Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 June 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to the first bullet point of the pre-amble Minute 5 (iv) (a) being amended to read ‘serving of the 215 Notice’ and the deletion of the second bullet point.

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

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 interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.                         

The report provides an update on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and details the current position on area flexibility funding.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: David Clee, 0161 474 3137, 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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Place Development) be requested to examine the situation regarding the notice boards in the district and local centres in the Cheadle area with a view to identifying how they can be maintained.

(3) That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee regarding the proposal for a controlled crossing on Finney Lane adjacent to Christ Church. 

(4) That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to look into the access problems caused by the pedestrian guard railings which had been installed on the pathway between 109-111 Crossefield Road, Cheadle Hulme (leading to Ladybrook Valley).

(5) That the issues raised in the public question submitted to last meeting of the Area Committee requesting the reinstatement of the double yellow lines at the end of Warren Avenue/Gatley Road, Cheadle be looked at in the context of the previously agreed proposals for the High Street and a report submitted to the Committee.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair reported that the Proud of Stockport Awards would be held on Tuesday, 7 February 2012 in the ballroom in Stockport Town Hall and that the final date for nominations was Friday, 28 October 2011.

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

Inspector Steve Gilbertson (Greater Manchester Police) 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 Cheadle Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

•           a reduction in burglaries in the area compared to the equivalent period last year.

•           The success of Operation Antidote in reducing anti-social behaviour,

with extra officers on patrol every weekend throughout the year in hotspot areas and other key times including school holidays.

•           Work with residents on Outwood Road, Heald Green.

•           Problems with anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of Cheadle Royal Hospital.

•           Arrests for drug possession in an operation in public houses in Cheadle Hulme on 22 July.

•           Successful work in the Oak Road area in Cheadle.

•           Work which be undertaken outside Cheadle Mosque during ramadam in August.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Gilbertson be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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 at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

Two public questions were submitted as follows:-

•           The first public question related to a request for the owners of Weavers, Cheadle to improve the appearance of their building which had been closed for approximately four years.

It was agreed that this issue be referred to the Service Director (Place Development) for investigation.

•           The second public question related to the withdrawal of the school crossing patrol at Gatley Road/Church Road (by the Horse and Farrier public house) and the criteria for having school crossing patrols at puffin crossings.

The Executive Councillor (Transportation) advised that the criteria was in accordance with Government guidelines and where there was a controlled crossing a separate school crossing patrol should not be required.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways 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.

(a) David Wilson (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

•           Condition of the footpath between Argyll Road and Councillor Lane.

•           The need to educate the new intake of students to Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College in September of the need not to drop litter.

•           Litter left in York Close, off Adshall Road at weekends.

•           Grafitti on the wall of the south side of the former Tatton cinema site.

•           The dumping of fridges to the rear of 38-40 Ash Avenue in Cheadle.

•           Approaching the takeaways at the bottom of Church Road in Gatley to tidy up litter left be people using their shops.

RESOLVED – That David Wilson be thanked for his attendance.

Chris Yuille (Streetscene Co-ordination Manager, Solutions SK) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway issues within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

•           The use of plastic gulley covers to replace the gulley covers which had been stolen.

•           The responsibility for man hole covers between the highway authority and United Utliities.

•           The time taken to repair potholes after they have been reported.

•           The programme for inspecting highways.

•           Overhanging trees obscuring the traffic lights at the bottom of Styal Road and Church Road, Gatley.

RESOLVED – That Chris Yuille be thanked for his attendance.

Village Partnerships

Mr David Fernandez, Chairman of Gatley Village Partnership, has indicated that he would like to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

Mr David Fernandez, Chairman Gatley Village Partnership, raised the issue of improving the liaison between the Area Committee and the Village Partnerships in the area, and the provision of information between the two.

Dr Michael Ibbotson, outgoing Chair of the Cheadle Hulme Partnership, outlined his experience as chair and of working with the Bramhall Area Committee for that part of   Cheadle Hulme which fell within its area, and he outlined, by way of examples, the role the Partnership had played when Waitrose had indicated that it wished to open a store in Cheadle Hulme, the development of the holding of events in Oak Meadow Park and the way the Partnership had helped to develop the archive of Cheadle Hulme’s history.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           There was no set format for the partnerships and it was right that they developed differently according to the wishes of its members.

•           The partnerships had been successful and there was scope for development, for example how to develop an increased interest in health issues at a local level.

•           The ‘Shop Local’ initiatives were very important

RESOLVED – (1) That the Chairs of the Village Partnerships be requested to contact the Chair of the Area Committee when there is an item that they wish the Area Committee to discuss.

(2) That an Open Forum on Village Partnerships be held on an annual basis.   

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

A local resident submitted a petition containing 261 signatures requesting that the Executive Councillor (Transportation) re-considers the proposed removal of the School Crossing Patrol Supervisor at the junction of Church Road and Gatley Road, Gatley opposite the Nat West Bank.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Executive Councillor (Transportation) and Service Director (Place Management) for consideration.

To consider any applications for Ward Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

There were no items to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)                   

This report details a proposed scheme for Church Street, Lime Grove, Cheadle.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposal outlined in the report.

Officer contact: Chris Pollitt on 0161 474 5689, e mail: chris.pollitt@solutionssk.co.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed scheme for Church Street/Lime Grove, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

Church Street/Lime Grove, Cheadle

To redesign/re-fit 2 no. RSJ posts with resin cast ornamental style tops and provide and install 1 no. Ashton style bollard at an approximate cost of £1,200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget. (Cheadle and Gatley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

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

i)          DC046859    Brookside Tennis Club, Brookside Close, Cheadle

Redevelopment of former tennis club into five detached/semi-detached dwellings

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application, subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement which would require the delivery of replacement facilities at Baxter Park Tennis Club.

ii)     DC047148     Baxter Park Tennis Club, High Crest Avenue, Gatley

Re-surfacing of three existing tennis courts, construction of two new tennis courts, provision of car parking area and construction of a replacement pavilion.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

iii)        DC047219   147 Stanley Road, Heald Green

            Single storey rear extension

            The Area Committee is recommended to grant the application.

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

(b)       To consider the remaining development applications.

(c)        To consider consultations (if any) received by the Service Director (Place Development) on any planning issues relevant to the Cheadle Area.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542, e mail: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

Three 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, Services to Place 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.

In respect of plan no. 47148 for the re-surfacing of three existing tennis courts, construction of two new tennis courts, provision of car parking area and construction of a replacement pavilion at Baxter Park Tennis Club, High Crest Avenue, Gatley,

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 – (8 for, 1 abstention) - That planning permission be granted.

In respect of plan no. 46859 for the redevelopment of a former tennis club into five detached/semi-detached dwellings at Brookside Tennis Club, Brookside Close, Cheadle,

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 – (8 for, 1 abstention) -  That the Service Director (Place Development) be authorised to determine the application pending the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement and the receipt of a commuted sum payment towards the provision of children’s and formal open space.

In respect of plan no. 47219 for a single storey rear extension at 147 Stanley Road, Heald Green, it was:-

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services)              

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

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217, e mail: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by Cheadle Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

The report outlines the proposed arrangements for the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday 14 October 2011 and requests the Area Committee to submit their recommendations for a competed development site within their area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition, the Area Committee is asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review Tour.

(2) nominate Members to attend the Annual Review Tour on 14 October 2011.

Officer contact: Kevin Brooks on 0161 474 4905, e mail: kevin.brooks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Development) (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 14 October 2011 and requesting the Area Committee to submit a recommendation for a completed development site within the Cheadle area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition, the Area Committee was also asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour be requested to inspect the development at Park Square, Birdhall Lane.

(2) That Councillors Peter Burns, Pam King, Iain Roberts and June Somekh                               be nominated to attend the Tour.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People         

The report provides a picture of the whole range of services provided in the area committee wards by the Children and Young people Directorate and to provide members with the management information on the performance of children’s services at a local and national level..

The Area Committee is requested to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Rebecca Eddleston on 0161 474 3845, e mail: rebecca.eddleston@stockport.gov.uk

The Service Director (Education) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a picture of the whole range of services that had been provided by the former Children and Young People Directorate in the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee, and providing the Area Committee with management information on the performance of children’s services at a local and national level.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The strong performance of schools in the Cheadle area in Ofsted inspections.

•           The difference in achievement between pupils eligible for free school meals and their peers.

•           The comparatively small percentage of 16-18 year olds who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) in the Cheadle area.

•           A Member enquired how many children from Priority 2 areas used the Cheadle & Gatley and Ladybridge Park Children’s Centres and what the outcomes were for their children and their families.

•           The Children’s Centres had centre based activities and a registered membership. Particular attention was made to trying to increase the number of children who attended the Children’s Centres. Some of the activities were for the children, and some for parents and children.

•           Whether there was a link between obesity in pregnant women and children who were obese.

•           The number of children in reception who were obese had decreased in the Cheadle area, but it was a concern that the number of children who were obese in Year 6 had increased. A Member asked for more information on how the problem of childhood obesity was dealt with in schools.

•           More detailed information was required on Free School Meals Eligibility, for example there was a low take up of free school meals at Orrishmere and Queens Road Primary Schools and a high take up of free school meals at Ladybridge and Meadowbank Primary Schools.

•           The slight increase in the number of alcohol-harm related hospital admissions for 16-19 year olds and emergency hospital admissions caused by injuries for 0-17 year olds.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Officers be thanked for the report.

(2) That the Committee be provided with more information on Free School Meals Eligibility and how the problem of childhood obesity was dealt with in schools.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development)

This report seeks approval to the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit parking from 8.00am to 11.00pm on both sides of Abney Place, Cheadle.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the recommendations in the report.

Officer contact: Kevin Brooks on 0161 474 4905, e mail: kevin.brooks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) seeking approval to recommend to the Executive Councillor (Transportation) the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit parking from 8.00am to 11.00pm on both sides of Abney Place, Cheadle:-

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive Councillor (Transportation) be recommended to approve the following Traffic Regulation Order:-

No Waiting 8.00am – 11.00pm

Abney Place, Cheadle - south side, from a point 12 metres south of the westerly kerb line of Wilmslow Road for a distance of 3 metres in a westerly direction.

Abney Place, Cheadle -  north side, from a point 5 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Wilmslow Road for a distance of 10 metres in a westerly direction.

(2) That approval be given to the following Traffic Regulation Order:-

No Waiting 8.00am – 11.00pm

Abney Place, Cheadle - south side, from a point 15 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Wilmslow Road for the remainder of its adopted length.

Abney Place, Cheadle - north side, from a point 15 metres west of the westerly kerb line of Wilmslow Road for the remainder of its adopted length.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

This report reports the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents with regard to complaints of parked vehicles blocking an access located on Manston Drive, Cheadle Hulme.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider recommending the introduction of waiting restrictions or introducing ‘Keep Clear’ markings on Manston Drive, Cheadle Hulme.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809, e mail: andrew.varey@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Place Management) reporting the findings of a consultation exercise with local residents with regard to complaints of parked vehicles blocking an access located on Manston Drive, Cheadle Hulme.

RESOLVED - That ‘KEEP CLEAR’ markings be laid on the road at the entrance to Sagar Lodge on both sides of the road at an approximate cost of £100 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Delegated Budget. (Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

This report informs the Area Committee of an investigation regarding the speed hump on Foxland Road, Gatley.

The Area Committee is requested to agree to the removal of the existing speed hump and their replacement with one pair of speed cushions.

Officer contact: Andrew Varey on 0161 474 4809, e mail: andrew.varey@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of an investigation regarding the speed hump on Foxland Road, Gatley.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred and a report submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)               

This report provides Members of the Area Committee on an update on flooding issues at the junction of Ladybridge and Albert Road in Cheadle.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Howard Ledgar on 0161 474 3508, e mail: howard.ledgar@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing Members of the Area Committee on an update on flooding issues at the junction of Ladybridge Road and Albert Road in Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Managing Director of NPS Stockport Ltd                      (Enclosed)

This report sets out a request to accept a surrender and the granting of a new lease on land within Orrishmere Primary School, Worcester Road, Cheadle Hulme.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Corporate Director of Corporate and Support Services accepts a surrender of the current lease with a view to a new 15 year lease being granted in respect of the land.

Officer contact: John Coles on 0161 496 6099, e mail: john.coles@nps.co.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manger submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a request to accept a surrender and the granting of a new lease on land within Orrishmere Primary School, Worcester Road, Cheadle Hulme.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services be recommended to accept a surrender of the current lease with a view to a new 15 year lease being granted in respect of the land, as shown on the plan attached to the report.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Schools/School Improvement)

The Area Committee is recommended to agree to the proposed re-appointments.

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 0161 474 3847, e mail: libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director (Education) requesting the Area Committee to consider the re-appointment of school governors at Cheadle Catholic Junior School, The Kingsway and Oakgrove School.

The Chair advised the Area Committee that Mr G Silvester did not wish to seek re-appointment as a Governor at Cheadle Catholic Junior School:-

RESOLVED - That the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be recommended to make the following reappointments:-