The Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee convened on Thursday 16 April 2026, addressing a range of community matters including neighbourhood policing, ward flexibility funding applications, and several planning and tree preservation matters. Key decisions included the approval of ward flexibility funding for local groups and the deferral of a decision on a Tree Preservation Order for Oak Drive, Bramhall, pending further clarification.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Damien Luckman, the new Inspector for Stockport West, provided an update on neighbourhood policing. He reported on recent crime statistics, including burglaries, vehicle thefts, and shoplifting incidents across Bramhall, Heald Green, and Cheadle Hulme. Inspector Luckman detailed the police's efforts to tackle these issues through targeted patrols, advice to residents, and ongoing investigations. He also highlighted the challenges of off-road motorcycle use in open land and the implementation of a new anti-social behaviour (ASB) recording system. Councillors raised concerns about police numbers and the need for proactive policing, particularly in light of upcoming events like the World Cup, which may lead to extended licensing hours. The Inspector assured the committee that a force-wide response was being planned for the World Cup and that efforts were being made to address vacancies within the neighbourhood policing teams.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee considered several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Friends of Bramall Hall & Park received £900 towards the cost of installing three interpretation boards in Bramall Park. These boards will provide information about the Walled Garden, the Rock Garden, and a general park map, enhancing the visitor experience.
• Friends of Cheshire Theatre School were granted £40 from the Bramhall South & Woodford Ward allocation to contribute towards the costs for 19 young dancers representing Team England at the Dance World Cup in Dublin.
• Friends of Shahnameh received £890 towards their annual Commemoration Day of Ferdowsi festival. The funding will support venue hire, speaker costs, and technical support for the event, which aims to promote cultural exchange and community cohesion.

Development Applications

45 Cheadle Road, Cheadle Hulme

The committee considered a planning application for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the erection of four detached dwellings at 45 Cheadle Road. Despite numerous objections from local residents concerning highway safety, parking, overlooking, and the impact on a service strip for United Utilities, the recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement for open space contributions.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the potential impact on a United Utilities service strip, which runs beneath the proposed development site. Objectors, including Mr. Andrew Briggs, raised concerns that the plans did not adequately account for this infrastructure, potentially compromising future access for maintenance and repair. While planning officers stated that such matters were civil and not material planning considerations, councillors expressed reservations. Councillor Holloway proposed, and Councillor Meal seconded, that the application be referred to Planning and Highways for further detailed investigation, including a site visit, due to the unresolved issues surrounding the service strip, access, and overlooking. This proposal was agreed by a majority vote.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Oak Drive, Bramhall

The committee discussed a proposed Tree Preservation Order for Oak Drive, Bramhall. Objections had been raised by residents regarding the ownership of several trees, although all parties agreed that the trees should be protected. The officer recommended re-issuing and confirming the TPO in its existing form, as the regulations do not require pinpoint accuracy in plotting trees. However, Councillor Crossan proposed, and Councillor Meal seconded, that the decision be deferred until after the determination of nearby development applications to avoid any perception of impropriety. This proposal was agreed.

Dairy House Farm, Woodford

The committee considered a Tree Preservation Order for Dairy House Farm, Woodford. An objection was received from the landowner regarding the extent of the proposed woodland protection, citing health and safety concerns and the presence of wartime concrete structures. Following site visits and discussions, the officer recommended re-issuing and confirming the most recent form of the TPO, which best reflects the trees worthy of protection. This recommendation was agreed.

Richard Street, Woodford

A Tree Preservation Order for woodland at Richard Street, Woodford, was discussed. An objection was received from the landowner regarding the extent of the protected woodland, proposing an amendment to exclude an area containing disused buildings and caravans. The officer recommended amending the TPO to reflect this more accurate extent of the woodland. Councillor Wyatt proposed, and Councillor Jones seconded, that the current TPO be accepted as amended, but that the officer be requested to review and bring back a revised TPO that covers the entirety of the originally proposed area. This was agreed.

Park Use Application

Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club Circus

The committee recommended granting permission for the Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club to hold their annual Summer Circus in the Walled Garden at Bramhall Park on 16 August 2026. The approval is subject to the event organiser providing all necessary paperwork, including licences, health and safety documentation, insurance, and a traffic management plan, at least two weeks prior to the event.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee noted the report on the progress of area committee decisions, which provided an update on various ongoing matters and the status of area flexibility funding.

Chair's Announcements and Farewell

Councillor Alex Wynne, Chair of the committee, announced that this was his last meeting as Chair. He thanked Councillor Suzanne Wyatt, who is retiring from the council after over 30 years of service, for her contributions, particularly her previous role as Chair. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 18 June 2026, at which a new chair would be elected.