To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.
Minutes:
Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Council.
Six public questions were submitted as follows:-
· Relating to whether in view of the proposed route of the A6 to M60 bypass which would pass next to homes, Dial Park Primary School and the consequent impact it would have on green spaces, Councillor Meikle would oppose the construction of the bypass.
Councillor Wendy Meikle responded that she fully respected the views of those who were opposed to the construction of the bypass. It was further stated that there were other residents who supported its construction in view of their belief that it would alleviate congestion and improve air quality. It was stated that the publication of the Strategic Outline Business Case was only the first step in a very lengthy process in determining whether to proceed further. It was stated that there would be further stages of public consultation should it be decided that the Council wished to pursue the construction of the bypass, the requirement to submit a planning application and a submission for funding to the government. The outcome of each stage of the process was unknown at this stage. Councillor Meikle commented that as a member of both the local area committee and the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee she would be involved in the quasi-judicial process of determining the application and that at this stage she could see both the advantages and disadvantages but would not be able to form a final view until such a stage that a formal planning application including all the necessary information had been submitted.
· Relating to whether Councillor Blair would end his support for the A6 to M60 bypass on the basis that the Business Case predicted an increase in traffic through High lane.
Councillor Kenny Blair responded that the line in the report that referred to increased traffic volumes along the A6 between Hazel Grove and New Mills needed to be read in the context of predicted decreased traffic volumes on the A626 Stockport Road between the A627 and Marple, the B6101 Strines Road between Marple and New Mills; and Windlehurst Road/ Hibbert Lane between High Lane and Marple. It was further commented that the report had also identified that the implementation of the proposed scheme was dependent on the grant of planning permission by Stockport Council, a successful public enquiry to acquire land under the Highways Act, timely procurement of a capable supplier, political backing and funding, successful liaison with local communities, and the successful integration of the scheme with the M60 smart motorway works. Councillor Blair stated that in the light of the above factors, the delivery of the scheme was far from a ‘done deal’, but that it was incumbent on council to explore the possibility as a means of alleviating congestion in the future.
· Relating to whether Councillor Smart would stand up for the people of Offerton, Bredbury Green and Lower Bredbury whose quality of life would suffer as a result of the A6 to M60 bypass in view of Councillor Smart’s opposition to building on the green belt.
Councillor Lisa Smart responded that the quality of life for residents of those areas identified by the question was what drove her views on this issue and that it was her belief that the quality of life for a large number of those residents was suffering as a result of traffic congestion, including the health of those children who attended schools within the locality. Councillor Smart confirmed that in principle she was in favour of the development of the bypass but that she was willing to explore any viable proposition which would alleviate traffic congestion within her ward which did not involve building on green spaces.
· Relating to the statement in the business case for the A6 to M60 bypass that building would start in 2020, and what the next stages were following the publication of the Business Case.
The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) responded that the report had not identified a commencement date, but had rather hypothesised that should building commence in 2020, it would be complete by 2024. It was further commented that a detailed statement had been published alongside the Strategic Outline Business Case on the SEMMMS website which detailed the process that would need to be followed were the Council to progress the scheme further.
· Relating to separate facilities for male and female victims of domestic abuse.
The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that Stockport Without Abuse provided the refuge provision in the Borough and this was a female only facility. Alternatives were offered to male victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Alliance for Positive Relationships offered support for both victims and perpetrators but never in the same place at the same time. There were some interventions for low risk cases where work may be undertaken with the victim and perpetrator together but services always ensure that they were talking to the victim alone to ensure that they were appropriately safeguarded.
· Relating to the £310,000 budget for domestic violence and how this was apportioned to victims and perpetrators.
The Deputy Leader of the Council (Adult Social Care) (Councillor Wendy Wild) undertook to respond to the questioner in writing.