The Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee met on Thursday, 10 September 2026, approving funding for local community projects and a traffic regulation order. The committee also discussed neighbourhood policing, planning reforms, and deferred a decision on a 20mph speed limit zone.

Neighbourhood Policing

Inspector Damien Lutman of Greater Manchester Police provided an update on policing in the area. He reported on a recent increase in burglaries, with 15 incidents recorded between June and September 2026, and noted that these were generally opportunistic. Theft of motorcycles from sheds and outbuildings remains a concern, and residents were urged to ensure their properties are secure. The Inspector also highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, particularly around Station Road in Cheadle Hulme and in open spaces, with work being undertaken in partnership with the Council and other agencies. Concerns were raised by councillors about anti-social behaviour at Woodford Recreation Ground and around the Meadway car parks in Bramhall, with requests made for PACT meetings and increased enforcement. Inspector Lutman emphasised the importance of residents reporting incidents through official channels, such as the online portal, 101, or 999, to ensure they are logged and can be used as evidence for resource allocation. He also addressed concerns about speeding and dangerous driving on the A555, encouraging residents to report incidents to aid future enforcement.

Community Engagement and Funding

The committee approved three applications for Ward Flexibility Funding. Greening Up Cheadle Hulme received £400 towards the cost of installing and maintaining new planters outside Pimlotts Butchers near the train station. The Oak Meadow Focus Group was granted £300 to support community events like a Scarecrow Trail and Halloween event. The Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy received £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the creation of a piece of artwork and information boards to commemorate local veterans.

Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation Implementation

The committee considered a report detailing significant changes to the council's planning decision-making arrangements, driven by government reforms. These reforms include a national scheme of delegation, gateway tests for referring applications to the Planning Committee, and changes to the role of Area Committees and public speaking arrangements. Councillors expressed concern about the reduction in opportunities for residents to address Area Committees on planning matters, although the ability for residents to speak at the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee was welcomed. There was a suggestion that residents should be able to speak at both committees if applications were circulated for comment, and that speaking times might need to be extended for significant applications. It was clarified that public speaking on planning applications at Area Committees would be removed under the new arrangements, though further clarification was sought on whether Chairs could still invite public contributions. The report was noted by the committee.

Traffic Regulation Order - Dalston Drive, Bramhall

The committee approved the legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for Dalston Drive, Bramhall. This order will introduce 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions (double yellow lines) at the junctions of Dalston Drive with Whitehaven Road and Langdale Road. The decision, costing £1,450 to be funded from the Bramhall South and Woodford ward allocation, aims to improve visibility and safety, particularly around local schools, following consultation with residents and key stakeholders, all of whom expressed support for the measures.

20mph Speed Limit Zone – Chedlee Drive Estate, Cheadle Hulme

Consideration of the proposed 20mph speed limit zone for the Chedlee Drive Estate and Eden Park Estate was deferred to a future meeting. This decision was made due to the absence of a Highways officer to present the report and answer members' questions, which were deemed important before a decision could be taken. Councillor Peter Crossen noted his support for 20mph zones in principle but raised concerns about potential street clutter from excessive signage, which he wished to discuss further.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions made at previous meetings, the current position on area flexibility funding, and the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to Inspector Damien Lutman for his attendance and comprehensive report.