Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 10 September 2024 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.

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 Assistant Director of 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Chair congratulated Councillor Huma Khan following her election on 17 October 2024.

The following announcements were made:

·         Agenda item 10 ‘Cheadle Hulme Garden and Allotments Asset of Community Value Nomination’ and agenda item 11 ‘Highfield Park Asset of Community Value Nomination’ related to the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee agenda, and it was proposed that these agenda items be withdrawn.

·         It was proposed that agenda item 13 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders & Moving Traffic Regulation Orders on the Bloor Homes Development, Heald Green (Foxcote Estate)’, agenda item 14 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle’ and agenda item 15 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - Greenway Road and Surrounding Roads’ be considered immediately following agenda item 7, to facilitate member discussion on these items of business.

·         Remembrance Sunday events were scheduled to take place on Sunday 10 November 2024, in Cheadle, Gatley and Heald Green.

·         The Cheadle Village Partnership was scheduled to meet on Monday 4 November at 7pm in the Upper Room, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – (1) That agenda item 10 ‘Cheadle Hulme Garden and Allotments Asset of Community Value Nomination’ and agenda item 11 ‘Highfield Park Asset of Community Value Nomination’ be withdrawn from the agenda.

(2) That agenda item 13 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders & Moving Traffic Regulation Orders on the Bloor Homes Development, Heald Green (Foxcote Estate)’, agenda item 14 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle’ and agenda item 15 ‘Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - Greenway Road and Surrounding Roads’ be considered immediately following agenda item 7.

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.

Sergeant Matt Delaney (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to provide an update and answer questions in relation to neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was noted that there had been an increase in incidents of violence and hate-related crimes in recent months, with the neighbourhood policing team working to provide visibility and reassurance to the community.

·         An update was provided on crime in the local area which included but not limited to, a decrease in burglaries, a cannabis seizure, parking issues, anti-social behaviour and retail theft.

·         It was reported that off-road bikes continued to cause disruption. Individuals had been identified in connection with vehicle thefts and had been charged or were under investigation and stolen mopeds had been recovered.

·         It was noted that neighbourhood policing was intelligence led, with members of the public encouraged to report issues or suspicious behaviour directly to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

·         It was reported that there would be extra police presence in the community during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, with residents encouraged to be vigilant as the nights grew longer.

·         Members asked whether updates from the neighbourhood policing team could be shared on social media, for the benefit of the community. In response, it was stated that updates and information were provided on the “Be In The Loop” website.

·         Members expressed thanks to the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Cheadle Hulme North area for their recent work in the area.

·         It was reported that recruitment to the vacant PCSO post was ongoing.

·         Members asked whether recent incidents of racist graffiti in the area correlated with any police intel. In response, it was stated that a whilst there had been a general rise in hate incidents, there did not appear to be an obvious rise in graffiti.

·         Members asked when the Speedwatch scheme was likely to be launched in wards other than Heald Green. It was reported that the area was selected as a destination for the scheme as it was identified as ‘high priority’. It was advised that the scheme would move to other areas in the future according to feedback and concerns raised by councillors and residents. The roll-out would be affected by the training of volunteers and carrying out of risk assessments.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Delaney be thanked for his attendance.

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.

A representative of the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance reported that 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 S.E.A Social Events Activities for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £26.31 (£17.54 from Cheadle West & Gatley and £8.77 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Social Events Activities (S.E.A) for a grant of £26.31 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£17.54 from the Cheadle West & Gatley and £8.77 from the Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Social Events Activities for a grant of £26.31 from the Ward Flexibility Funding budget (£17.54 from the Cheadle West & Gatley and £8.77 from the Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.

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 application 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 Director for Place Management 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. 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 Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Proposed change of use from dwelling (C3) to a residential care home (C2) to provide accommodation for a maximum of three young people. 

The Area Committee is recommended to grant permission, subject to conditions and informatives as per the officer's report. 

Officer contact: Dominic Harvey 0161 474 3544 | dominic.harvey@stockport.gov.uk  

In respect of plan DC/092780 for the proposed change of use from dwelling (C3) to a residential care home (C2) to provide accommodation for a maximum of three young people at Greenhythe Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, Stockport, SK8 3NS.

RESOLVED – (1) That the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee for determination in light of the Area Committee’s concerns around the potential risk to young people due to the proximity of the development to ongoing anti-social behaviour issues at a nearby retail unit, concerns around parking and the Children’s Commissioning Team’s request that permission be refused.

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to anti-social behaviour at a nearby retail unit and concerns around parking.

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 of 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks Cabinet Member approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (Appendix A) and Moving Traffic Regulation Orders (Appendix B) on the Bloor Homes Development, Heald Green (Foxcote Estate). 

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A and Moving Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix B and, that subject to no objections being made within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made.  

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan 0161 474 4409 | nicola.ryan@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 Traffic Regulation Orders and Moving Traffic Regulations Orders on the Bloor Homes Development, Heald Green (Foxcote Estate).

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was reported that members had met with residents and officers in an attempt to find a resolution to concerns raised during the consultation period.

·         The double yellow lines would be paid for by Bloor Homes, as was standard procedure as part of a Section 106 agreement.

·         It was advised that the orders would differ from arrangements on surrounding pre-existing roads, as the new roads were subject to different regulations.

·         It was stated that the double yellow lines could not be moved further due to loops and traffic lights being installed on the roads.

It was then:

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders at Appendix A and Moving Traffic Regulations Orders at Appendix B and, that subject to no objections being made within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ on Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle. 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a total cost of £4,000, to be funded from the Cheadle West & Gatley and Cheadle Hulme North & Cheadle East Delegated Ward Budgets). 

Officer contact: Diane Knight 07929777412 | 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 Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ on Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Demmings Road and Brookfield Road, Cheadle, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a total cost of £4,000, to be funded from the Cheadle West & Gatley and Cheadle Hulme North & Cheadle East Delegated Ward Budgets). 

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management. 

The report details findings of a consultation exercise and seeks Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time' on Greenway Road and nearby surrounding roads in Heald Green. 

The Area Committee is requested to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Greenway Road and nearby surrounding roads, Heald Green, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a cost of £6,550, to be funded from the Discretionary Ward Budget (Heald Green ward allocation)). 

Officer contact: Diane Knight 07929777412 | 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 Area Committee approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time' on Greenway Road and nearby surrounding roads in Heald Green.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A) on Greenway Road and nearby surrounding roads, Heald Green, and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the order be made (at a cost of £6,550, to be funded from the Discretionary Ward Budget (Heald Green ward allocation)). 

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

The report details the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area and seeks the views of the Area Committee in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review. 

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) detailing the current and proposed polling arrangements within the area and sought the views of the Area Committee in order to inform the 2024 Polling District Review.

Some members were not in support of the proposed change for polling station HG4 and were concerned about the location of the proposed site (Cheadle Muslim Association) on a busy main road at the edge of the ward boundary, where public transport serving the site was limited. It was noted that comments had already been fed back to officers in relation to this proposal. However, it was also felt that the building was fit for purpose for use as a polling station, as it was modern, spacious and had ample parking provision at the site for voters. Further, that it was important to move away from using schools as polling stations due to the risk of disruption to children’s education.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Finance (Interim Section 151 Officer). 

The report provides an update on the financial standing of the Trust as at 30 September 2024. 

The Area Committee is recommended to: 

a)    Note the contents of this report; 

b)   Decide upon the amount of funding to be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2024/25;  

c)    Advise as to any changes in the investment policies adopted that they wish to make. As a reminder, the investment policies are: 

·         To maintain the value of the Trust in real terms before considering any distribution, and 

·         To reinvest the dividends received in relation to the Investment Fund back into that Investment Fund. 

d)   Approve the proposed additional guidelines for the distribution of monies from the Trust: 

·         Not to permit retrospective grant applications, and  

·         An upper limit of £5,000 be placed on the amount that can be applied for by applicants. 

Officer contact: Paula McDonald 0161 474 4708 | paula.mcdonald@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Finance (Interim Section 151 Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the financial standing of the Trust as at 30 September 2024.

The Chair outlined several proposed additional guidelines for the distribution of monies from the Trust for the Area Committee to consider:

·         Whether the fund be used to provide seed money and/or support infrastructure for the running of projects as opposed to supporting one-off events and/or activities.

·         Whether or not organisations could submit more than one application within a certain time-period, for example, a 12-month or 2-year period.

·         Whether to stipulate that applications should aim to benefit the wider community and not solely benefit a particular group and/or have a very limited number of beneficiaries.

Member were in support of the additional guidelines except for the proposed restriction on funding one-off events and/or activities, as it was felt that this provision could limit the effectiveness of the fund in benefitting the wider community.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the amount of funding to be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2024/25 be confirmed at £25,000.

(3) That the adopted investment policies be maintained.

(4) That the following additional guidelines for the distribution of monies from the Trust be agreed:

·         That retrospective grant applications not be permitted.

·         That an upper limit of £5,000 be placed on the amount that could be applied for by applicants.

·         That no more than one application from a group would be considered in any two-year period.

·         That applications should aim to benefit the wider community and not solely benefit a particular group and/or have a very limited number of beneficiaries.

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

The Area Committee is requested to appoint councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the council at the Remembrance Day Services at Cheadle, Gatley and Heald Green War Memorials on Sunday 10 November 2024.

Officer contact: Charlotte Douglass 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.douglass@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee appoint councillors to lay wreaths at the Cheadle, Gatley and Heald Green Remembrance Day services on Sunday 10 November 2024.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the council on Sunday 10 November 2024:

Cheadle – Councillor Mike Newman

Gatley – Councillor Graham Greenhalgh

Heald Green – Councillor Anna Charles-Jones