The Central Stockport Area Committee convened on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with Councillor Jon Byrne elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting. Key discussions included a significant reduction in crime rates reported by Inspector Jason Holmwood, a petition from Maitland Street residents concerning traffic issues, and an update from Stockport Homes Group on their performance and deep-dive reports for Edgeley and Brinnington. The committee also approved several ward flexibility funding applications and made recommendations on traffic regulation orders and a proposed residential development.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Jason Holmwood of the Stockport Neighbourhood Central Policing team provided a positive update on crime trends in Stockport. He reported a 1.9% reduction in residential burglaries and a significant 39.4% decrease in personal robberies over the past 12 months. Vehicle crime also saw a 15.2% reduction. Inspector Holmwood highlighted the arrest of two suspects following the recovery of an e-bike and two stolen motorbikes, and noted the successful use of live facial recognition technology in the town centre, which led to two arrests for breaches of sexual harm prevention orders. He also mentioned recent warrants executed in the Edgeley area related to drug supply, and ongoing work through Operation Vulcan in Brinnington, which has resulted in numerous arrests and significant drug seizures. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding car cruising in Edgeley and anti-social behaviour at Woodbank Hall, with assurances given that these issues would be addressed.

Petition Regarding Traffic on Maitland Street

Adele May presented a petition signed by 81 residents of Maitland Street, Offerton, expressing deep concern over the increasing volume and speed of traffic using the residential road as a cut-through. Residents reported damage to parked vehicles, frequent traffic standoffs, near misses with pedestrians, and difficulties when unloading shopping due to speeding vehicles. The petition requested measures such as blocking Windermere Road to create a cul-de-sac, introducing a one-way system, installing speed bumps, and reducing the speed limit to 10 mph with clearer signage. Councillor Paul Wright, Chair of the Central Stockport Area Committee, acknowledged the concerns and stated that a formal response from council officers would be provided. An automatic traffic count on Windermere Road had provided baseline data, and discussions were ongoing with highways officers regarding potential solutions. The petition was formally accepted by the committee.

Stockport Homes Group Update and Deep Dives

Anila Khalid, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods at Stockport Homes, and Paul Worthington, Director of Property, presented an update on Stockport Homes' performance, including deep-dive reports for Edgeley and Brinnington. The reports highlighted areas of strength in community engagement but also identified needs for improvement in complaints handling, communication, and repairs. Anila Khalid noted that action plans were being developed to address these weaknesses, and that cladding application updates were progressing with improved dialogue with the Building Safety Regulator. Councillor Karl Wardlaw expressed concern about the number of tower blocks requiring remediation, and the report detailed efforts to increase self-referrals to money advice services to address arrears. Councillor Asa Caton suggested that detailed discussions on the deep-dive reports be held in separate meetings with Stockport Homes, rather than during the main Area Committee meeting, to allow for more in-depth consideration. This proposal was agreed, with headline findings to be reported back to the Area Committee. Councillor Matt Wynne raised concerns about water issues at Victoria Park and the need to spotlight smaller, isolated estates. He also expressed concern about the affordability of social housing, noting that a significant percentage of residents struggled to afford their rent. Stockport Homes confirmed that rents were kept low compared to other social landlords and that service charges were carefully reviewed.

Ward Flexibility Funding Applications

The committee considered several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy received £200 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of creating a piece of artwork and information boards to commemorate Stockport's Normandy veterans. John and Christine Wright presented the application, highlighting the group's work in schools to educate young people about World War II.
• Brinnington Community Savers were granted £605 (from the Brinnington & Stockport Central Ward allocation) towards hosting a combined Annual General Meeting and social event. Vicky Simpson, Treasurer, explained the group's aim to promote financial wellbeing and combat social isolation.
• Positive Arts Stockport had their application for £800 deferred. While the project aimed to support residents with ongoing health struggles through wellbeing activities, the committee requested further information on expenditure and beneficiaries. Authority to determine the application was delegated to the Chief Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer, in consultation with ward members, pending receipt of this information.

Development Application: Land at Tiviot Dale, Stockport

The committee considered a full planning application for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a six-storey building comprising commercial floor space on the ground floor and 29 residential apartments on the upper floors at Land at Tiviot Dale, Stockport. The application was presented as a departure from the development plan due to viability issues preventing contributions to affordable housing, education, and public open space. Officers recommended approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement for a late-stage viability review. Councillor Asa Caton raised concerns about parking provision and the highway's assessment, while Councillor Brian Battle highlighted the significant benefits of the development in regenerating a derelict part of the town centre. The committee recommended that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation Implementation

A report was presented detailing upcoming changes to the planning application decision-making process, including a national scheme of delegation and a cap on planning committee sizes. Councillor Asa Caton expressed concern about the removal of councillors' call-in powers and Area Committee decision-making, fearing it would reduce residents' ability to have their concerns heard. It was clarified that representations could still be made in writing and through ward councillors. Councillor Matt Wynne supported the move towards policy-led decisions but stressed the importance of ward councillors being able to speak at the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee. The committee noted the report and requested that their comments, including support for ward councillors addressing the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee, be forwarded for consideration.

Traffic Regulation Orders and Schemes

Several traffic regulation orders and schemes were approved:

• Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - Clover Avenue and Adswood Road, Adswood: Approval was given for the legal advertising of existing highway features, with a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services for their eventual implementation.
• Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting at Any Time' on Water Street, Portwood: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a 'No Waiting at Any Time' order on Water Street, Portwood, related to the Meadow Mill development. Clarification was sought regarding the consultation process with residents.
• Proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Order – 'Business Permit Holder Parking Bay' on Shaw Heath, Edgeley: The committee recommended approval for the cost of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to create a business permit holder parking bay, aimed at improving the approach to Stockport Railway Station.
• Resident Permit Parking Scheme - Hilton Street, Edgeley: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a Residents Permit Parking scheme on Hilton Street, Edgeley, following a petition from residents and consultation showing strong support. Concerns were raised about the potential for permit numbers to exceed parking capacity.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee noted a report providing an update on the progress of decisions made at previous meetings, including the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding and the Delegated Budget.

St Mary's Way Speed Limit Update

Councillor Jon Byrne requested an update on the previous resolution to investigate reducing the speed limit on St Mary's Way. It was reported that a borough-wide speed limit review was underway, but results would not be available until late next year. Councillor Byrne expressed disappointment at the lack of progress, while Councillor Brian Battle noted that a safety report indicated junction issues, rather than excessive speed, were the primary cause of accidents. The matter was noted and will remain under review pending the outcome of the wider review.