Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 October 2023 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 interests

Personal and prejudicial interest

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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 success of a project which had been in receipt of a grant from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust:

The Chime Homeowners (Residents Association)

The Chime Homeowners Association (Residents Association) received a grant of £2,236 (£1,118 funded by the Brookfield Shiers Family Trust and £372.67 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. The applicant, Mr Simon Bryant, submitted a written update to the Area Committee on the success of the project. It was noted that the benches were installed in September 2023 and Chimes Residents and Friends of the Green groups welcomed the Mayor of Stockport to visit the residents and gardens and benches in November 2023.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Members paid tribute to former Councillor John Pantall who had sadly passed away in October. Councillor Pantall had previously been a member of the Cheadle Area Committee and tribute was given to his many years and contribution to public service.

The Chair also announced that several events were scheduled to take place at All Hallows Church in December:

·         ‘Carols on the Green’ by the Councillor Lane Post Office on Friday 8 December from 6.30pm;

·         a Nativity Family Service on Sunday 17 December from 10am;

·         ‘Carols by Candelight’ on Sunday 17 December from 6.30pm;

·         a Christingle Service on Christmas Eve from 4pm; and

·         a Christmas Day Family Service on Christmas Day from 10am.

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.

One public question was submitted in relation to an overgrown area of Park Road Cemetery.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

Inspector Baker (Greater Manchester Police (GMP)) sent his apologies for the meeting and had provided a written update (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report provides an update on the delivery of the Cheadle District Centre Action Plan, including initial thoughts as to how the £5,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund is to be allocated, as well as proposed support provision for Large Local Centres.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    Note the progress made in in developing the Cheadle District Centre Action Plan.

b)   Provide feedback on priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UKSPF to.

c)    Note the plans to develop an information portal to support businesses and organisations in large Local Centres.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@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) providing an update on the delivery of the Cheadle District Centre Action Plan, including initial thoughts as to how the £5,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) could be allocated, as well as the proposed support provision for large Local Centres.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A meeting was scheduled to take place in December 2023 to consider options for spending the UKSPF funding.

·         It was reported that there were a number of new businesses in the area.

·         It was noted that the timeframe in which to use the £5,000 was limited and so the team were working hard to progress discussions as to how the funding should be allocated.

Thanks were expressed to officers for their work to date.

RESOLVED – (a) That the progress made in developing the Cheadle District Centre Action Plan be noted.

(b) That the plans to develop an information portal to support businesses and organisations in large Local Centres be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Make a Difference for a grant of £500 from the Cheadle Hulme North 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. 

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received on behalf of Make a Difference for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of running additional arts and craft sessions at a wellbeing café (Heald Green).

RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee to enable the applicant to provide further information as to their application.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Cheadle Civic Society for a grant of £1000 (£500 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £500 from Cheadle West & Gatley) towards the cost of street signage for increasing awareness of the Cheadle Village Conservation Area.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received on behalf of Cheadle Civic Society for a total grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£500 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £500 from the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of street signage for increasing awareness of the Cheadle Village Conservation Area.

REOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Cheadle Civic Society for a grant of £1000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£500 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £500 from the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of street signage for increasing awareness of the Cheadle Village Conservation Area.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from 2^nd Heald Green Girl Guides for a grant of £500 (Heald Green ward only) towards the cost of establishing a new Girl Guide unit, to promote and advance social welfare in young girls in the local community.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) received on behalf of the 2^nd Heald Green Girl Guides for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (Heald Green ward allocation) towards the cost of establishing a new Girl Guide unit to promote and advance social welfare in young girls in the local community.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from the 2^nd Heald Green Girl Guides for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (Heald Green ward allocation) towards the cost of establishing a new Girl Guide unit to promote and advance social welfare in young girls in the local community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £112 (£42 from Cheadle West & Gatley and £70 from Cheadle Hulme North) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

Karen Broadhurst attended the meeting and had submitted an application on behalf of Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £112 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£42 from Cheadle West & Gatley and £70 from Cheadle Hulme North ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £112 from the Ward Flexibility funding budget (£42 from Cheadle West & Gatley and £70 from Cheadle Hulme North ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 (£46.14 from Cheadle West & Gatley, £46.14 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North, £46.14 from Heald Green) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

Tolu Fiberesima attended the meeting and had submitted an application on behalf of African and Caribbean Community Association for a total grant of £138.42 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£46.14 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

An invitation was extended to the applicant to work with Heald Green who were ‘going blue’ to raise awareness around prostate cancer.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £138.42 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£46.14 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

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 Deputy Chief Executive 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.

Outline planning permission (access only) for up to 278 dwellings, retention of the existing Heald Green Community Theatre building, retention of the existing Clubhouse to facilitate its use as a community hub (sui generis) for flexible uses within Use Class E (a)(b)(e)(g(i)) and Class F2 (a)(b) (The combined retail and shop sales within Use Classes E(a) and F2(a) to be limited to a maximum of 200 sqm net floorspace), associated landscaping and open space and all user access from Pymgate Lane, Grasmere Road and Troutbeck Road and non-motorised user access from Styal Grove, Yew Tree Grove and Rose Vale Park.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee:-

(1) Undertakes a site visit; and

(2) Grants planning permission, subject to the completion of the necessary Section 106 agreement.

Officer contact: Chris Smyton on 0161 474 3657 or email: chris.smyton@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/081468 relating to the proposed outline planning permission (access only) for up to 278 dwellings, retention of the existing Heald Green Community Theatre building, retention of the existing Clubhouse to facilitate its use as a community hub (sui generis) for flexible uses within Use Class E (a)(b)(e)(g(i)) and Class F2 (a)(b) (The combined retail and shop sales within Use Classes E(a) and F2(a) to be limited to a maximum of 200 sqm net floorspace), associated landscaping and open space and all user access from Pymgate Lane, Grasmere Road and Troutbeck Road and non-motorised user access from Styal Grove, Yew Tree Grove and Rose Vale Park at Gatley Golf Club, Styal Road, Gatley, 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

MOVED AND SECONDED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to refuse the application on the grounds that the application failed to provide sufficient detail in relation to highways and accessibility matters, in addition to a failure to demonstrate that current operation of the site as a golf course was unviable.

For the motion 4, against 4.

Upon their being an equality of votes, the chair exercised her casting vote against the motion.

MOTION NOT CARRIED

FURTHER MOTION MOVED AND SECONDED – (1) That no specific recommendation be made in relation to the determination of the application.

(2)  That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit at rush hour in the light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to access and traffic management (visiting both proposed site entrances and considering the distances to nearby towns and transport links). Further, to consider in greater depth the proposed connectivity and sustainability of the site, and having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 99 requirement that an assessment has been undertaken of the site showing it to be surplus to requirements.

For the motion 6, against the motion 2.

MOTION CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED (6 for, 2 against) – (1) That no specific recommendation be made in relation to the determination of the application.

(2)  That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit at rush hour in the light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to access and traffic management (visiting both proposed site entrances and considering the distances to nearby towns and transport links). Further, to consider in greater depth the proposed connectivity and sustainability of the site, and having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 99 requirement that an assessment has been undertaken of the site showing it to be surplus to requirements.

Reserved Matters planning application for appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and access for the second phase of residential development (124 dwellings and open space) following hybrid approval ref: DC/060928 (EIA development - subsequent application).

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to the receipt of an updated ecological survey confirming no new issues of significance requiring reassessment of the application; and the imposition of conditions.

Officer Contact: Daniel Hewitt on 0161 218 1989 or email: daniel.hewitt@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/084620 for the proposed Reserved Matters planning application for appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and access for the second phase of residential development (124 dwellings and open space) following hybrid approval ref: DC/060928 (EIA development subsequent application) at Land at Wilmslow Road, Heald Green.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the receipt of an updated ecological survey confirming no new issues of significance requiring reassessment of the application and the imposition of conditions.

The erection of a residential development comprising houses and apartments, together with all associated works including landscaping, public open space and car parking.

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

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 0161 474 3550 or email: jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/087141 for the proposed erection of a residential development comprising houses and apartments, together with all associated works including landscaping, public open space and car parking at Land Off Stanley Road, Heald Green,

the agent for the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the imposition of conditions and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

Hybrid planning application seeking: Full (detailed) planning permission for the erection of a three storey college (Use Class F1(a)) with new car parking, cycle storage, plant, sub-station, hard and soft landscaping including new playing field, vehicular and pedestrian access and associated engineering and infrastructure, together with the demolition works necessary to separate the sports building from the remainder of the existing campus, the new entrance block and elevational treatment to the existing Sports Building; and Outline planning permission for the demolition of the existing college buildings and the erection of up to 32 dwellings with all matters reserved.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to:-

·         Conditions,

·         The completion of a Section 106 legal agreement securing the heads of terms detailed above,

·         No objections being raised by the Nature Development Officer in respect of Biodiversity Net Gain,

·         No new substantive issues being raised during the remainder of the public consultation period, noting that this will end prior to the consideration of the application by the Planning and Highways Committee on 14th December 2023.

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

In respect of application DC/089265 for the proposed full (detailed) planning permission for the erection of a three storey college (Use Class F1(a)) with new car parking, cycle storage, plant, sub-station, hard and soft landscaping including new playing field, vehicular and pedestrian access and associated engineering and infrastructure, together with the demolition works necessary to separate the sports building from the remainder of the existing campus, the new entrance block and elevational treatment to the existing Sports Building; and Outline planning permission for the demolition of the existing college buildings and the erection of up to 32 dwellings with all matters reserved, at Cheadle College, Cheadle Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle,

a member of the public spoke in objection to the application, and

the applicant and agent spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That no specific recommendation be made in relation to the determination of the application.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in light of the Area Committee’s concerns with regards to the deliverability of the site.

Class B8 self-storage facility, pump house, sprinkler tank, parking area, landscaping and associated works.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Chief Planning Officer grants planning permission subject to the imposition of conditions and informatives.

Officer contact: Jane Chase on 0161 474 3550 or email: jane.chase@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/087714 for the proposed Class B8 self-storage facility, pump house, sprinkler tank, parking area, landscaping and associated works at former Armadillo Self-Storage, Earl Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle.

RESOLVED - That the Chief Planning Officer be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to the imposition of conditions and informatives.

Retention and reconfiguration of temporary car parks and Stanley Road bellmouth approved under DC/077824 for a further period of 3 years. Extension to temporary southern car park for an additional 52 parking spaces with associated lighting.

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

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

In respect of application DC/089425 for the proposed retention and reconfiguration of temporary car parks and Stanley Road bellmouth approved under DC/077824 for a further period of 3 years. Extension to temporary southern car park for an additional 52 parking spaces with associated lighting at 160 Seashell Trust, Royal School Manchester, Stanley Road, Heald Green, Cheadle,

the agent for the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Proposed front and rear extensions. Increase of roof to form living accommodation and alterations to elevations. Proposed single-storey granny annexe outbuilding. (Re-submission of DC/089437).

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

Officer contact: Rob Farris at rob.farris@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/089946 for the proposed front and rear extensions. Increase of roof to form living accommodation and alterations to elevations. Proposed single-storey granny annexe outbuilding. (Re submission of DC/089437) at 3 Yew Tree Grove, Gatley, Cheadle,

a member of the public spoke in objection to the application, and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit (including the front and rear of the site) in light of the Area Committee’s concerns around lack of clarity of what was previously approved in 2021 and the application as it currently stood.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be requested to determine the application.

At this stage in the proceedings, the meeting was informed that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) would be invoked unless the Area Committee meeting wished the meeting to continue.

RESOLVED – That the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 relating to the duration of (Council) meetings be duly invoked.

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 of Place Management.

The report details a proposal to amend the existing Experimental Prohibition of Driving (except for Permit Holders) Traffic Regulation Order at Broomfield Drive, South Reddish, Bulkeley Street, Edgeley and Ashfield Crescent, Cheadle, to that of a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the Traffic Regulation Order set out in Appendix A, to be established on a permanent basis. 

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 proposal to amend the existing Experimental Prohibition of Driving (except for Permit Holders) Traffic Regulation Order at Broomfield Drive, South Reddish, Bulkeley Street, Edgeley and Ashfield Crescent, Cheadle, to that of a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the Traffic Regulation Order set out in Appendix A, to be established on a permanent basis.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details proposals to widen an existing footpath between Sandringham Road and Twining Brook Road which forms part of the Active Travel Fund 4 Ladybrook Valley scheme. 

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the proposal to widen an existing footpath between Sandringham Road and Twining Brook Road as part of the Active Travel Fund 4 Ladybrook Valley scheme (to be funded from the Active Travel Fund 4 budget). 

Officer contact: Pam Hibbert 0161 474 4840 | pam.hibbert@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 proposals to widen an existing footpath between Sandringham Road and Twining Brook Road which forms part of the Active Travel Fund 4 Ladybrook Valley scheme.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to a proposal to widen an existing footpath between Sandringham Road and Twining Brook Road within its geographical purview as part of the Active Travel Fund 4 Ladybrook Valley scheme (to be funded from the Active Travel Fund 4 budget), as shown on Drawing No. F274-004 and as follows:

·         Widening and resurfacing the existing shared use path to 3m.

·         Provision of additional LED lighting columns along the route.

·         Dropped kerb access for cyclists at the entrance to the path from Sandringham Road.

·         Provision of bollards spaced 1.5m apart to prevent access from unauthorised vehicles, whilst maintaining access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs at the entrance to the path.

·         Provision of an access protection marking across the dropped kerb on Sandringham Road to prevent access to the path being blocked.