Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 1 August 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 August 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

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

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, 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 Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing objections received to a proposed Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at 329 - 352 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green.

Peter Pollard (Arboriculture Officer, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Area Committee. The Chair of the Area Committee exercised her discretion under Council Meeting Procedure Rule 25 to enable public speaking in relation to this agenda item to secure a proper, full, and effective debate.

A member of the public spoke in objection to the Tree Preservation Order, and

a member of the public spoke in support of the Tree Preservation Order.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

• It was noted that the Arboriculture Officer had previously been invited onto site by concerned residents in relation to the removal of trees at the rear of the site. It was felt by the Arboriculture Officer that some of the trees were worthy of TPOs. It was also noted that, between the Arboriculture Officer’s first and second visits to the site, two ash trees had been felled.
• The Arboriculture Officer, having assessed the trees, felt that three poplar trees were not worthy of protection by way of a TPO.
• It was reported that a set of criteria was followed for the council to deem a tree worthy of a TPO, this included but was not limited to, the condition, longevity and visibility of a tree, and the amenity value and nature potential of a tree. If a tree met a certain threshold (using a points system), then the tree could be worthy of a TPO. Officer expertise and discretion was also used to inform the decision.
• Members noted that any person could request the council to assess whether a TPO was appropriate for a tree. It was further clarified that any tree could qualify for a TPO if appropriate for the location.
• It was advised that there was a roughly equal split between landowners and other interested parties that made requests for TPOs. Once a request was made, the Arboriculture Officer made an initial inspection of the tree, and thereafter, instructions were issued to the Legal Department to make a Tree Preservation Order. Following this, the relevant people, residents and interested parties, were notified, and given an opportunity to comment on the proposed TPO.
• It was noted that a TPO, once confirmed, conferred protection onto a tree, which included enabling the maintenance of the tree.
• It was stated that the objector had sought the advice of an independent Arboriculture Officer.
• Members were keen to understand the legal process surrounding the proposed TPO, and for the making of TPO’s in general, as well as an Area Committee’s role and responsibilities in the wider process. It was requested that a briefing on TPO policies and procedures be arranged for members in advance of the next meeting of the Area Committee.
• Members also felt that it would be beneficial to see the trees in question and suggested that a site visit be arranged for members in advance of the next meeting of the Area Committee.
• Members raised concerns with regards to the level of information provided to members in the initial report to Area Committee, and suggested that future reports could be more comprehensive to enable members to be better informed to consider and determine TPO matters quickly and efficiently.
• The Area Committee felt that further information was required to enable members to reach a decision on the matter.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee to enable members to undertake a site visit and pending the submission of an updated report containing further information on the council’s policies and procedures in relation to Tree Preservation Orders, and providing further clarity as to the legal process in relation to the making of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

Further, a verbal update was received on the progression and/ or success of projects which were in receipt of a grant from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust:

St Catherine’s Church

On 18 January 2023, the Sub Committee gave approval to an application from St Catherine’s Church, Cheadle, for a grant of £2,500 towards the cost of a set of automatic doors in the foyer of St Catherine’s Church. The applicant provided the following update:

‘We have had a new door fitted with an automatic feature so that people can push a button either on the outside or inside of the building to gain access. The funding allowed this to happen. Thank you once again for the grant.’

Abney Scout & Guide Training & Residential Centre

At the same meeting in January, the Sub Committee gave approval to an application from Abney Scout & Guide Training and Residential Centre for a grant of £6,000 towards the cost of updating and modernising the centre’s existing toilets, disabled toilet, and shower facilities. The applicant provided the following update:

‘The project was completed in March 2023 following successful grant applications in December 2022 and January 2023.

Built in the 1980’s, the toilets were desperately in need of a refurb. The Exec team worked tirelessly to raise funds to enable this project to happen, and with the support of local grant organisations, including the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, we now proudly have modern and fit for purpose toilet and shower facilities including a separate wet room and toilet for any disabled users using the centre.

The centre is used most weekends by Scouts & Guides from around the UK along with more local Groups for pack holidays and activity days. It’s also used during the week by the Seashell Trust and a Forest School.

Having modern toilets and showers has enabled the facility to be kept cleaner, lower water consumption (through having modern plumbing) and extra showers and toilets added to accommodate users within the same space.

We have also created a full wet room and toilet facility for disabled users which includes a changing facility for babies.

The Exec team and all of Abney’s users would like to thank the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub Committee involved at for supporting this major refurb project.’

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Chair reported that a fun day at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Cheadle was scheduled for Sunday 17 September 2023 and encouraged all those interested to attend. The event was free of charge.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

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

It was reported that Inspector Martin Baker (Greater Manchester Police) was unable to attend the meeting, but any neighbourhood policing queries could be fed back to Inspector Baker for a written response.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members expressed frustration at the lack of progress regarding the Speed Watch campaign and the length of time that was being taken to implement the scheme.

·         Reports of anti-social behaviour on Oakhurst Drive were raised.

·         It was noted that car meets were causing an issue on the A34.

RESOLVED – That the matters raised be communicated to the neighbourhood police representative for response.

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 Women and Girls’ Network for a grant of £284 (£142 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £142 from Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocation only) towards the cost of organising an event for Stockport’s first celebration of Diwali with local Indian residents, providing activities such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing and educational workshops.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received from Stockport Women and Girls’ Network for a grant of £284 (£142 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £142 from the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of organising an event for Stockport’s first celebration of Diwali with local Indian residents, providing activities such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing and educational workshops.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Women and Girls’ Network for a grant of £284 (£142 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £142 from the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of organising an event for Stockport’s first celebration of Diwali with local Indian residents, providing activities such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing and educational workshops.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Scholes Park for a grant of £462 (Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocation only) towards the cost of organising a Gatley Christmas light switch on event, which will include performances from community groups, stalls, food and drinks, and workshops for children.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received from Friends of Scholes Park for a grant of £462 (Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a Gatley Christmas light switch on event (to include performances from community groups, stalls, food and drinks, and workshops for children).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Scholes Park for a grant of £462 (Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a Gatley Christmas light switch on event (to include performances from community groups, stalls, food and drinks, and workshops for children).

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Make a Difference for a total grant of £1,500 (£500 from the Cheadle Hulme North and £1,000 from the Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of running additional arts and craft sessions at a wellbeing café (Heald Green). The Friday Hub supports people who are in isolation, lonely, elderly, have mobility issues and may be experiencing anxiety or mental health issues. 

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received from Make a Difference for a total grant of £1,500 (£500 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £1,000 from the Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of running additional arts and craft sessions at a wellbeing café (Heald Green). The Friday Hub supports people who are in isolation, lonely, elderly, have mobility issues and may be experiencing anxiety or mental health issues.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Make a Difference for a grant of £1,000 (Heald Green ward allocation) towards the cost of running additional arts and craft sessions at a wellbeing café (Heald Green). The Friday Hub supports people who are in isolation, lonely, elderly, have mobility issues and may be experiencing anxiety or mental health issues.

(2) That the application in respect of the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee whilst further information as to the application was sought.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

No development applications were submitted.

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 Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance.

The report details a request from the Cheadle Health Community Association for the Area Committee to make a nomination from members representing the Cheadle Hulme North and Cheadle East ward to sit on the association as part of the outside body arrangements. 

The Area Committee is recommended to consider whether it would wish to make an appointment to the Cheadle Heath Community Association and the name of the member to fill that appointment.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 | damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request from the Cheadle Health Community Association for the Area Committee to make a nomination from members representing the Cheadle Hulme North and Cheadle East ward to sit on the association as part of the outside body arrangements.

RESOLVED - That Councillor Yvonne Guariento be nominated to the Cheadle Heath Committee Association to sit on the association as part of the outside body arrangements.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The council is inviting comments on a Draft Education Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from Wednesday 13 September to Wednesday 25 October 2023.

The Area Committee is asked to note the proposed consultation documents and the intended period of consultation.

Officer contact: Hannah Mitchell 0161 474 3771 | hannah.mitchell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which have been circulated) inviting comments on the Draft Education Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from Wednesday 13 September 2023 to Wednesday 25 October 2023.

RESOLVED – That the proposed consultation documents and intended period of consultation be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 24 November 2023.

It is recommended that the Area Committee:

(1) Nominate of a recently completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review Tour; and

(2) Nominate Members to attend the Annual Review of Outcome Tour.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead 0161 218 1982 | suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which have been circulated) detailing a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday 24 November 2023.

RESOLVED – (1) That Beechwood Gardens, Heald Green, be nominated to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

(2) That Councillors Yvonne Guariento and Tom Morrison be nominated to attend the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

This item has been placed on the agenda as an item of urgent business at the request of the Chair of the Area Committee.

This item had been placed on the agenda as an item of urgent business at the request of the Chair of the Area Committee and detailed a motion relating to tackling the Councillor Lane/ Bird Hall Road Junction.

MOVED – This Area Committee notes:

That the long-standing and continued concerns over the Councillor Lane/ Bird Hall Road junction, which recently saw a cyclist injured.?

That despite continued pleas by local ward councillors, there has been no action taken by council or TfGM officers to consider what 'quick wins' can be done to make the junction safer for all who use it. This could include considering traffic light sequencing or putting in a filter lane for traffic turning right onto Councillor Lane.?

Therefore, this Area Committee resolves to ask:

That a full and urgent review of the junction takes place, paid for through the council's?Parks, Highways & Transport Services budget,?with potential 'quick win' options outlined and more longer-term solutions considered.?

That any review puts safety ahead of the potential flow of traffic. A slight delay in traffic movement is a price worth paying for increased safety at this notorious junction.?

An amendment to the motion was then jointly moved by Councillors Jilly Julian and Yvonne Guariento and seconded by Councillors Tom Morrison and David Meller.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED – This Area Committee notes:

The long-standing and continued concerns over the Councillor Lane/ Bird Hall Road junction, which recently saw a cyclist injured.

Therefore, this Area Committee resolves to ask:

Acknowledging that control of traffic flow and network infrastructure sits with TfGM, this Area Committee calls on them to prioritise a full and urgent review of the junction takes place, with potential 'quick win' options outlined (such as potential traffic light sequencing or putting in a filter lane for traffic turning right onto Councillor Lane) alongside longer-term solutions considered.

That any review puts safety ahead of the potential flow of traffic. A slight delay in traffic movement is a price worth paying for increased safety at this notorious junction.

Finally, that SMBC officers report back to this Area Committee on their current investigations and any work being undertaken with sub-regional partners (including TfGM).

For the amendment, 8 (unanimous)

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED (8 for) – This Area Committee notes:

The long-standing and continued concerns over the Councillor Lane/ Bird Hall Road junction, which recently saw a cyclist injured.

Therefore, this Area Committee resolves to ask:

Acknowledging that control of traffic flow and network infrastructure sits with TfGM, this Area Committee calls on them to prioritise a full and urgent review of the junction takes place, with potential 'quick win' options outlined (such as potential traffic light sequencing or putting in a filter lane for traffic turning right onto Councillor Lane) alongside longer-term solutions considered.

That any review puts safety ahead of the potential flow of traffic. A slight delay in traffic movement is a price worth paying for increased safety at this notorious junction.

Finally, that SMBC officers report back to this Area Committee on their current investigations and any work being undertaken with sub-regional partners (including TfGM).