Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2023.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 January 2023 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 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 Legal and Democratic Governance.

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the area committee, and details the current position on ward flexibility funding and delegated budget.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer contact: Charlotte Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting, as well as the current position as to the area flexibility and the delegated budgets. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The following announcements were made:

·         The Chair encouraged those wishing to host King’s Coronation events to consider applying for Ward Flexibility Funding towards supporting events.

·         It was reported that Armed Forces Day was on 24 June 2023 and events were taking place at the Market Place in the Underbanks.

·         Stockport Spring Clean was due to take place on 1 March 2023 and groups taking part were encouraged to contact the council for support with equipment.

·         From 10am on 25March 2023, it was advised that a litter pick (starting outside Café Unity) would be taking place in Heald Green.

·         On 7 May 2023, a Coronation Lunch would be taking place at All Hallows Church between 1pm and 3pm; proceeds from the event would be given to local schools to enable them to provide school lunches in the summer.

·         On 6 May 2023, a Coronation Party would be taking place at Village Hall field, between the hours of 2pm and 9pm.

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.

Two public questions were submitted and would receive written responses in due course.

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

Inspector Martin Baker (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         A number of burglaries had been reported in Cheadle towards the start of the month. Swift action had been taken and three suspects were arrested.

·         It was reported that PSCO Dave Taylor had begun implementing a Speed Watch scheme in Heald Green and ongoing conversations were being held with local ward councillors as to the proposed locations of pilot areas. Following a final assessment, the force would commence interviews and vetting for volunteers. It was expected that the Heald Green scheme would be implemented within the next 6 - 8 weeks. It was noted that two further speed guns had been purchased and would put in place as soon as possible.

·         The police had served travellers in Brentwood Park with a notice to leave the park by 1pm on 8 March 2023.

·         The restructure of neighbourhood policing had been delayed from 6 March 2023 to 20 March 2023. It was noted that, under the new structure, each ward would have a dedicated neighbourhood officer who would act as a dedicated problem-solver for the area, and not undertake other policing duties unless absolutely necessary.

·         Members were advised that staff had undertaken Neighbourhood Management training to assist them in their roles in serving the community.

·         It was queried as to whether the restructure would mean an increase in staffing, and member were advised that staffing numbers would remain the same, however, neighbourhood officers would be more visible and focused on problem-solving in their neighbourhood areas.

·         Councillor Tom Morrison thanked Inspector Baker for the opportunity to spend time working with two officers in Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme North recently. Inspector Baker offered the opportunity to all members of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Baker be thanked for his attendance.

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

A petition was submitted titled “Stop Wilmslow Road Tree Removal (SK8, Heald Green)” regarding the removal of trees to build a cycle path along Wilmslow Road. The petition had 1,766 signatories.

The petition was received by the Area Committee, and the petition organiser was advised that they would receive written response to their petition from the Highways Department in due course.

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 for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £300 (£100 from Cheadle & Gatley, £100 from Cheadle Hulme North, and £100 from Heald Green wards allocation) towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the Kings Coronation.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk for a grant of £300 from the Ward Flexibility Fund budget towards the cost of running a free of charge community fun day for the King’s Coronation following the success of their Jubilee event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Autisk for a grant of £300 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£100 from Cheadle & Gatley, £100 from Cheadle Hulme North, and £100 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of organising a community fun day for the King’s Coronation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 (£47.61 from Cheadle & Gatley, £47.61 from Cheadle Hulme North, and £47.61 from Heald Green wards allocation) towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and to assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 from the Ward Flexibility Fund budget towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and to assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £142.83 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47.61 from Cheadle & Gatley, £47.61 from Cheadle Hulme North, and £47.61 from Heald Green ward allocations) towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and to assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Together Trust for a grant of £1002 (Cheadle & Gatley ward allocation) towards the cost of staging the ‘Join Together Festival’ (an accessible, family-friendly day of celebration including activities, stalls, and performances).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Together Trust for a grant of £1002 from the Cheadle & Gatley ward allocation budget towards the cost of staging the ‘Join together Festival’.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the Together Trust for a grant of £1,002 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£334 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of staging the ‘Join Together Festival’ (an accessible, family-friendly day of celebration including activities, stalls, and performances).

To receive an update from the Clerk 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 Cheadle Area Committee in the monitoring of the effectiveness of the funding.

Officer contact: Charlotte Griffin 0161 474 3235 | charlotte.griffin@stockport.gov.uk

The Area Committee received an update on the on the success and progression of projects which had been in receipt of grant funding from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust in assisting members of the Area Committee in the monitoring of the effectiveness of the funding.

A written report from Cheadle Civic Society on the success of their Picnic in the Park 2022 project was provided. Members welcomed the report and felt that regular reports on projects were important in gaining a sense of the benefit that the funding provided in the local community.

Councillor Anna Charles-Jones provided a verbal update from the applicant on the progression of a project to open a games room at Unity Café in Heald Green:

‘The games room we are opening upstairs has really progressed – but is unfortunately not open! We are officially opening the room on Saturday 1 April 2023. We had a few delays with building works and waiting for the internet provider to install, but everything is now back on track and we are very excited to get this open and running.

The funding from Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust played a huge part in us being able to buy all of the equipment needed to set everything up. I’ve attached a few photos of the how the room stands today. Although we aren’t yet open, we have had some great feedback from our Cafe customers who have shown interest in using and booking the room for parties. The extra income the games room will provide will be a huge support to our community cafe.’

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration. 

The report provides the Area Committee with an update on developing an Action Plan for creating a strong, vibrant and healthy Cheadle District Centre. 

The Area Committee is recommended to: 

(1) note the partnership approach to developing the Cheadle Action Plan;

(2) comment on the actions within the Cheadle Action Plan; and

(3) comment on the allocation of funding to priority projects listed in Section 4.3 of the report.  

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

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update of the development of an action plan for creating a strong, vibrant, and healthy Cheadle District Centre.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         The team were beginning to carry out some of the actions detailed within the plan.

·         A group met on 6 March 2023 to discuss submitting an application for GMCA Flexible Innovation funding in supporting Cheadle to become an accessibility zone.

·         The District Centre Manager was in the process of meeting 10 different funding providers across Stockport to help local groups to access funds in supporting the community.

·         It was suggested that the team explore opportunities around the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in supporting Cheadle Village.

RESOLVED – That the report and partnership approach to developing the Cheadle Action Plan be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services)

(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 Corporate Director 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 Chair outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of existing building and redevelopment of the site to provide 27 residential dwellings with associated access, landscaping and parking provision.

The Area Committee, if minded to grant permission, is requested to refer the applications to the Planning and Highways Regulations Committee with the following recommendations:

(1) to undertake a site visit;

(2) to grant planning permission (with reference to DC/085259) subject to conditions and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement securing the heads of terms as per the report; and

(3) to grant Listed Building Consent (with reference to DC/085260), subject to conditions.

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 01614744405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk  

In respect of applications DC/08529 and DC/085260 regarding the proposed demolition of existing building and redevelopment of the site to provide 27 residential dwellings with associated access, landscaping, and parking provision at 100 Cheadle Royal Hospital, Nurses Home, Wilmslow Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, SK8 3DG,

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to:

(1)  undertake a site visit;

(2)  grant planning permission (with reference to DC/085259) subject to conditions and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement securing the heads of terms as per the report; and

(3)  to grant Listed Building Consent (with reference to DC/085260), subject to conditions.

Demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of nine dwellings with associated access, parking and private amenity space.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure developer contributions toward open space.

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 01614744405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk   

In respect of application DC/086240 regarding the proposed demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of nine dwellings with associated access, parking and private amenity space at 62 Brown Lane, Heald Green, Cheadle, SK8 3RL,

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

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to:

(1)   undertake a site visit in light of the Area Committee’s concerns regarding separation distances, height and drainage; and

(2)   determine application DC/086240 regarding the proposed demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of nine dwellings with associated access, parking and private amenity space at 62 Brown Lane, Heald Green, Cheadle, SK8 3RL.

The replacement of the Kingsway School subway beneath the A34 at the junction of Kingsway, Broadway and Foxland Road.

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

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 01614744405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/086877 for the proposed replacement of the Kingsway School subway beneath the A34 at the junction of Kingsway, Broadway and Foxland Road,

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the officer’s report.

Construction of a new section of highway to the west of the Eden Park roundabout including a segregated bi-directional cycle lane and pedestrian footway, together with associated drainage and landscaping works.

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

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 01614744405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/086881 regarding the proposed construction of a new section of highway to the west of the Eden Park roundabout including a segregated bi-directional cycle lane and pedestrian footway, together with associated drainage and landscaping works at Eden Park Roundabout, Handforth Bypass, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle,

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

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

Proposed erection of garden room to rear garden of existing dwelling house.

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

Officer contact: Rebecca Whitney 01614744405 | rebecca.whitney@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of application DC/087452 for the proposed erection of garden room to rear garden of existing dwelling house at 4 Dingle Grove, Gatley, Cheadle, SK8 4ED,

It was then

RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

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 Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance (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 provides the Area Committee with proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. The report also informs the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application will enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations are in force.    

The Area Committee is requested to consider and note the report.  

Officer Contact: Jonathan Brown 0161 474 4843 | jon.brown@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 for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. The report also informed the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application would enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations were in force.

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 a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (Appendix A), and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made (to be funded from the Cheadle Hulme North Delegated Ward Budget).

Officer contact: Graham O'Connor 0161 474 5057 | graham.oconnor@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 the findings of a consultation exercise and sought cabinet member approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services be recommended to approve the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order at Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made (to be funded from the Cheadle Hulme North Delegated Ward Budget).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise on the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on Platt Street, Cheadle.

The Area Committee is recommended to agree that permit parking restrictions be introduced on Platt Street, Cheadle, in its entirety and in line with support conveyed by the majority of households at consultation. Further, that the permit restrictions be made operational on all days and times of the week to match those of an existing scheme on the adjoining Jackson Street.

Officer contact: Noel Nhengu 07977344015 | noel.nhengu@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 the findings of a consultation exercise on the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on Platt Street, Cheadle.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the introduction of permit parking restrictions on Platt Street, Cheadle, in its entirety and in line with support conveyed by the majority of households at consultation. Further, that the permit restrictions be made operational on all days and times of the week to match those of an existing scheme on the adjoining Jackson Street.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme for Prospect Vale Primary School and seeks Area Committee approval for the introduction of TROs, the implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving, provision of bollards and new school warning signs.

The Area Committee is requested to consider and approve the proposals for the Road Safety around Schools – Prospect Vale Primary School scheme:

1.    the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders set out in Appendix A and shown on Drawing No 0305/63/PV/002 Rev A and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, that the orders be made; and

2.    the implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving, provision of bollards and new school warning signs (to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation).

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks | c.aylmer-shanks@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 the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools Scheme for Prospect Vale Primary School and sought Area Committee approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders, the implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving, provision of bollards and new school warning signs.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the implementation of a Road Safety Around Schools Scheme at Prospect Vale Primary School, including the provision of dropped kerbs with tactile paving, bollards and new school warning signs as detailed in the plan appended to the report; the legal advertisement of the associated package of traffic regulation orders, as detailed in Appendix A to the report; and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders (to be funded from the Road Safety Around Schools programme budget allocation).

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

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has undertaken a review of the council’s electoral arrangements and made recommendations for new warding patterns, to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of the borough’s new warding arrangements is that the existing boundaries of the council’s seven area committees are no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the revised boundaries for area committees and to make a recommendation for consideration by the Cabinet prior to a final decision being made by the Council Meeting on 30 March 2023.

Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: 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) which proposed new warding patterns to be used from the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.  

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was felt that the proposals for minimal change were logical and sensible.

·         Further, that maintaining an Area Committee of three wards was important.

·         It was felt that the Cheadle Area Committee covered a cohesive and interrelated area that should remain, as closely as possible, as it currently was.

·         It was suggested that consideration be given to the arrangements for the management of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be recommended to adopt the revised boundaries for Area Committees as per the report.