Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 July 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:

Personal interest

Personal & prejudicial interest

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

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & 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 & 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 committee and its executive Sub Committee, and detailing the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding, the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and Delegated Budget.

The Chair requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Area Committee in relation to the guidelines for the distribution of monies from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust. It was suggested that a provision not to permit retrospective grant applications be added to the guidelines, and that an upper limit of £5,000 be placed on the amount that applicants could apply for.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Chair expressed thanks to Tom Morrison MP who had resigned from his position as a councillor for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in order to focus on delivering for the community in his new role as Member of Parliament.

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 of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

A public question was submitted in relation to the proposed remedial works to improve the standards of the public toilet facilities in Bruntwood Park.

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.

The Chair of the Area Committee would write a letter to Greater Manchester Police (copy to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport) to raise the absence of a neighbourhood policing representative at meetings of the Area Committee.

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

A petition was submitted in relation to a request for street lighting at Sherborne Road to Carrs Avenue cut-through. The petition had 140 signatories.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

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 received from 2^nd Cheadle Scout Group for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £750 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of repairing and future proofing the sewer and drainage system at the Scout group’s headquarters.

Stuart Cox spoke to the application, having previously submitted the application (copies of which had been circulated) on behalf of 2nd Cheadle Scout Group for a grant of £750 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of repairing and future proofing the sewer and drainage system at the Scout group’s headquarters.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from 2nd Cheadle Scout Group for a grant of £750 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of repairing and future proofing the sewer and drainage system at the Scout group’s headquarters.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from Friends of Ladybrook Valley Cheadle Hulme for a grant of £1000 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation towards the cost of installing a noticeboard at the Sandringham Road Bridge to increase awareness of the group and its activities, the plans for Sandringham Field and historical information. Further, towards the cost of leather riggers and gauntlets to protect volunteers from brambles and nettles.

Amanda Kelly spoke to the application, having previously submitted the application (copies of which had been circulated) on behalf of Friends of Ladybrook Valley Cheadle Hulme for a grant of £1000 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation towards the cost of installing a noticeboard at the Sandringham Road Bridge to increase awareness of the group and its activities, the plans for Sandringham Field and historical information. Further, towards the cost of leather riggers and gauntlets to protect volunteers from brambles and nettles.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Ladybrook Valley Cheadle Hulme for a grant of £1000 from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation towards the cost of installing a noticeboard at the Sandringham Road Bridge to increase awareness of the group and its activities, the plans for Sandringham Field and historical information. Further, towards the cost of leather riggers and gauntlets to protect volunteers from brambles and nettles.

To consider an application received from Together Trust for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £500 (£250 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £250 from Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of providing indoor activities suitable for children and young people with autism and complex mental health needs at an upcoming charity fundraising Halloween event.

Sarah Sikora spoke to the application, having previously submitted the application (copies of which had been circulated) on behalf of Together Trust for a grant of £500 (£250 each from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of providing indoor activities suitable for children and young people with autism and complex mental health needs at an upcoming charity fundraising Halloween event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Together Trust for a grant of £500 (£250 each from the Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and the Cheadle West & Gatley ward allocations) towards the cost of providing indoor activities suitable for children and young people with autism and complex mental health needs at an upcoming charity fundraising Halloween event.

To consider an application received from Friends of East Avenue Park for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1000 (Heald Green ward allocation only) towards the cost of installing fitness and gymnastics equipment, for the enjoyment and benefit of the local community.

Councillor Catherine Stuart, in her capacity as a member of the public, spoke to the application, having previously submitted the application (copies of which had been circulated) on behalf of Friends of East Avenue Park for a grant of £1000 from the Heald Green ward allocation towards the cost of installing fitness and gymnastics equipment, for the enjoyment and benefit of the local community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of East Avenue Park for a grant of £1000 from the Heald Green ward allocation towards the cost of installing fitness and gymnastics equipment, for the enjoyment and benefit of the local community.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

No development applications were submitted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & 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 & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcement within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The Chair provided an update on Gatley Golf Club:

‘Members and members of the public will be aware that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee refused planning application DC/081468 for development at Gatley Golf Club in February of this year. Following the publication of the agenda for this meeting, the Council has received confirmation that an appeal against that decision has been made, and that there will be a 6-day Public Inquiry beginning on 26th November 2024. Letters were sent to interested parties (those who had commented on the original application) last week to advise of this, and to invite them to submit any further comments to the Planning Inspectorate.’

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

As part of its work programme, the Constitution Working Party has been examining the current range of delegations to area committees and other associated matters. This follows a request made by the Working Party that further consideration be given to:-

(a)      the remit of area committees including models of area governance implemented in other localities;

(b)      the current workload of area committees including agenda and meeting length;

(c)      arrangements for the chairing of area committees; and

(d)      venues for area committees.

The Working Party considered this report and requested that it be submitted to area committees to consult members on their views on the current operation of area committees. 

The comments of area committees will be collated and submitted to the Working Party to assist it in making any recommendations for change.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Constitution Working Party (copies of which had been circulated) which sought member views on the current operation of Area Committees. 

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members supported the rotating of the Area Committee Chair by ward, either by local convention or being codified within the council’s constitution.

·         It was felt that a further consideration should be given to ensure that members arrived at balanced decisions in relation to planning applications, and specifically, to ensure balanced discussions when applications drew large public attendance at Area Committee meetings. The importance of the Area Committee arriving at prompt and right decisions and recommendations was stressed.

·         It was felt important that Area Committee meetings continued to be held in community venues so that meetings were accessible for local people.

·         It was noted that some Area Committees had 4 wards, whilst others had two; it was felt that Area Committees could be regularised, and it was suggested that population figures be taken into account.

·         The report was praised for demonstrating the breadth of the work of the council.

·         It was requested that matters usually reserved for consideration by the Area Committee at the first meeting of the municipal year, be considered sooner e.g., mid-year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods.

The report provides an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme. It shares information on progress across the programme since the last update in January 2024 with steps for key elements to become operational and integration of practise to take place.

The Area Committee is recommend to:-

(1) Note the report and engage in upcoming Neighbourhood Network meetings.

(2) Comment on the programme as it continues to develop.

(3) Request further updates on the programme at a frequency to be agreed.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson on 07800 617 588 or email carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The report detailed information on progress across the programme since the last update in January 2024 and included steps for key elements of the programme to become operational and integration of practice to take place.

·         Members received information on the developing ‘neighbourhood profile’ for the Cheadle area; overall, there were 7 ‘neighbourhoods’ for the borough. The profiles formed an important part of the programme’s progress.

·         Case studies from the work of the family hubs were requested to enable the Area Committee to measure the early successes of the programme.

·         Health inequalities, young people’s attendance in education and anti-social behaviour were noted as some of the key performance indicators for the programme.

·         It was reported that Gatley Golf Club was no longer an asset, and it was felt that linking in with councillors for local knowledge was important in keeping the dataset as up to date to possible.

·         It was noted that data from Stockport Homes Group in relation to social housing was incorporated into the tool.

·         It was suggested that quarterly updates on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme be provided to the Area Committee. Members were keen to see how the tool would help to inform decisions being taken by the council.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That quarterly updates on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme be provided to the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report sets out the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on the junction of Brown Lane/Styal Road and Elmsleigh Road/Styal Road in Heald Green.

The Area Committee is recommended to request the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to the legal advertising of the following TRO:

No Waiting at Any Time

Styal Road, Heald Green – Northeast Side

From a point 10 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Elmsleigh Road to point 10 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Elmsleigh Road.

Styal Road, Heald Green – Northeast Side

From a point 17 metres north of the northerly kerb line of Brown Lane to a point 10 metres south of the southerly kerb line of Brown Lane

Elmsleigh Road – Both Sides

From its intersection with the northeastern kerb line of Styal Road for 10 metres in an easterly direction.

Brown Lane – Both Sides

From its intersection with the northeastern kerb line of Styal Road for 23 metres in an easterly direction.

and that subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made at a cost of £1,300 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Heald Green ward allocation).

Officer contact: Diane Knight  | diane.knight@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and which sought Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on the junction of Brown Lane/Styal Road and Elmsleigh Road/Styal Road in Heald Green.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the TRO, and that subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order be made at a cost of £1,300 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Heald Green ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the supply and installation of 1 no. Middleton style bollard on Schools Hill, Cheadle, to prevent motorists from driving their vehicles along the footway to avoid queuing traffic turning right on Wilmslow Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to request the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services gives approval to the installation of 1 no. Middleton style bollard at a cost of £1,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Diane Knight  | diane.knight@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought Cabinet Member approval for the supply and installation of 1 no. Middleton style bollard on Schools Hill, Cheadle, to prevent motorists from driving their vehicles along the footway to avoid queuing traffic turning right on Wilmslow Road.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the installation of 1 no. Middleton style bollard at a cost of £1,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report seeks approval for the supply and installation of 3 no. Ashton bollards on Elm Road at the junction with Church Road, Gatley, to prevent motorists from parking their vehicles on the footway causing an obstruction for pedestrians.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the installation of the Ashton style bollards at a cost of £1,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation).

Officer contact: Diane Knight  | diane.knight@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which sought Area Committee approval for the supply and installation of 3 no. Ashton bollards on Elm Road at the junction with Church Road, Gatley, to prevent motorists from parking their vehicles on the footway causing an obstruction for pedestrians.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the installation of Ashton style bollards on Elm Road, Gatley, at a cost of £1,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation).