement action being taken against a property (Land at The Arches, 1 Wellington Road South) that had been in receipt of funding from the Greater Manchester Brownfield Fund.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report asks the Area Committee to submit recommendations for a completed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by Tour delegates, and to provide nominations for delegates to attend the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday 4 October 2024.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review Tour; and

b)   nominate members to attend the Annual Review Tour on 4 October 2024.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead 07800 617788

| suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought recommendations for a completed development site within the area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by Tour delegates, and for delegates to attend the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday 4 October 2024.

RESOLVED – (1) that the Hillgate area be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review of Outcomes Tour; and

(2) that Councillors Christine Carrigan and Asa Caton be nominated to attend the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on 4 October 2024.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report provides the results of a consultation process on the CRSTS A6 Corridor: Improving Journeys project, including proposals for improving bus journeys and active travel for the A6 corridor, and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the scheme.  

The Area Committee is requested to: 

a)    consider the report and note the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses in the surrounding area of the proposals; and 

b)   recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the proposed measures. 

Officer contact: Nick Whelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the results of a consultation process on the CRSTS A6 Corridor: Improving Journeys project, including proposals for improving bus journeys and active travel for the A6 corridor, and sought Cabinet Member approval for the scheme.

Significant concerns were raised around some of the proposed routes for the scheme, and the length of time members had to consider such a comprehensive report in full.

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks Highways & Transport Services be recommended to put the decision on hold to enable further consideration of the report and proposals by the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee. Further, for the report to be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee for further consideration in advance of a decision being made.

For the motion 12.

MOTIONED CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED (12 for) - That the Cabinet Member for Parks Highways & Transport Services be recommended to put the decision on hold to enable further consideration of the report and proposals by the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee. Further, for the report to be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee for further consideration in advance of a decision being made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report provides results of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlements (CRSTS) proposals to develop a Quality Bus Transit (QBT) corridor across the whole 330-bus route between Stockport and Ashton via Hyde and Dukinfield. The proposals seek to improve access to bus stops and aid users crossing this busy route.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the implementation of schemes A and B and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at appendix B, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the orders be made. To include the following scheme elements:

Scheme A – Great Portwood Street Puffin Crossing

1.    Provide a new Puffin crossing including waiting restrictions on Great Portwood St

2.    Provide a raised table at junction of Richard Street/ Marsland Street

Scheme B – Carrington Road Puffin Crossing

1.    Upgrade the existing Pelican crossing on Carrington Road to a Puffin crossing

2.    Relocate and improve the bus stops on Carrington Road 

3.    Provide a cycle link between Crescent Road & Carrington Road

4.    Provide a raised table at junction of Werneth Street/ Carrington Road

Officer contact: Nick Whelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided results of a consultation on the CRSTS proposals to develop a Quality Bus Transit corridor across the 330-bus route between Stockport and Ashton via Hyde and Dukinfield. The proposals sought to improve access to bus stops and aid users crossing this busy route.

It was noted that, at present, no funding was available for segregated cycle lanes; this could be reviewed in the future were funding to become available.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the implementation of schemes A and B and the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at appendix B, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the orders be made. To include the following scheme elements:

Scheme A – Great Portwood Street Puffin Crossing

1.    Provide a new Puffin crossing including waiting restrictions on Great Portwood St

2.    Provide a raised table at junction of Richard Street/ Marsland Street

Scheme B – Carrington Road Puffin Crossing

1.    Upgrade the existing Pelican crossing on Carrington Road to a Puffin crossing

2.    Relocate and improve the bus stops on Carrington Road 

3.    Provide a cycle link between Crescent Road & Carrington Road

4.    Provide a raised table at junction of Werneth Street/ Carrington Road

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on the progress of the scheme for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements Hempshaw Lane scheme and seeks approval for the introduction of permanent Traffic Regulation Orders and for the Moving and Static Restrictions.

The Area Committee is requested to:

1)    give approval to the legal advertising of the package of traffic regulations orders detailed at appendix A (which fall within the purview of the committee) and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

2)    request that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services gives approval to the remaining element of the traffic regulation orders detailed at appendix A (being on either the first 15 metres of any side road connecting with the Key Route Network or any district distributor road) and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the progress of the scheme for the CRSTS Hempshaw Lane scheme and sought approval for the introduction of permanent Traffic Regulation Orders for the Moving and Static Restrictions.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the legal advertising of the package of traffic regulations orders (which fall within the purview of the committee) for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements - Hempshaw Lane scheme detailed at appendix A and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, that the orders be made.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the remaining element of the traffic regulation orders detailed at appendix A (being on either the first 15 metres of any side road connecting with the Key Route Network or any district distributor road) and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, that the orders be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order and Moving Traffic Regulation Order. 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order 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 in part (£3,500) by the Delegated Ward Budget (Manor ward allocation). 

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) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and sought approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order and Moving Traffic Regulation Order at Victoria Park, Offerton.

Members agreed to defer determination of elements of the Traffic Regulation Order at Victoria Park, Offerton, for further consideration.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Moving Traffic Regulation Order - ‘One Way System’ at appendix A and shown on Drawing No. NM8- VICTORIAPARK-GA-01 Rev. B and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made. To be funded in part by the Delegated Ward Budget (Manor ward allocation):

Proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order

One Way – Victoria Park

From a point 20 metres southwest of Hall Street in a clockwise direction around the central island to a point 5 metres south from the southern projected kerbline of the access road to the rear of Voewood House.

Stewart Connell (Senior Operations Manager, Transport for Greater Manchester) provided an update on public safety, staffing and security arrangements at the Interchange.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was noted that there was a comprehensive staffing schedule in place at the Interchange which had helped to combat any anti-social behaviour (ASB) at the site, which opened on 14 March 2024. The site was monitored out of hours by a 24-hour control centre. Greater Manchester Police had also been on site everyday over the school holiday period to deter any potential ASB, drinking and/or drug-use on site.

·         The Interchange had seen a much higher footfall than the previous station.

·         Members were advised that people were able to approach staff to request use of the toilet facilities free of charge. The 20p charge contributed to cleaning costs for the facilities and the barriers helped to control access to the facilities to prevent vandalism.

Thanks were expressed to Stewart Connell for his attendance at the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

To consider reports of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the intention of Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park as a section their 2024 road race (Stockport 10) on 15 December 2024. 

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. 

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the intention of Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park as a section their 2024 road race (Stockport 10) on 15 December 2024.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to utilise Woodbank Memorial Park as a section of their 2024 road race (Stockport 10) on 15 December 2024, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that apply.

The report sets out the intention of Civic and Social to host ‘Hollywood on the Park’, a fun day and open-air cinema in Hollywood Park on 7 September 2024. 

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 may apply. 

Officer contact: Josephine Holmes 0161 474 3278 | 

josephine.holmes@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the intention of Civic and Social to host ‘Hollywood on the Park’, a fun day and open-air cinema in Hollywood Park on 7 September 2024.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Civic and Social to host ‘Hollywood on the Park’, a fun day and open-air cinema in Hollywood Park on 7 September 2024, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate papers, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances and any fees and charges that may apply.

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.

It was noted that the Ward Flexibility Funding grant for ‘Autisk’ previously approved by the Area Committee was no longer needed by the organisation as they had managed to source funding elsewhere, and as a result the payment was returned to the Ward Flexibility Funding budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.