Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 June 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following amendment:-

·         Under ‘Present’ to the addition of ‘Angie Clark’ and ‘Lisa Smart’.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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

In relation to the recent election, the Chair thanked council employees and members of the public who had worked at polling stations and at the vote count, along with those who lent community spaces to the council to be used as polling stations.

The Chair thanked Romiley Traders and those involved in the Romiley Food On Friday event. The Chair stated that it had a great event which had showcased Romiley at its best.

Members of the public were encouraged to take part in the Book Worms project at Bredbury Library, which was working towards clearing older vegetation outside the library.

The Friends of Chadkirk were thanked for their hard work at the Well Dressing event which had taken place the previous weekend. Members of the public were encouraged to visit the site over the coming week.

A representative of the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance announced that a consultation period on the draft Local Plan would take place from 2September to the 28 October 2024. Stakeholders and residents were encouraged to get involved with this consultation. Additionally, it was announced that the Council would hold a number of events and drop-in sessions for residents to learn more about the Local Plan and its policies. Consultation events would be held prior to each of the next meetings of Area Committees and would offer residents a chance to speak directly to planning and other specialist officers.

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.

Three public questions were submitted.

·         In relation to Item 8, the Active Travel Fund.

In response, it was stated that this question would be addressed by an officer during consideration of that item.

·         In relation to parking on grass verges in Dellside, Bredbury.

In response, it was stated that council Highways Officers would be requested to explore whether bollards could be installed to prevent parking on the grass verges, subject to a local consultation.

·         In relation to the cost of a reinstated footpath at Padden Brook.

In response, it was stated that this question would receive a written response.

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

One petition was submitted by Leeann Bentley with 258 signatures in relation to ‘Request for a litter bin along the foot/cycle and bridle pathway behind Bredbury Hall to Pear Mill.’

A representative of the Director of Place Manager stated that a litter bin would be placed on the foot/cycle and bridle pathway behind Bredbury Hall to Pear Mill as requested.

RESOLVED – That the petition and placement of the litter bin be noted.

Representatives from Northern Rail, Transpennine Express and Network Rail will attend the Area Committee to respond to questions about local rail issues.

This item was cancelled due to the availability of rail industry representatives.

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

There were no applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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).

Change of Use and part first floor and two storey rear extension to comprise 16 bed HMO with associated external alterations, bin storage, and car and cycle parking.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Rachel Longden on 0161 474 3643 or email rachel.longden@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan number DC091310 for change of use and part first floor and two storey rear extension to comprise 16 bed HMO with associated external alterations, bin storage, and car and cycle parking at 34 Sandy Lane, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4NH.

A member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Conversion of an existing disused former Church Hall building to form 11 No. apartments, with associated demolition, external alterations and landscaping.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer contact: Rachel Longden on 0161 474 3643 or email rachel.longden@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan number DC083741 for the conversion of an existing disused former Church Hall building to form 11 No. apartments, with associated demolition, external alterations and landscaping at Hatherlow Sunday School, Hatherlow, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 3DR.

A member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (1) That no specific recommendation be made in relation to the determination of the application; and

(2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit in the light of the Area Committee’s concerns in relation to parking.

Development of a Battery Energy Storage System with associated infrastructure, access, drainage features and landscaping.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer contact: Rachel Longden on 0161 474 3643 or email rachel.longden@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan number DC090340 for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System with associated infrastructure, access, drainage features and landscaping at Land North of Clapgate, Brebury Green, Romiley.

A member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: 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 enforcements within the area represented by the Werneth Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report announces the intention to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 4 October 2024 and requests the Area Committee to submit its recommendations for a completed development site within its area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition the Area Committee is asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1) Nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review Tour.

(2) Nominate Members to attend the Annual Review Tour on 4 October 2024.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead on 07800 617 788 or email suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday 4 October 2024.

RESOLVED – (1) That 144 Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport SK6 4EW be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

(2) That the development of the former Cow and Calf Hotel site, Bredbury be nominated as an alternative in the event that it was not possible to visit 144 Compstall Road.

(3) That Councillors Sue Thorpe and Rosemary Barratt be nominated to attend the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on the Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 (ATF4) Romiley project, following the release of funding for delivery at the end of June 2023.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 (ATF4) Romiley project, following the release of funding for delivery at the end of June 2023.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members asked whether temporary traffic lights could be switched off during periods when work was not taking place. In response, Members were advised that temporary traffic lights were contingent on safety and discussions with the contractors for the scheme.

·         Members welcomed work commencing on this project and highlighted the challenges in securing funding from central government.

·         In relation to the timetabling of elements of the project, Members were advised that work on Hatherlow was being carried out before work outside the war memorial because the development of designs for Hatherlow had progressed more quickly. Furthermore, some aspects of the project were more complex and required collaboration with parties such as Transport for Greater Manchester.

·         In order to minimise the impact of roadworks on the local community during construction, consultation had taken place with the Street Works team and work had been prioritised to take place during the school summer holiday when there was less traffic.

·         Members commented that they would prefer excessive advertising of Traffic Regulation Orders to ensure that residents were well informed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the result of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlements (CRSTS) proposals to develop a Quality Bus Transit (QBT) corridor across the 330 bus route between Stockport and Ashton via Hyde and Dukinfield.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services gives approval to the implementation the scheme, legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed within the report and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders can be made.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the result of a consultation on the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlements (CRSTS) proposals to develop a Quality Bus Transit (QBT) corridor across the 330 bus route between Stockport and Ashton via Hyde and Dukinfield.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members were content to support the recommendations proposed within in scheme C and E as detailed within the report.

·         The concerns raised related to tarmacking over green space to create for pathways were noted, however Members commented that desire lines already exist for those proposed pathways.

·         Members noted residents’ concerns related Scheme D, in particular the crossing and waiting restrictions on Stockport Road East and relocation of a bus stop, as well as a removal of parking provision from the front of some resident’s properties.

·         Members proposed that Scheme D be rejected and proposed a crossing at Bredbury Recreational Ground near The Crown Inn as an alternative.

·         Members requested investment in an additional crossing outside Bredbury Medical Centre.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to give approval to the implementation of schemes C and E, legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders detailed within the report and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders can be made.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to refuse scheme D as detailed within the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a traffic survey commissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) at the junction of Stockport Road West and The Broadway, Bredbury.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services gives approval to the costings for a traffic survey commissioned by TfGM at the junction of Stockport Road West and The Broadway, Bredbury.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady at gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed traffic survey commissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) at the junction of Stockport Road West and The Broadway, Bredbury.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to give approval to costings for a traffic survey commissioned by TfGM at the junction of Stockport Road West and The Broadway, Bredbury.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Werneth Area.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider an application for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund received from St Barnabus Church for a grant of £414 from Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation for a pay for energy audit on the church building.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in the Werneth Area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from St Barnabus Church for a grant of £414 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund to pay for an energy audit on the church building (Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation).

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

The report provides an update on delivering Romiley District Centre Action Plan including recent successes and priorities for the next six months.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1)  Note the progress made in delivering projects and events.

(2)  Provide feedback on initial ideas for priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UKSPF which will be discussed with Romiley Vision Group.

Officer contact: Helen Walters on 0161 474 3734 or email 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 on delivering Romiley District Centre Action Plan including recent successes and priorities for the next six months.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members stated that they would like to see funding spent and work completed expeditiously.

·         Concerns were raised in relation to the misuse of parking provision in Romiley; parking facilities had been used in excess of the time limits and there had been parking on pavements.

·         Some residents had proposed that Romiley Precinct should be renamed ‘Sir Ian McKellen Square’.

·         The reduction footfall in the district centre during May and June 2024 was lower than the same period in 2023. The reopening of Romiley Forum was likely to have impacted positively on the district centre. Members commented that the Theatre should be considered an anchor for the area and that repair work should be completed as soon as possible.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Members are requested to give consideration to the venue for future meetings of the Area Committee. 

Members gave consideration to the venue for future meetings of Werneth Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members commented that the current venue was too small and too warm with no air conditioning and noted that there had been security concerns.

·         Area Committees should be held in the communities which they represent.

·         Members did not wish to alternate the venue for Werneth Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance be requested to submit a report to a future meeting giving recommendations for an alternative venue for Werneth Area 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 and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email: jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant 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 Area Committee and the current position on Area Flexibility Funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.