The Cheadle Area Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, discussing a range of local issues including neighbourhood policing, funding for community projects, and significant infrastructure proposals. Key decisions included approving funding for youth sports bursaries and a tribute to Normandy veterans, alongside recommendations for highway improvements concerning active travel routes and road safety.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Damien Lutman of Greater Manchester Police provided an update on neighbourhood policing, covering issues such as burglary, parcel theft, and anti-social behaviour. He encouraged residents to report incidents promptly to help identify patterns and allocate resources effectively. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding aggressive begging, illegal e-bikes, police parking on double yellow lines, drug dealing, and vehicles running red lights near Adswood Park. Inspector Lutman committed to addressing these issues with his colleagues or discussing them further outside the meeting. The effectiveness of Crimestoppers and the police's online chat facility for reporting concerns were also discussed, with assurances that all reports are reviewed. A Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting was scheduled for 17 September.

Unauthorised Encampments on Open Spaces

Jane Bardsley, Stockport Council's Thriving Places Neighbourhoods Manager, and Inspector Damien Lutman provided an update on unauthorised encampments at Scholes Playing Fields and Adswood Park. They explained the multi-agency approach involving police, legal, and public health teams to manage these situations, with each encampment assessed individually. Councillors were urged to report anti-social behaviour to the police to build evidence for potential police action. Members expressed a desire for clearer explanations regarding decisions and delays, and supported further consideration of target-hardening measures for green spaces, with councillors willing to use ward budgets to enhance security.

Ward Flexibility Funding Applications

The committee considered two applications for Ward Flexibility Funding.

Inspire Capital Sports CIC received a grant of £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards their sports bursary pilot scheme. This scheme aims to provide financial support to up to four young people in Stockport identified as having sporting potential but facing financial barriers to participation. While the committee supported the initiative's aims, some members felt the application was too broad and requested a clearer focus on beneficiaries within specific wards. Ultimately, a compromise was reached to approve a reduced amount, with the applicant encouraged to reapply to other area committees with a more detailed breakdown.

Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy was granted £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) for a project to create a piece of artwork with accompanying information boards as a tribute to Stockport's Normandy veterans. Members welcomed the proposal, recognising its importance for remembrance and education, and suggested exploring opportunities for personal donations to further support the project.

Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation

Daniel Hewitt, a Planning Officer from Stockport Council, presented a report on upcoming national planning reforms that will change how planning applications are decided. From 31 October 2026, a new national scheme of delegation will come into effect, meaning more minor applications will be determined by officers. Area Committees will lose their decision-making powers on planning applications, though they will still be able to comment. Public speaking on planning applications will also be moved from Area Committees to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee. Councillors acknowledged the necessity of these changes due to national legislation and stressed the importance of maintaining strong links between ward councillors and planning officers, and ensuring clear communication to residents about the reforms.

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Update Report 2026/27

Paula McDonald, a Finance Officer, presented an update on the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust. The committee formally adopted the audited financial accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026. While the fund's value had improved since the previous report, it remained in deficit in real terms. The committee decided not to make any distributions from the Trust during 2026/27 and supported retaining the existing investment policies. They also requested the Council's Treasury Management Function to develop suitable investment criteria and explore alternative investment options for the fund.

Section 19 Report Action Plan Progress Update

Jamie Birtles, Assistant Director for Infrastructure, provided an update on the action plan following the 2024/25 Section 19 flood investigation report. Progress had been made in several areas, including reviewing gully operational plans in Heald Green, extending flood warning schemes in Bramhall Green and the Micker Brook catchment, and developing attenuation options for Chorlton Brook, though funding was still required for delivery. Wider work across the borough included progress on a flood scheme at Talkington Park, unblocking culverts, investigation works at Highfield Road, and natural flood attenuation schemes at Lyme Park and Happy Valley. Residents in flood-affected areas were advised to consider property-level resilience measures.

A34MRN Scheme 7 - Bruntwood Park Active Travel Route

Nick Whelan and James Heritage, from Stockport Council's Highways and Transport department, presented revised proposals for Scheme 7 of the A34MRN Corridor Improvement Plan. The scheme aims to create a shared-use active travel link through Bruntwood Park between Bruntwood Lane and Cheadle Royal. Revisions addressed concerns raised in previous consultations, including widening the path to 3.5m where possible, creating a dedicated waiting area near Cheadle Catholic Junior School, improving gradients, and ensuring the path is lit. Despite some remaining concerns from members about cyclist speeds and potential conflict, particularly near the school, the committee recommended approval of the revised measures, with a request for further exploration of signage and other safety enhancements.

A34MRN Scheme 4 - Kingsway Crossing

Nick Whelan and James Heritage also presented proposals for Scheme 4 of the A34MRN, focusing on a new surface-level Sparrow signal-controlled crossing over the A34 between Broadway and Foxland Road, intended to replace the existing subway. The scheme aims to improve active travel connectivity and accessibility. Extensive consultation had taken place, revealing significant opposition (83%) to the Sparrow crossing, primarily due to safety concerns for schoolchildren and potential congestion. Independent road safety audits and reviews were presented, concluding that the crossing could operate safely with mitigation measures, including a potential 30mph speed limit reduction. The Education Learning Trust, representing Kingsway School, expressed significant safety concerns and did not support the surface crossing. After considerable debate, the committee recommended approval of the proposed measures to the Cabinet Member by a majority vote (4 in favour, 3 against, 2 abstentions), with some members abstaining due to ongoing safety concerns and uncertainty about the school's position.

Proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order: ITB 20mph Speed Limit Zone – Eden Park Estate, Cheadle Hulme

The committee considered the findings of a consultation on a proposed 20mph speed limit zone for the Eden Park Estate in Heald Green Ward and the Chedlee Drive Estate in Cheadle Hulme South Ward. While a majority of respondents (58%) supported the proposal, a significant minority (42%) opposed it. Key concerns raised included the cost of the scheme, perceived lack of enforcement, and existing parking issues. Officers responded by clarifying that funding was specifically allocated for transport improvements and that the 20mph limit would be largely self-enforcing through signage. The committee recommended approval for the legal advertising of the proposed order.