Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Cheadle Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Yvonne Guariento be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair of the Cheadle Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Carole McCann be elected Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 April 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 April 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:

Personal interests

Personal and prejudicial interest

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

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting, as well as the current position as to the area flexibility and the delegated budgets.

It was noted that Preesall Avenue fell under a different ward boundary, and therefore, Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

No announcements were made.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the area committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the code of practice (questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting. You can also submit via the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters in the powers or duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out within the Code of Practice.

A public question was asked in relation to the use of emergency services vehicle lights and sirens during early hours of the morning on Edgeley Road, Cheadle Heath. It was advised that the police would respond to the questioner.

A statement was made in relation to agenda item 16 ‘Tree Preservation Order 329-351 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green’.

Two public questions relating to ward flexibility funding had been submitted electronically prior to the meeting and were read aloud by the Clerk. The questioners were to receive written responses in due course.

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

Inspector Martin Baker (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 comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The update included but was not limited to, concerns around off-road bikes, Speedwatch and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

·         Issue relating to anti-social behaviour and off road bikes continued, and people were urged to pass along information about the whereabouts of stored bikes to the police. Further, intelligence gathered from partner agencies as to the potential whereabouts of stored bikes was proving to be useful.

·         Communications urging people to be safe around water were due to be released following the death of a young girl who had drowned in open water in a nearby borough.

·         An increase in anti-social behaviour was expected over the summer months. Operation ‘Safer Summer’ was due to be launched to support work to prevent ASB around this particular time.

·         It was asked that updates relating to neighbourhood policing in Cheadle Heath be brought to future meetings of the Area Committee in light of boundary changes. 

·         It was queried as to whether members could do anything to help kick-start the Speedwatch campaign. Inspector Baker was keen to progress the campaign, and would raise the matter with the Superintendent.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Baker be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Chads Theatre Company for an overall grant of £1,000 (£100 from Cheadle & Gatley, £200 from Cheadle Hulme North and £100 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of a defibrillator and an evacuation (stairs) chair.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Chads Theatre Company for a total grant of £1,000 (£100 from Cheadle & Gatley, £200 from Cheadle Hulme North and £100 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of a defibrillator and an evacuation chair.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Chads Theatre Company for a grant of £400 (£100 from Cheadle and Gatley, £200 from Cheadle Hulme North and £100 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of a defibrillator and an evacuation chair.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Drawing Board Productions Community Interest Company – Cheadle Post for an overall grant of £986.40 (£246.60 each from Cheadle & Gatley, Cheadle Hulme North and Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the distribution of a free, hyperlocal community newspaper designed to inform, inspire and connect local communities.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Drawing Board Productions Community Interest Company – Cheadle Post for an overall grant of £986.40 (£246.60 each from Cheadle & Gatley, Cheadle Hulme North and Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the distribution of a free, hyperlocal community newspaper designed to inform, inspire and connect local communities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Drawing Board Productions Community Interest Company – Cheadle Post for an overall grant of £986.40 (£246.60 each from the Cheadle and Gatley, Cheadle Hulme North and Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the distribution of a free, hyperlocal community newspaper designed to inform, inspire and connect local communities.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheadle Village Partnership for an overall grant of £1,000 (£500 each from Cheadle & Gatley and Cheadle Hulme North ward allocations) towards the cost of the management and running of a new Digital Information Point (DIP) to be situated on Cheadle High Street.

With the consent of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Social Events Activities for a total grant of £150 from the Area Committee towards the cost of stationary supplies which includes but is not limited to, printer ink, paper, receipt books and stamps to encourage older people to socialise in helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Stockport.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Social Events Activities for a total grant of £150 from the Area Committee towards the cost of stationary supplies which included but was not limited to, printer ink, paper, receipt books and stamps to encourage older people to socialise in helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Stockport.

It was noted that the application had been deferred from the previous meeting in order to give the applicant the opportunity to provide further information at the request of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance make a final attempt to obtain the additional information requested. If this was unsuccessful, the Area Committee agreed that the application should not be considered further.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheadle Parish PCC for an overall grant of £500 (£200 from Cheadle and Gatley ward allocation and £300 from Cheadle Hulme North ward allocations) towards the cost of holding a family fun day in the Diamond Jubilee Park to launch a new parent and toddler group to be held once a week in the church hall.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Cheadle Parish PCC for an overall grant of £500 (£200 from the Cheadle and Gatley ward allocation and £300 from the Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of holding a family fun day in the Diamond Jubilee Park to launch a new parent and toddler group to be held once a week in the church hall.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheadle Parish PCC for an overall grant of £500 (£200 from the Cheadle and Gatley ward allocation and £300 from the Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of holding a family fun day in the Diamond Jubilee Park to launch a new parent and toddler group to be held once a week in the church hall.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Heald Green and Long Lane Ratepayer Association for a grant of £470.55 from the Heald Green ward allocation only towards the cost of purchasing Christmas tree lights.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Heald Green and Long Lane Ratepayers Association for a grant of £470.55 from the Heald Green ward allocation towards the cost of purchasing Christmas tree lights.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Heald Green and Long Lane Ratepayers Association for a grant of £470.55 from the Heald Green ward allocation towards the cost of purchasing Christmas tree lights.

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.

No organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

(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 for Place Management & Regeneration 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 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.

Demolition of vacant public house and development of a single restaurant with drive-thru lane (Class E).

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

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 0161 474 4405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/085975 relating to the proposed demolition of vacant public house and development of a single restaurant with drive-thru lane (Class E) at Farmers Arms.

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 application be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for a site visit and subsequent determination. The Area Committee recommend that the application be refused on the grounds of traffic concerns within the site (including provision for deliveries and parking), at the junction and on the wider highways network, as well as concerns relating to air quality impact on the wider community, and heritage considerations of the site. Further, the lack of waste provision proposed, and the lack of consultation with the community on the proposed development.

Demolition of existing conservatory - replace with traditional construction. Remove low pitched roof over existing rear extension and replace with flat/mansard roof to suitable pitch (ridge no higher than existing abutment).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 0161 474 4405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/087757 relating to the proposed demolition of existing conservatory - replace with traditional construction. Remove low pitched roof over existing rear extension and replace with flat/ mansard roof to suitable pitch (ridge no higher than existing abutment) at 59 Thornton Road, Heald Green.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 Cheadle Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance (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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED – That the following councillors be appointed Ward Spokespersons:

The Area Committee, acting in its capacity of trustee of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, is recommended to appoint three councillors (one from each ward) to serve on the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023 – 2024.

The Area Committee is recommended to appoint three councillors (one from each ward) to serve on the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023 – 2024.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

RESOLVED – The Area Committee were minded to amend the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee Terms of Reference to increase the membership of the Sub Committee to four councillors, and for Councillors Anna Charles-Jones, Ian Hunter, Jilly Julian and Yvonne Guariento to serve on the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023 – 2024. The Area Committee agreed that a report be brought to the next meeting of the Area Committee for member’s consideration and in order to confirm the proposed arrangements.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report updates members on the financial standing of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust and financial accounts for year ending 31 March 2023.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    note the contents of the report;

b)   formally adopt the Financial Accounts (found at appendix two) of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for year ending 31 March 2023;

c)    decide upon the amount of funding to be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2023/34;

d)   advise as to any changes to the investment policies adopted that they wish to make.  As a reminder, the investment policies are:

e)    to maintain the value of the Trust in real terms before considering any distribution, and

f)  to reinvest the dividends received in relation to the Investment Fund back into that Investment Fund;

g)   receive updates at Area Committee meetings from the Clerk on the progression and/ or success of projects which have received a grant from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust.

h)   agree the dates and times of Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee meetings to be held during the period to the next annual council meeting as follows:

·         13 September 2023, 6pm

·         14 November 2023, 6pm

·         31 January 2024, 6pm

·         28 March 2024, 6pm; and,

i)     agree the proposal to add the Deputy Section 151 Officer, Jonathan Davies, as Trustee to the Fund for administrative purposes to the Charity Commission website.

Contact officer: Paula McDonald 0161 474 4708 | paula.mcdonald@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the financial standing of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust. The Area Committee were recommended to adopt the financial accounts for the year ending 31 March 2023 and decide upon the policy that they wished to adopt in respect of the distribution of the Trust.

It was suggested that a budget of £10,000 of funding be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2023 – 2024 to ensure that the Trust supported a significant number of good causes within a year period. Thanks were expressed for the way in which the reports were presented.

RESOLVED – The Area Committee has given approval to:

a)    formally adopt the Financial Accounts of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for year ending 31 March 2023;

b)    that a budget of £10,000 of funding to be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2023/34;

c)    continue to operate the current investment policies, namely, to maintain the value of the Trust in real terms before considering any distribution and to reinvest the dividends received in relation to the Investment Fund back into that Investment Fund;

d)    continue to receive updates at Area Committee meetings from the Democratic Services Officer on the progression and/ or success of projects which have received a grant from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust;

e)    the proposed dates and times of Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee meetings to be held during the period until the next annual council meeting as per the report; and

f)     the proposal to add the Deputy Section 151 Officer, Jonathan Davies, as Trustee to the Fund for administrative purposes to the Charity Commission website.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal for Democratic Governance.

The report details an application received for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and asks that the Sub Committee consider the application in line with the charitable objectives of the Trust.

The Sub Committee are recommended to determine the application for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received from The Chime Home Owners Association for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for a total grant of £2,236 towards the cost of the purchase and installation of two benches on Hall Street Green to help reduce loneliness and isolation in the area.

It was suggested that the applicant consider whether ‘buddy benches’ could help to facilitate conversation.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from The Chime Home Owners Association (Residents Association) for a total grant of £2,236 (£1,118 to be funded by the Brookfield Shiers Family Trust and £372.67 to be funded from each ward’s Ward Flexibility Fund budget) towards the cost of the purchase and installation of two benches on Hall Street Green to help reduce loneliness and isolation in the area.

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

The report provides an update on delivering Cheadle District Centre Action Plan.

The Area Committee is requested to note the partnership approach to developing the Cheadle District Centre Action Plan.

Officer contact: Helen Walters, helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update of the development of an action plan for creating a strong, vibrant, and healthy Cheadle District Centre.

It was suggested that the team liaise with local groups and the council’s conservation officers in relation to the proposed Arts Festival, given that the area is a conservation area. Further, that the team look to utilise the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Town of Culture funding in supporting local projects.

RESOLVED – That the report and partnership approach to developing the Cheadle Action Plan be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order as detailed within this report and Appendix A.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) as set out in Appendix A at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Heald Green Delegated Ward Budget and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order(s) can be made.

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan, 0161 474 4409

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise, and sought approval for the introduction of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order at appendix A.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £800 (to be funded from the Heald Green Delegated Ward Budget) and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders be made:

Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Schedule

No Waiting at Any Time

Preesall Avenue – North East Side

From its intersection with the north westerly kerbline of Stalmine Avenue for a distance of 10 metres in a north westerly direction.

Preesall Avenue – North East Side

From its intersection with the south easterly kerbline of Stalmine Avenue for a distance of 10 metres in a south easterly direction.

Stalmine Avenue – North West Side

From its intersection with the north easterly kerbline of Preesall Avenue for a distance of 50 metres in a north easterly direction.

Stalmine Avenue – South East Side

From its intersection with the north easterly kerbline of Preesall Avenue for a distance of 18 metres in a north easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report advises the Area Committee of an objection/s received to a proposed Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at 329-352 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green 2023 and ensures that the objections to the TPO are appropriately and efficiently considered.

The Area Committee is recommended: -

a)    to note all Tree Preservation Orders where objections have been considered by officers;

b)   accept the recommendations of the Arboricultural Officer and allow the TPO to be Confirmed, without amendment; and

c)    that the Arboricultural Officer inform the objectors of the decision following the meeting.

Officer contact: Peter Pollard, 0161 474 5637

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objection received to a proposed Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at 329 - 352 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green.

It was noted that local councillors had not received any contact from residents objecting to the TPO.

RESOLVED - The Area Committee noted all Tree Preservation Orders where objections had been considered by officers, and has given approval to: 

a) the recommendations of the Arboricultural Officer and allow the Tree Preservation Order to be confirmed, without amendment; and 

b) that the Arboricultural Officer inform the objectors of the decision.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

An application has been received from the Cheadle Muslim Association Welfare Trust to celebrate Eid in Bruntwood Park (in the fields to the north-west beyond the main car park) on Thursday 26th June 2023. This will be a one-day event starting with preparations from 07:00 hours and vacation of the park by 14:00 hours. The Organisers anticipate that the event will be well attended, with a possibility of up to 5,000 people on site. There will be the provision of food and drink on site. There will be qualified first aiders on site, a full event and Traffic Management Plan and traffic marshalling at the event throughout.

The Area Committee is requested to grant the application subject to the receipt of all fees and bonds along with all relevant documents, including Public Liability Insurance, Event Management Plan, Traffic Management Plan and appropriate risk assessments.

Officer contact: Janette Sadgrove, 0161 474 2429, janette.sadgrove@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from the Cheadle Muslim Association Welfare Trust to celebrate Eid in Bruntwood Park (in the fields to the north-west beyond the main car park) on Thursday 26th June 2023.

Members were advised that the event was expected to take place on Wednesday 28 June 2023, and not the 26 June. Members were asked to consider the application with the amended date of Wednesday 28 June 2023.

RESOLVED - That the application be granted, as amended, subject to the receipt of all fees and bonds along with all relevant documents, including Public Liability Insurance, Event Management Plan, Traffic Management Plan and appropriate risk assessments.