Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 February 2014 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 agenda items for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 because the work was scheduled to take place prior to the next meeting of the Area Committee).

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration reported that he had been advised by United Utilities that two sewers had collapsed in Cheadle. The first one was on Manchester Road and repair work by United Utilities was schedule to commence on 14 March 2014 and the second one was on the High Street and repair work by United Utilities was scheduled to commence on 4 April 2014 during the Easter school holidays. The Council would also be undertaking repair work on the High Street whilst United Utilities was undertaking its works.

The works, and alternative routes for motorists, would be advertised extensively.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 area flexibility funding.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: David Clee on 0161 474 3137 or e mail: 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Chair reported on progress on the improvement work being undertaken on Cheadle Green by the Cheadle Civic Society and expressed her thanks to the society.

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 and at local libraries and information centres.  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 comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There were problems of litter having been deposited on the footpath from Cheadle Hulme Railway Station to Ladybridge Road and on South View Gardens, Cheadle.

·         Damage had been caused to grass verges by construction traffic on Oakmere Road, Cheadle Hulme.

·         A Member highlighted an issue regarding a pothole on Norbreck Avenue, Cheadle Hulme and whether it was the Council’s or Network Rail’s responsibility.

·         The role of the hygiene action group in clearing up dog faeces in certain circumstances.

·         Problems caused by residents using the recycling and refuse bins incorrectly.

·         Work to repair a depression in the road outside Bolshaw Primary School on Cross Road, Heald Green.

RESOLVED – That David Wilson be thanked for his attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes

The report provides an update on the progress of the delivery of Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on progress to date and any future actions for inclusion in the 2014-2015 action plans.

Officer Contact: Maria Lindars on 0161 474 4371 or email: maria.lindars@stockporthomes.org.

A representative of the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of the delivery of Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There was need for increased liaison by Stockport Homes with the other social housing providers in the area, such as Mossbank Homes.

·         The challenge of trying to reduce inequalities in areas of significant deprivation, for example in the vicinity of Councillor Lane.

·         Whether the outcome of the estate walkabouts with local Ward Councillors was reflected in the Neighbourhood Action Plans.

·         Estate improvement work undertaken such as painting the bin store doors and communal doors at Hathaway Close, Heald Green.

·         The work undertaken by Stockport Homes with young people in schools and the organisation of diversionary activities in the summer months were  welcomed.

·         The impact of Stockport Homes’ decision to remove the age restrictions on all properties except those for people aged 60+ in order to address the impact of the Government’s welfare reforms was not yet known.

·         The reorganisation of Stockport Homes’ Anti-Social Behaviour Officers had allowed the Housing Officers to have more time to carry out work on the estates for which they were responsible.

·         Work which was required to be carried out on York Close, Cheadle with regard to fencing around the bin stores and fire protection work in the roof space of the flats.

·         There was a shortage of rented properties at Willow Avenue, Turves Road and Sandringham Road, Cheadle Hulme.

·         Members were appreciative of the work carried out by Officers from Stockport Homes to assist residents affected by the Government’s welfare reforms.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider any applications for Ward Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

Gatley Village Partnership

To consider an application from Gatley Village Partnership to fund the cost of holding its meetings.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application from the Gatley Village Partnership (copies of which had been circulated) towards the cost of funding its meetings.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £150 (Cheadle and Gatley ward allocation) to the Gatley Village Partnership towards the cost of holding its meetings.

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

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 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.

Change of use of first floor from storage to private dining/restaurant area in association with previously approved ground floor takeaway. Replacement ground floor door to rear (resubmission of application DC053844).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 54385 for a change of use of the first floor from storage to private dining/restaurant area in association with the previously approved ground floor takeaway and replacement of the ground floor door to rear (resubmission of application DC053844),

a local resident spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee for determination and that it be recommended that the following additional information should be provided to allow the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee to consider the proposal further :-

·         The number of covers proposed;

·         The floorspace of the proposed use;

·         A full description of how the proposed use would operate;

·         The likely hours that the proposed use would operate between; and

·         Confirmation as to how the Highway Engineer had calculated the proposed parking demand.

Change of use from dental technician to convenience store.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 54486 for a change of use from a dental technician to a convenience store at 10 Pendlebury Road, Gatley,

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Single storey extension and external alterations to existing church building, formation of new car park and provision of new hardsurfaced areas within site.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3650 or email: mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. 54490 for a single storey extension and external alterations to the existing church building, formation of a new car park and provision of new hardsurfaced areas within the site at Gatley United Reformed Church, Elm Road, Gatley, it was:-

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Council Solicitor.

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local inquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Cheadle Area Committee area.

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 Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (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 council Solicitor

The report details the appeal decisions for the Area Committee and of the Borough as a whole for 2012/13. Information is also provided on success according to the maker of each decision, application for costs and the amount received or paid.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Karen Hillen on 0161 474 3640 or email: karen.hillen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Council Solicitor (copies of which had been circulated) detailing appeal decisions for the Area Committee and for the Borough as a whole for 2012/13.  Information was also provided on success according to the maker of each decision, applications for costs and the amount received or paid.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report seeks the comments of the Area Committee regarding the proposed Manchester Road cycle route following the successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), via the Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG).

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report and recommend the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) to approve the proposals and proposed Traffic Regulation Orders contained within the report.

Officer contact: Mark James/Don Naylor on 0161 474 2077/4593 or email: mark.james@stockport.gov.uk/don.naylor@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the comments of the Area Committee regarding the proposed Manchester Road cycle route following the successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport, via the Cycle City Ambition Grant. The cost of the scheme was approximately £450,000 which would be included in the 2014/15 Highways Capital Programme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         What would happen at the northern end of the proposed cycle route where it stopped at the River Mersey and then rejoined the Transpennine Trail to the north of the area.

·         It was essential that the proposed schemes by Stockport Council and Manchester City Council coincided and linked together at the boundary of the two local authorities.

·         The provision of a toucan crossing on Manchester Road, Cheadle, in the vicinity of Cheadle Cemetery was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be recommended to approve the proposals set out in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.7 of the report and on the maps attached to the report, and the following Traffic Regulation Orders:-

Moving Traffic Regulation Order

The following areas of footway are to be converted into a cycle track under Section 65(1) of the Highways Act 1980 so to provide a shared use cycle/pedestrian facility:

(i)Manchester Road, Cheadle, west side, from its junction with Mill Lane for a distance of 120 metres in a northerly direction;

(ii)          Manchester Road, Cheadle, east side, from a point 105 metres north of the projected northerly kerb line of Mill Lane for a distance of 780 metres in a northerly direction.

Traffic Regulation Order

Proposed No Waiting At Any Time

Manchester Road, Cheadle, both sides, from a point 530 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Mill Lane for a distance of 300 metres in a northerly direction.

Proposed Toucan Crossing

Manchester Road, Cheadle, approximately 43 metres north of the northerly kerb line of the Cemetery access road.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and the Council Solicitor

The report considers consider objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Prohibition of Waiting on Bruntwood Lane and Valley Road, Cheadle.

The Area Committee is recommended to retain the No Waiting at Any Time restrictions around the junction of Bruntwood Lane and Valley Road (15 metres, north side) in order to address concerns regarding pedestrian safety and visibility; however it is proposed to reduce the restrictions on the south side of Valley Road from 45 metres to 15 metres.

Officer Contact: Zoe Allan/Neville Kay on 0161 474 3138/4836 or email: zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk/neville.kay@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a joint report of the Council Solicitor and the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) regarding three objections received to a proposed No Waiting At Any Time Traffic Regulation Order on Bruntwood Lane and Valley Road, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That, in the light of the objections received, approval be given to retain the No Waiting At any Time restrictions around the junction of Bruntwood Lane and Valley Road (15 metres north side) in order to address concerns regarding pedestrian safety and visibility, but that the restrictions on the south side of Valley Road be reduced from 45 metres to 15 metres.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services

The report considers a proposal to grant a reversionary lease on the expiry of the existing lease to the Guide Association at Abney Hall.

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: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services (copies of which had been circulated) regarding a proposal to grant a reversionary lease on the expiry of the existing lease to the Guide Association at Abney Hall, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be advised that the Area Committee supports the proposal to grant a reversionary lease on the expiry of the existing lease to the Guide Association at Abney Hall, Cheadle.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to provide Members of the Area Committee with a schedule of leases currently in operation at Abney Hall.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education)

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at Cheadle Primary School.       

Officer contact: Pam Dunham on 0161 474 3847 or email: pam.dunham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider the Authority vacancy at Cheadle Primary School.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.