Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20June 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:

Personal interests

Councillors                                        Interest

Ian Hunter                                         Agenda item 10 ‘Application for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee’ as having given the applicant general advice as to potential support available to community groups and organisations by the council and other local organisations e.g., the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.

Yvonne Guariento                           Agenda item 4 (vii) ‘Ward Flexibility Funding – Social Events Activities’ as Councillor Guariento knew of the applicant.

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

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 implementation of a bridleway on the footpath between Foxland Road and Hawthorn Road.

A public question was asked in relation to agenda item 7 ‘Objection to Tree Preservation Order – 329-351 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green 2023’.

Two public questions relating to traffic calming measures on Queensway between the Foxcote estate and Heald Green Village, and the robustness and transparency of the Ward Flexibility Funding process, had been submitted electronically prior to the meeting and where the questioner was not in attendance at the meeting. The questioner was to receive a full written response 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, Speedwatch, anti-social behaviour (ASB), common assault, theft, burglary and traveller movements.

·         The Speedwatch campaign had received several applications, with interviews to follow. It was noted that members may be able to assist by referring potential applicants. It was reported that, once underway, the Speedwatch campaign would be quicker to launch in other areas.

·         It was noted that the recent wet weather had helped in reducing the amount of anti-social behaviour.

·         Knife crime was a focus and stop search powers were being utilised by police, with positive results.

·         An increase in traveller arrivals had been reported across the borough; police had utilised Section 61 powers, and members expressed thanks to officers for the swift response.

·         It was queried as to how much evidence was required for police to investigate crimes and members of the public were urged to pass on all relevant information to the police. It was noted that all intelligence received was useful.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Baker be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the code of practice, no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the area committee as part of the open forum arrangements.

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

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust / New Horizons for an overall grant of £1,000 (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Canal Boat Trust/ New Horizons Horizons for an overall grant of £1,000 (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust / New Horizons for an overall grant of £1,000 (£47.62 from each wards allocation) towards the cost of renewing windows, as part of the New Horizons refurbishment, which offers accessible narrowboat cruises.

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.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Social Events Activities (SEA) group for a total grant of £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of the group’s activities which included but was not limited to, the group’s stationary supplies, coffee mornings and trips in helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness for older residents in Stockport.

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 Corporate Director 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 Clerk outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Change of use from Office use (Class E(g)i) to up to 98 residential units (Class C3) with associated external alterations.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to Conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

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

In respect of application DC/087432 relating to the proposed change of use from Office use (Class E(g)i) to up to 98 residential units (Class C3) with associated external alterations at Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Stockport, SK8 2DY,

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 (1) a site visit in light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to parking; and

(2) subsequent determination.

Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission reference DC/086026 for Public Service Infrastructure - Demolition of existing buildings on site and construction of a part-one, part-two storey SEN Secondary School with associated landscaping, MUGA, playspace and parking.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to Conditions and no new substantive issues being raised during the remainder of the public consultation period.

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

In respect of application DC/089049 relating to the proposed variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission reference DC/086026 for Public Service Infrastructure - Demolition of existing buildings on site and construction of a part-one, part-two storey SEN Secondary School with associated landscaping, MUGA, playspace and parking at Orrishmere Primary School, Worcester Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Stockport, SK8 5NW,

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and no new substantive issues being raised during the remainder of the public consultation period.

At 19.52, it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 20.00.

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 Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details the 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 to: -

a)    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, subject to amendments to the Order Schedule and Plan.  

c)    That the objectors are informed of the decision.

Officer contact: Peter Pollard 0161 474 5637 | peter.pollard@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 objections received to a proposed Tree Preservation Order at 329 - 352 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green.

RESOLVED – That, with the consent of the Area Committee, the item be deferred.

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

The report sets out and seeks Area Committee approval for the proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee at appendix A.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree the proposed revisions to the Terms of Reference.

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 which sought approval for the proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee.

RESOLVED – That the revisions to the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Terms of Reference be agreed.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report which sought appointments for councillors (at least one from each ward) to serve on the Brookfield Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023-2024.

RESOLVED – That Councillors Anna Charles-Jones, Ian Hunter, Jilly Julian and Yvonne Guariento be appointed to the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee for the municipal year 2023-2024.

To consider an application for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust received from Baxter Park & Brookside Tennis Club, and to determine the application in line with the charitable objectives of the Trust.

The Area Committee is requested 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 Baxter Park & Brookside Tennis Club for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for a total grant of £1,200 towards the cost of modernisation and essential safety upgrades to the tennis club clubhouse building in supporting the increase in residents taking part in sporting activities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Baxter Park & Brookside Tennis Club for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for a total grant of £1,200 towards the cost of modernisation and essential safety upgrades to the tennis club clubhouse building in supporting the increase in residents taking part in sporting activities.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a desk-top study of the parking availability on Greenvale Drive, Cheadle following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the contents of the desk-top study and acknowledge the view of Network Management; the purpose of a Resident Permit Parking Scheme is not to provide parking for resident’s additional vehicles or in situations where residents chose not to utilise their private garage facility for the purpose of parking their vehicle. Resident Permit Parking Schemes are inherently introduced to assist residents by making it easier to park nearer to their home, particularly in areas where off-street parking availability is minimal to none e.g. terraced residential streets without front gardens and that no further action be taken as the most of the residents have access to a garage which is located underneath each individual property, providing parking for at least 1 vehicle.

Should the Area Committee not wish to accede to the above recommendation or believe there is an immediate need for a parking scheme in the area then funding to the amount if £4k will have to be made available from the Cheadle West & Gatley Delegated Ward Budget to enable consultation and further investigation.

Officer Contact: Nicola Ryan 0161 474 4409 | nicola.ryan@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 a desk-top study of the parking availability on Greenvale Drive, Cheadle, following receipt of a petition from residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

At the discretion of the Chair, a member of the public spoke in support of a Resident Parking Scheme being implemented on Greenvale Drive, Cheadle.

It was suggested that local ward members engage with residents of Greenvale Drive in determining appetite for a scheme.

RESOLVED – That, with the consent of the Area Committee, the item be deferred.

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

At the Budget Council Meeting on 23 February 2023, approval was given to the allocation of £0.260m to fund the creation and administration of a Ward Discretionary Budget to provide each ward with an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

This report details the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget and the delegation arrangements for the making of decisions with regard to those proposed allocations.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

(1) Note that each ward has been allocated an additional discretionary sum of £10,000 to spend on ward priorities.

(2) Give approval to the identification of those priorities, or proposed allocations, on a ward-by-ward basis.

(3) Work with officers to draw up formal costed proposals that have the full support of all Members of the ward for submission to a future meeting of the area committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed governance arrangements for the making of allocations from the Ward Discretionary Budget.

It was asked whether the Ward Discretionary Budget could be used towards the cost of parking enforcement within a ward area. A response on the proposal would be sought and circulated to members in due course.

RESOLVED - (1) to note that each ward had been allocated an additional discretionary sum of£10,000 to spend on ward priorities;

(2) to give approval to the identification of those priorities, or proposed allocations, on a ward-by-ward basis; and

(3) to work with officers to draw up formal costed proposals that have the full support of all members of the ward for submission to a future meeting of the Area Committee for recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Heald Green Life Church host a family fun day on 13 August 2023 at Outwood Road Recreation Ground., between the hours of 12:30pm and 4:30pm, with access required from 9:00am until 7:00pm to set up and close down the event.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: James J Collins 07356118771 | james.j.collins@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 from Heald Green Life Church to host a family fun day on 13 August 2023 at Outwood Road Recreation Ground, between the hours of 12:30pm and 4:30pm, with access required from 9:00am until 7:00pm to set up and close down the event.

RESOLVED - That the application from Heald Green Life Church to host a family fun day on 13 August 2023 at Outwood Road Recreation Ground between the hours of 12:30pm and 4:30pm (with access required from 9:00am until 7:00pm to set up and close down the event) be granted, subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

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, including its executive Sub Committee, and details the current position on ward flexibility funding, the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and delegated budget.

To receive a verbal update (if any) 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 to assist members of the Area Committee in the monitoring of the effectiveness of the fund.

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 since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, including its executive Sub Committee, and details the current position on ward flexibility funding, the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and delegated budget.

The Democratic Services Officer would seek to rectify errors in Appendix C ‘Traffic Resume Progress Report’.

The Area Committee received a verbal update from the Democratic Services Officer on the success of a project undertaken by an organisation which had been in receipt of a grant from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust:

The Friends of Scholes Park

‘We placed the order for the bench with the council and it was installed in March 23. This is a big improvement on the broken bench it replaced. The Rotary Stockport Lamplighters kindly fitted a Buddy Bench sign to encourage people to sit down for a chat. Please find two photos attached. We have seen people sitting on the bench enjoying the view of the green space outside of Gatley Hill House.

Next to the bench we have installed a planter which will be the Gatley Covid memorial. This is soon to be decorated with a mosaic and our artist held the first sessions with attendees of the Welcome Cafe at Elm Road Church in Gatley to produce the artwork. We have also just ordered an information sign which will be located near the bench offering historical information on Gatley Hill House and Scholes Park.

We had £25 of the funding received allocated to the happy to chat sign. Because the sign was provided to us free of charge we have used the £25 for plants in the planter. We hope this acceptable.

On behalf of The Friends of Scholes Park and all the people enjoying the bench thank you so much to the Brookfield Shiers Family Trust and the Committee.’

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.