Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2025.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 March 2025 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 Interests

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 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: Jacqueline Kramer 0161 474 2978 | jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for 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, Delegated Budget and Ward Discretionary Budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The following announcements were made:

·         A series of community events relating the New Years Eve 2024 flooding were due to take place with the aim of hearing concerns, providing information and discussion on a way forward. The first event was due to take place at Trinity Church on 9 April 2025 between 3 and 7pm, the second was due to be held at Gatley Hill on 14 May 2025 and the third event was due to be held at Merseyway Innovation Centre on 12 June 2025.

·         The annual Ram Roast was due to be held on 3 May 2025 and would include a procession from Brooklyn Park along Wilmslow Road and in to Cheadle to Abney Park. Rolling road closures would be in effect along the route between 1:15pm and 2:15pm.

·         This was the last meeting of the Cheadle Area Committee at which Councillor Hunter would be the Chair. Councillor Hunter stated that it had been a privilege to be Chair of the Area Committee and had enjoyed working with other members of the committee to meet the challenges presented throughout the year.

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 within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

No 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 answer any questions from councillors or members of the public in relation to neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Cheadle Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was reported that PC Meah had joined the Heald Green Neighbourhood Team in January 2025 and would be meeting with Heald Green Ward Councillors. Two vacancies remained on the team and recruitment was ongoing.

·         Burglaries were reported to have remained low in the area covered by the Area Committee. Two had taken place in Queens Gardens in Cheadle and the police would be speaking to Stockport Homes regarding increasing security.

·         Operation Finland had been launched in the area and sought to prevent and detect inquisitive crime; this covered crimes such as burglary, robbery, vehicle crime. PCSOs were leading a number of community events in the area and using DNA kits to mark bikes and general property in the event of theft. This process made it easier to identify offenders and link them to offences.

·         In the week of 5 and 12 May 2025, Operation Finland would also target retail crime and would employ covert and overt tactics to target prolific shoplifters in the area.

·         Members asked what measures retailers could take to reduce loss. It was stated that the police loss prevention team could advise retailers on the use of security tags, employment of security guards and stock placement.

·         In relation to drugs, the aim was to carry out one warrant per month. Following Operation Avro, a cannabis farm had been located in Cheadle North and two individuals arrested in connection with that.

·         Members and residents were advised of a drug which had recently come to the attention of the police in Stockport called Lean which was reported to be a purple coloured drink containing a mixture of Codeine, antihistamine and cough syrup which could be fatal when mixed with alcohol; it was found to have been sold to children in takeaways.

·         Off road bikes and e-scooters were an ongoing issue and officers were being deployed with selector spray to address this issue. Members of the public were encouraged to report off-road bikes and e-scooters either anonymously or directly to Greater Manchester Police.

·         It was asked how officers were able to use the DNA spray on bikes, to which it was clarified that equipment was used to spray from a greater distance

·         The ongoing parking issues in Heald Green were being addressed through the use of Fixed Penalty Notices, police collaboration with the council and varying shift patterns for PCSOs in the area to ensure coverage during peak times.

·         In response to a question relating to parking issues at two premises on Finney Lane, it was stated that police had patrolled the area and had issued tickets and had asked Members to share any further information. Members thanked officers for their work, in combating parking issues in Heald Green and in reassuring the residents of Queens Gardens.

·         Members welcomed the increase in the rate of crimes solved and the reduction in crime in the area. Bee in the Loop was being used to publicise the successes of the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

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.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application received from Be / Here MCR CIC for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £670 (£71 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of equipment and promotion for mental health workshops for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Be / Here MCR CIC for a grant of £71 (£71 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of equipment and promotion for mental health workshops for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Be / Here MCR CIC for a grant of £71 (£71 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North ward allocation) towards the cost of equipment and promotion for mental health workshops for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

To consider an application received from Pixies Cheer for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Fund (£71.42 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £35.71 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Pixies Cheer for a grant of £107.13 from the Ward Flexibility Fund (£71.42 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £35.71 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Pixies Cheer for a grant of £107.13 from the Ward Flexibility Fund (£71.42 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £35.71 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

There are currently no development applications to consider.

No development applications were submitted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 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 Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a request for the allocation of £5,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Cheadle West & Gatley) to fund the development of an action plan for Cheadle District Centre.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £5,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Cheadle West & Gatley) for Rise to carry out the work detailed in sections 3.2 and Appendix A.

Officer contact: Helen Walters 0161 474 3734 | helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of £5,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Cheadle West & Gatley) to fund the development of an action plan for Cheadle District Centre.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was stated that the first Cheadle Bites and Beats event was due to take place on 2 May 2025 with a view to this becoming a monthly event on the first Friday of each month featuring live music and special offers from hospitality venues.

·         On Monday, 24 June 2025 a Cheadle Business Support Hub was due to take place at Cheadle Library. This would offer advice to businesses from support agencies on areas including branding, marketing and staffing costs.

·         In response to a question about whether the action plan was likely to focus on the future steps for the District Centre, it was reported that a timeline would be developed for projects to aid the development of Cheadle District Centre. Members requested an update on the progress of the action plan at a future meeting of this Area Committee.

·         The £5,000 grant would include funding for research conducted through workshops with businesses to better understand their needs.

·         Members expressed thanks to the District Centre Manager for the work undertaken at Cheadle District Centre.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be recommended to approve the allocation of £5,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Cheadle West & Gatley) for Rise to carry out the work detailed in sections 3.2 and Appendix A of the report.

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

The report provides the latest update on Stockport Live Well building on the report brought in September 2024 on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme, specifically neighbourhood profiles.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1) Comment upon and note the report; and

(2) Provide local advice to the development of the networks in particular to suggest venues for future network meetings.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson | carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the latest update on Stockport Live Well building on the report brought in September 2024 on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme, specifically neighbourhood profiles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members welcomed the report with a particular focus on the concept of “Every Contact Counts” and the aim to conduct warm conversations with residents.

·         It was reported that refresher event relating to the Neighbourhood Profiles could be held for the benefit of Members.

·         In terms of the numbers and scope of services available for residents, it was stated that a training programme for staff was being developed to ensure a baseline knowledge of services and how to best direct residents to the most appropriate service.

·         Members asked how the work of the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme could be best be disseminated to residents. It was reported that the aim of the programme was to provide resident with the knowledge about where and how to access support within their community and to provide council staff with the knowledge to direct residents to the most appropriate services.

·         Members stated they would like to see Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector included in the Neighbourhood Network; it was reported that VCFSE sector would co-chair meetings of the Network.

·         Members referred those community organisations which would benefit from direct outreach but were unable to attend network meetings during the working day. In response it was stated that a priority of the network was to be inclusive and it could explore the potential for evening meetings alongside other methods of engagement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the results of a consultation process on the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Phase 2 – Massie Street Cycle Cut Through including proposals for a new segregated cycle track.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the proposed scheme and the legal advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders as shown on Drawing 5224/ 06/ F/ TRO and contained in Appendix B, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made.

Officer contact: Nick Wheelan 0161 474 4907 | nick.wheelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing the results of a consultation process on the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Phase 2 – Massie Street Cycle Cut Through including proposals for a new segregated cycle track.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The proposed work was an important piece of the active travel network and would be key in linking the network.

·         The proposed cycle cut through would allow younger people and inexperienced cyclists to grow their confidence by using the route.

·         Concerns were raised about the number of residents who had participated in the survey and the loss of EV charger parking spaces.

·         The cut through would be funded through the Integrated Transport Block scheme.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposed scheme and the legal advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders as shown on Drawing 5224/ 06/ F/ TRO and contained in Appendix B, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the orders can be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on the amount of funding remaining for each ward in the Stockport CAN Seed Fund for the Cheadle area and asks that the Area Committee determine the application for funding.

The Area Committee is requested to:

(1)  note the report; and

(2)  determine the application for funding received from Friends of Abney Hall Park Group for a grant of £255 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Cheadle West and Gately ward allocation) towards the costs for four more half days of pruning delivered by Manchester Fruit Tree Coop.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the amount of funding remaining for each ward in the Stockport CAN Seed Fund for the Cheadle area and asked that the Area Committee determine the application for funding.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application for funding received from Friends of Abney Hall Park Group for a grant of £255 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund (Cheadle West and Gately ward allocation) towards the costs for four more half days of pruning delivered by Manchester Fruit Tree Coop.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from Heald Green Events Committee to hold a VE Day Celebration on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May 2025 at Outwood Playing Fields between midday and 7 pm, with access required before and after the event to set up and take down.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer contact: James Collins 07536 118 771 | james.collins@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated)  detailing an application from Heald Green Events Committee to hold a VE Day Celebration on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May 2025 at Outwood Playing Fields between midday and 7 pm, with access required before and after the event to set up and take down.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Heald Green Events Committee to hold a VE Day Celebration on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May 2025 at Outwood Playing Fields between midday and 7 pm, subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application from the Gatley Festival Committee to hold the Gately Festival on Sunday, 6 July 2025 at William Scholes – Gately Hill between 11 am and 6 pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the application subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.

Officer contact: James Collins 07536 118 771 | james.collins@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Gatley Festival Committee to hold the Gately Festival on Sunday, 6 July 2025 at William Scholes – Gately Hill between 11 am and 6 pm.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Gatley Festival Committee to hold the Gately Festival on Sunday, 6 July 2025 at William Scholes – Gately Hill between 11 am and 6 pm subject to the event organisers obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least two weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation and insurance certificates.