The Stepping Hill Area Committee met on Tuesday 28 July 2026, approving funding for several community projects and new traffic regulations. Key decisions included the approval of funding for local community groups, the introduction of School Streets schemes at two primary schools, and the implementation of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions at a key junction in Hazel Grove.

Community Funding Approved

The committee approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding, designed to support local community initiatives. These included:

• S.E.A Social Events Activities: Received £125 towards hosting Seniors Connections sessions aimed at combating loneliness and isolation among older residents.
• See Beyond CIC / Wavers Community Café: Granted £700 to establish a Children's Community Corner / Creative Learning Hub within their existing community café at Offerton Community Centre. This hub will provide a safe space for children and families to engage in creative and educational activities, particularly during school holidays.
• Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain – Stockport branch: Awarded £450 to provide free, community-based English language classes for Ukrainian refugees, focusing on practical skills for daily life and employment.
• Bosden Farm Community Group: Received £1,000 towards the repair and enhancement of community planters, the installation of new planters, and a summer mural workshop open to all residents.

School Streets Scheme Approved

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was approved to introduce a School Streets scheme at St Phillip's Catholic Primary School and Dial Park Primary School in Offerton. This scheme will restrict motorised traffic on Half Moon Lane during school drop-off and pick-up times, with exceptions for residents with permits, emergency vehicles, and essential workers. The aim is to improve road safety, air quality, and encourage walking and cycling to school. Despite mixed consultation responses, the council highlighted measures to address resident concerns regarding access and deliveries.

Traffic Regulation Orders and Infrastructure Improvements

Several traffic management measures were approved:

• Torkington Road & Offerton Road, Hazel Grove: 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions will be introduced at the junction to improve road safety and traffic management. This includes extending restrictions on Offerton Road to consolidate carriageway markings. The cost of £2,775 will be funded from the Hazel Grove Ward Delegated Budget, with a dropped-crossing at the Highfield Road and Torkington Road junction also approved.
• Torkington Road Replacement Bench: Approval was given for the installation of a new bench at the junction of Torkington Road and Hazelwood Road at a cost of £1,562, funded from the Hazel Grove Ward Delegated Budget.
• Christmas Tree for Offerton: Funding of £1,500 was approved from the Offerton Ward Delegated Budget for the installation of a Christmas tree in Offerton for Christmas 2026, following the success of a similar initiative last year.

Development Application Recommendation

The committee considered the development application for Moorfield Primary School (DC098917) in Hazel Grove. The proposal involves the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a new school, including a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) and the installation of Ground Source Heat Pumps. The committee recommended that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission, subject to conditions, a legal agreement for Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring (£11,453.00), and the receipt of necessary documentation regarding Great Crested Newts. The application was noted as a departure from the development plan due to the temporary loss of Local Open Space for a temporary car park during construction.

Other Business

• Stockport Homes Group Update: The committee noted the latest update on Stockport Homes' work and key data.
• Planning Appeal, Enforcement Appeals and Enforcement Notices: The committee noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions and current enforcement actions within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.
• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions made at previous meetings, including the current position on area flexibility funding and highway and traffic management delegated budgets.

The next meeting of the Stepping Hill Area Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026.