Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 September 2016 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 items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

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 ward delegated budgets.

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 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 and the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding. The report also included the current position on the ward delegated budgets.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To report that the Democratic Services Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Area Committee and the sub-group established at the last meeting of the Area Committee (Minute 10 refers), has agreed funding of £1,000 to the Oak Tree Court Residents Association from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust.

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

The Chair drew the meeting’s attention to the fact that it was World Town Planning Day, the theme for which was ‘Cities and Climate Change: Local Responses to a Global Challenge’.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm  Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

David Wilson (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to public realm issues within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The following issues were raised/comments made:-

•           The prevalence of fly posting in the run up to halloween and bonfire night was highlighted.

•           Fly tipping on Daisy Bank Lane, Heald Green was raised.

•           The undergrowth on the path at the back of Borrowdale Avenue, Gatley needed to be cut back on the grounds of safety.

RESOLVED – That David Wilson be thanked for his attendance.

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

Platt Street, Cheadle – Residential Parking

 A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a petition from nineteen residents of Platt Street, Cheadle regarding a request that the Council investigates the need for a Residential Parking Scheme on Platt Street, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for investigation.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution)

This report affords an opportunity to discuss the Executive’s proposed approach taken to addressing the financial challenges in the 207/18 budget, the details of which are set out in a series of business cases and working papers that may be seen to have different implications or the potential for varied impact across different parts of the Borough.

The Area Committee is invited to consider and comment on the following budget proposals:-

2016/17 Business Cases

·         Waste

·         Council Tax Discount Scheme

Executive Working Papers

·         Working with Communities

·         Localities Programme

A member of the Executive will attend the meeting to present the proposals and to respond to questions.

Officer Contact: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing councillors and members of the public with the opportunity to comment on proposals to address the financial challenges in 2017/2018, the details of which were set out in a series of business cases and working papers.

 Councillor Tom McGee (Executive Councillor, Health) attended the meeting on behalf of the Executive and answered questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised with regard to the proposal to adjust the current system for black bin (residual waste) collections:-

•           The waste providers needed to be tackled, including the waste produced by retailers and the waste resulting from packaging.

•           Having larger bins and a less frequent collection would not reduce the amount of residual waste. Residents could still ask for two black bins if they demonstrated need.

•           Educating people about the Council’s recycling system was still very important. Work could be undertaken in connection with educating children in schools.

•           The arrangements for special collections would continue.

•           The Executive had and would be considering other options with regard to the Council’s waste collection system.

•           The issue was raised whether there was any possibility that the Council could put pressure on manufacturers with regard to products that could not be recycled.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

 This report is to provide an overview of the current Road Safety provision in and around the educational facilities in Stockport. It gives information about the current road safety training provision in the schools and a review of the current issues faced in terms of road safety around education sites in peak periods. The report also considered the potential for the introduction of further provision in regards to Road Safety in and around educational facilities and the resource implications of expanding these areas of work to develop a comprehensive approach to road safety around schools.

The report will be considered by the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee on 2 November 2016.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the report and identify any local issues or priorities.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, Nick Whelan on Tel 0161-474-4351 / 4907 or email sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk / nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the current road safety provision in and around educational facilities and providing information about the current road safety training provision in schools and a review of the current issues faced in terms of road safety around education sites at peak periods.

The report had been by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 2 November 2016.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The recent opening of the new Oak Tree Primary School in Cheadle Hulme had highlighted the need for better co-ordination between various departments of the Council in the road safety measures which would be required in the vicinity of a school after it was opened.

•           Alternative methods of advertising for school crossing patrol wardens should be considered, for example by placing advertisements on lamp posts.

•           A Member felt that it would be a better strategy to concentrate on particular schools and particular areas than try and visit every school once every half term promoting road safety.

•           Parents needed to change their behaviour in terms of ‘dropping off’ and ‘picking up’ their children in the vicinity of schools.

•           Schools could be advised about School Travel Plans and the best practice available, but the Council did not have the staff resources to impose a system on schools.

•           The Council sought to install traffic calming where it had imposed 20mph speed limits, wherever possible.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Note: The Sub-Group considering the applications for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust recommended that this application be considered for Ward Flexibility Funding.

To consider an application for the cost of an open day in the spring 2017 at Park Road Cemetery.

A representative of the Friends of Stockport Cemeteries attended the Area Committee to answer questions from Members in relation to an application from the Friends of Stockport Cemeteries towards the cost of an open day in the spring next year at Park Road Cemetery.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £350 towards the cost of an open day to be held at Park Road Cemetery in the spring next year, to be funded from the Ward Flexibility Funding allocations as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward - £175

Cheadle Hulme North Ward - £175

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Inter Cheadle Junior Football Club towards improving the facility which is located on the grounds of the old Bradshaw Hall School

A representative of Inter Cheadle Junior Football Club attended the Area Committee to answer questions from Members in relation to an application from Inter Cheadle Junior Football Club towards improving the facility which was located on the grounds of the old Bradshaw Hall School.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £500 towards improving the facility which is located on the grounds of the old Bradshaw Hall School, to be funded from the Cheadle Hulme North Ward Flexibility Funding allocation.

Note: The Sub-Group considering the applications for funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust recommended that this application be considered for Ward Flexibility Funding.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding towards the cost of two picnic benches at East Avenue Park.

A representative of the Friends of East Avenue Park attended the Area Committee to answer questions from Members in relation to an application from the Friends of East Avenue Park towards the cost of two picnic benches at East Avenue Park.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of two picnic benches at East Avenue Park, to be funded from the Heald Green Ward Flexibility Funding allocation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Trans Stockport Group toward the cost of a launch event for the group.

An application was submitted regarding an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Trans Stockport Group towards the cost of a launch event for the group.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £150 to the Trans Stockport Group towards the cost of a launch event, to be funded from the Ward Flexibility Funding allocations as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward - £50

Cheadle Hulme North Ward - £50

Heald Green Ward - £50

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and 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 and Regeneration on any planning applications relevant to the Cheadle 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 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/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.

Erection of one detached dwelling (resubmission of DC058709)

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Jim Seymour on 0161 474 3656 or email: jim.seymour@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 60972 for the erection of one detached dwelling (resubmission of DC058709) at 2 Grange Park Road, 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 – (1) That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in order to assess the unusual ground levels at the site, and the issues regarding flooding and proximity to the adjacent river.

(2) That the site be ‘pegged out’ in order to allow a better appreciation of the impact of the proposed dwelling on the non-designated heritage asset and in order to assess proximity to the river.

Art Installation (Poppy Memorial Sculpture)

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Jim Seymour on 0161 474 3656 or email: jim.seymour@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 62976 for an art installation (poppy memorial sculpture) at Gatley Green, Gatley

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

It was then

RESOLVED– That planning permission be granted.

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

The report details a consultation by BT on proposals to remove 35 public payphones in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the proposed removal of BT payphones within its purview.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead on 0161 218 1982 or email: suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of a consultation being undertaken by British Telecom who were proposing to remove thity five public payphones in Stockport.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         British Telecom had failed to market the service and there were areas with poor mobile telephone coverage or because of social need where public payphones were required.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report summarises recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals and enforcement activity within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

 Officer Contact: Joy Morton on 0161 474 3217 or email: joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (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 Borough Treasurer

The report advises the Area Committee of the financial standing of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust as at 30 September 2016 and indicates the amount of money available for distribution to organisations and reports on the relevant performance of investment funds.

The Area Committee is requested to:-

·         note the contents of the report.

·         decide upon the policy that they wish to adopt in respect of the distribution of the Trust; and

·         advise as to the investment policy that they wish to follow.

Officer Contact: Paula McDonald on 0161 474 4708 or email: paula.mcdonald@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which advised Members of the financial standing of the Trust as at 30 September 2016, indicated the amount of money available for distribution to organisations and reported on the relevant performance of investment funds.

The Area Committee, acting in its capacity as Trustee for the Brookfield Shiers Family Trust:-

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That no additional distribution of the Trust be made, in addition to the Area Committee’s previous decision to reserve £25,000 from the Trust towards addressing the effect of loneliness amongst elderly residents and the consequential effect on their health.

(3) That the current investment policy of the Trust be retained.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

To consider the proposed grant of a lease of Abney Park Pavilion to allow Abney Project Community Interest Company (Abney CIC), to continue to operate a tea room.

The Area Committee is requested to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 or email: murraty.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the proposed grant of a lease of Abney Park Pavilion to allow Abney Project Community Interest Company to continue to operate a tearoom.

RESOLVED – That The Deputy Chief Executive be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposed grant of a lease of Abney Park Pavilion to allow Abney Project Community Interest Company to continue to operate a tearoom.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report sets out a request from the new owners of Bruntwood Hall, Bruntwood Park, Cheadle to have rights to create a landscaped terraced area, immediately adjacent to the north and west facades of Bruntwood Hall.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

Officer contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 3019 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a request from the new owners of Bruntwood Hall, Bruntwood Park, Cheadle to have rights to create a landscaped terraced area, immediately adjacent to the north and west facades of Bruntwood Hall.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal from the new owners of Bruntwood Hall, Bruntwood Park, Cheadle to have rights to create a landscaped terraced area, immediately adjacent to the north and west facades of Bruntwood Hall, subject to the proposed landscaped terraced area not impacting on the existing path which should be maintained as a public right of way and not solely for the users of Bruntwood Hall.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The report considers a request from Electricity Northwest to lay an electricity cable within Bruntwood Park, Cheadle together with a request to construct a small electricity substation.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on 0161 474 30219 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a request from Electricity North West to lay an electricity cable within Bruntwood Park, together with a request to construct a small electricity substation.

RESOLVED – That the Deputy Chief Executive be advised that the Area Committee supports the request from Electricity North West to lay an electricity cable within Bruntwood Park, together with a request to construct a small electricity substation.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Paul Porgess

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Paul Porgess.

Councillor Porgess reported that the path from Hale Walk to Birtles Close, Cheadle was very muddy during the recent wet weather and made it difficult for people to access the car park at the end of Birtles Close.

RESOLVED – That the issue be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for investigation.