Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 June 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & 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. The report also includes the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or email: david.clee@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) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding. The report also includes the current position on the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         At the last meeting of the Area Committee on 22 June 2021, the Committee had approved a total of 17 new residential units at Belmont House, Schools Hill, Cheadle.  Since that meeting, Belmont House had been subject to a fire and Members asked what the position was in relation to this site currently.  In response, Members were advised that the owner of the property had arranged for a structural engineer to visit the site and assess the damage and that a report was awaited.  

·         Members expressed concern that a proposal to temporarily pause the submission of new highways schemes because of capacity issues may lead to a further backlog of schemes, many of which were safety related, that would need to be worked through once the existing backlog was cleared.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Cabinet be asked to ensure that the Highways Department have the resources necessary to enable Officers to catch up and complete any current backlog of work and continue to be able to undertake any new projects in all wards across the Borough.

The item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair and relates to tall grass at the side of the M60 Slip Road, repainting the keep clear signs and regular maintenance by Highways England.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

The Chair reported on the tall grass at the side of the M60 Slip Road in Cheadle which had been there for many months, the need to repaint the ‘keep clear’ signs and regular maintenance by Highways England in the vicinity of the slip road. The Chair reported that the grass had now been cut back, but that Highways England should undertake this every year as a matter of course.

RESOLVED - That the representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance and Monitoring) be requested to write to Highways England on this issue.

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

The meeting was advised that an event was being held by Cheadle Village Partnership at 5.30pm on 14 September 2021 in the Upper Rooms, Cheadle to discuss how funds allocated to the partnership would be allocated.

In addition, Members were reminded that the Christmas markets were taking place in Heald Green at the end of November and it was now possible to book a stall.

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

Inspector Rob Hawksley attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues in the Cheadle area. He also reported on recent crime committed in the Cheadle area.

Members were advised of the following:-

·         There were huge demands on resources in both the Cheadle area and across the division.  This was happening at a time when many Officers were having to self-isolate.  Complaints were increasing as residents were not getting the level of service that they would normally expect to receive.

·         Members of the public who had any information that they wished to share anonymously with the Police could do so via ‘Crimestoppers.’

·         Officers continued to work collaboratively with neighbouring police forces in order to tackle burglary.

·         An assault had taken place on Parsonage Way, Cheadle which had raised a lot of concern among residents.  An investigation was ongoing.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members commended the work that the Police had carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic.

·         Members thanked the Police for their response to the fire at Belmont House and to incidents in East Avenue Park in Heald Green.

·         Further to comments made at the last meeting of the Area Committee, Members asked that a report on Speedwatch be brought to the Area Committee as soon as possible.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Hawksley 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, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted in connection with the spillage of sewage into the Micker Brook.

RESOLVED – That a written response be sent to the questioner.

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

No petitions were submitted.

The Area Committee will receive a brief presentation on the proposed approach to engagement on the Local Plan.

Emma Curle (Strategic Head of Place Making and Planning) attended the meeting to provide a brief presentation on the proposed approach to engaging with communities and stakeholders as the Local Plan was developed and seeking input on further opportunities to engage with local communities.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members suggested that members of the community who had a learning disability, their families and support networks should specifically be consulted as part of the Local Plan engagement.

·         In response to a Member’s question, the Committee was advised that the majority of the consultations would take place ‘virtually’ online, but that ‘face to face’ meetings could also take place if this proved necessary.

·         The Worker Bee Markets which were held in the Borough could also prove to be a useful location for undertaking the consultation.

RESOLVED – That Emma Curle be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

To consider an application for funding from the Friends of Hall Street Green for first aid training (basic life support).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Friends of Hall Street Green for first aid training (basic life support).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to Ward Flexibility Funding of £220 for first aid training (basic life support), to be funded from the Cheadle and Gatley Ward allocation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding towards the cost of a ‘community café’ that will be operating as a weekly event which will open to all members of the local community and held at Gatley United Reformed Church Hall.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Deckchair Care Limited for Ward Flexibility Funding towards the cost of a ‘community café’ that would be operating as a weekly event which was open to all members of the local community and held at Gatley United Reformed Church Hall.

RESOLVED - That the application be referred to the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for consideration.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the East Cheshire’s Musical Theatre Company towards the cost of a production and assist in widening the promotional materials for members and for the audience.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the East Cheshire’s Musical Theatre Company towards the cost of a production and to assist in widening the promotional materials for members and for the audience.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Ward Flexibility Funding of £750 to East Cheshire’s Musical Theatre Company towards the cost of a production and assistance in widening the promotional materials for members and for the audience, to be funded as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward allocation - £250

Cheadle Hulme North Ward allocation - £250

Heald Green Ward allocation - £250

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Cheadle Sports (Bowls Section) towards additional sides for the gazebo and for additional sets of bowls.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Cheadle Sports (Bowls Section) towards additional sides for a gazebo and for additional sets of bowls.

RESOLVED - That the application be referred to the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for consideration.

To consider an application received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted application received on behalf of Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Ward Flexibility Funding of £150 to Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association towards the cost of establishing a website for the organisation, to be funded as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward - £50

Cheadle Hulme North Ward - £50

Heald Green Ward - £50

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration 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/planning. 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Mixed use development comprising: demolition of outbuildings; additions and alterations to the rear of the existing building used as a Funeral Directors’ premises to include a new accessible entrance, link to the workshop building and Chapel of Rest; refurbishment and extension of the existing workshop building and a change of use to community uses (Use Classes E(d),E€ and F2(b)) to the ground floor, and office use (Use Class E(g)(i) to the first floor; landscaping to the existing yard; and erection of a 4 bedroom dwelling (Use Class C3(a)) with access, car parking and amenity space.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission, subject to:-

·         Conditions;

·         The applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure developer contributions towards open space.

Officer Contact: Rebecca Whitney on 0161 474 4405 or email: rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/078430 for the mixed use development comprising: demolition of outbuildings; additions and alterations to the rear of the existing building used as a Funeral Directors’ premises to include a new accessible entrance, link to the workshop building and Chapel of Rest; refurbishment and extension of the existing workshop building and a change of use to community uses (Use Classes E(d),E(e) and F2(b)) to the ground floor, and office use (Use Class E(g)(i) to the first floor; landscaping to the existing yard; and erection of a 4 bedroom dwelling (Use Class C3(a)) with access, car parking and amenity space

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted, subject to:-

·         Conditions;

·         The applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure developer contributions towards open space.

Proposed single-storey rear extension. Increase of roof to form living accommodation and alterations to elevations. Proposed single-storey granny annexe outbuilding.

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

Officer Contact: Aimee Whitehead on 0161 474 4619 or email: aimee.whitehead@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC/079925 for a proposed single-storey rear extension. Increase of roof to form living accommodation and alterations to elevations. Proposed single-storey granny annexe outbuilding

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant spoke in favour of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That authority to determine the application be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, subject to conditions and the removal of certain permitted development rights.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & 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 Cheadle Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: 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 Cheadle Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members requested an update with regard to the Section 215 enforcement notices at 73 and 106 Crossfield Road, Cheadle Hulme.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair

The report sets out an update on the Cheadle Towns Fund work, including the Town Investment Plan and Accelerated Projects.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contacts: Michael Fisher/Robert Goulsbra at michael.fisher@stockport.gov.uk/robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the Cheadle Towns Fund work, including the Town Investment Plan and Accelerated projects.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That future update reports be submitted the Area Committee at key times of the project, such as following an announcement from the Government.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report provides the Area Committee with information about a nomination received and to determine whether to include the Newboult Road allotments on the list of Assets of Community Value.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that the Newboult Road allotments should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value.

Officer Contact: Paul Edgeworth on 0161 218 1934 or email: paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the Area Committee with information about a nomination received for an Asset of Community Value and to determine whether to include the Newboult Road allotments on the list of Assets of Community Value.

The Area Committee was reminded that Newboult Road Allotments (the Asset) could be determined an Asset of Community Value if it met those criteria set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report. Officers confirmed that the Asset was within the Local Authority’s area and that it did not fall within one of the exemptions specified in the Regulations.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee determines that the Asset’s main use (i.e. not ancillary) had recently or was presently being used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and could reasonably do so in the future i.e. within the next five years.

(2) That Newboult Road allotments be added to the list of Assets of Community Value.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out a request to approve funding from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget towards the cost of improving seating at Carrs Road Park and Micker Brook.

The Area Committee is requested to support the installation of seating at Carrs Road Park and Micker Brook (Warwick Close) and approve funding from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme North Ward allocation) towards it.

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on 0161 474 4829 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which set out a request to approve funding from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget towards the cost of improving seating at Carrs Road Park and Micker Brook.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for additional greenspace seating at Carrs Road Park and Micker Brook (Warwick Close) at a cost of £2,250, to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Cheadle Hulme North Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme at Cheadle Wart Memorial.

The Area Committee is requested to support the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorise the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive to order the work.

Officer Contact: Jacky Budd on 0161 474 3332 or email: jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) which set out details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme at Cheadle War Memorial.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a doff steam clean of the stonework at Cheadle War Memorial and a maintenance clean of the bronzework plaques at a cost of £1,200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward allocation - £600

Cheadle Hulme North Ward allocation - £600