The Stepping Hill Area Committee convened on Tuesday, 08 September 2026, addressing a range of local issues including neighbourhood policing, planning applications, and community funding. Key decisions included recommending the refusal of a significant housing development at Jackson's Lane, Hazel Grove, due to ecological and highway concerns, and recommending approval for a housing development on Dialstone Lane, Offerton, subject to conditions and a legal agreement. The committee also approved funding for community art projects and various traffic regulation orders.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Jacqueline Prest of Greater Manchester Police provided an update on neighbourhood policing efforts. She confirmed that all areas within the committee's remit now have a dedicated neighbourhood beat officer. Operation Open Gate in Offerton had involved high-visibility patrols, speed checks, and action against antisocial behaviour, criminal damage, off-road bikes, suspected drug dealing, and shoplifting. Crime figures for the preceding six weeks were presented, showing reported incidents across Offerton, Warren Wood, Stepping Hill, Woodsmoor, Hazel Grove, and Norbury Moor. Councillors welcomed the reported crime detection rates and enforcement activities. Concerns were raised regarding antisocial behaviour in parks, speeding on the A555, vehicle modifications causing excessive noise, and speeding on Hazelwood Road. Inspector Prest provided advice on reporting mechanisms, encouraging the use of 999 for ongoing incidents, 101 for non-emergencies, and Crimestoppers for anonymous information. The importance of community engagement and partnership working was highlighted.

Public Questions and Petitions

Several public questions were raised. Residents of Aldersgate Road sought clarification on permit parking, with councillors acknowledging the need for a safe and legally compliant scheme and offering to meet to discuss options. A question regarding the land required for the safeguarded SEMMMS route through Sandown Fields led to a commitment from officers to provide a written response within seven days. Concerns were also raised about tree clearance for a proposed pedestrian route near Merrilees Fields, with councillors promising to investigate and seek the cessation of any unauthorised works. A petition from Grosvenor Street residents requesting a permit parking scheme was submitted, and the committee resolved to request a desktop feasibility study.

Hazel Grove Community Association - Open Forum

Representatives from the Hazel Grove Community Association attended to discuss the condition and closure of Hazel Grove Civic Hall. Luke Green, Assistant Director for Assets and Community Infrastructure, provided an update, explaining that the decision to close the building was made by the Corporate Leadership Team due to long-standing structural issues, including roof deflection and displacement of the front elevation. While acknowledging communication delays, officers confirmed that the rear section of the building could safely reopen, and arrangements for this would be communicated within days. Councillors and community representatives discussed the potential for external funding, ownership structures, and the need for stability for community groups who have had to find alternative venues. Structural reports were agreed to be shared with the community association.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee approved a grant of £350 to the Torkington Skate Park Community Art Project for the cost of painting a mural, with support from a professional artist. They also approved a grant of £150 to the Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy for the creation of commemorative artwork and information boards.

Development Applications

The committee considered two significant planning applications.

Land Off Dialstone Lane, Offerton (DC/095163): This full planning application sought permission for 106 dwellings. Following presentations from objectors and the applicant's agent, and extensive questioning from councillors, the committee resolved to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee undertake a site visit and take into account several key concerns, including education provision, traffic management, health care contributions, site layout, ecological impacts, and drainage. The committee expressed discomfort in making a definitive recommendation for approval or refusal due to outstanding information and concerns raised by residents.

Land At Jacksons Lane, Hazel Grove (DC/097509): This outline planning application proposed up to 160 dwellings on land designated as 'grey belt'. After hearing from objectors and the applicant's agent, and following considerable debate, the committee resolved to recommend refusal of planning permission to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee. The grounds for refusal included concerns about potential flooding, impact on neighbours, loss of agricultural land, highway safety and capacity, inadequate public transport links, ecological impacts on Happy Valley Local Nature Reserve and Lady Brook Site of Biological Importance, and impacts on the setting of designated heritage assets. A site visit was also recommended.

Other Business

Following the invocation of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9 due to the late hour, the committee noted a report on planning appeal decisions, enforcement appeals, and enforcement notices. They also noted a report on planning committee reforms and the implementation of a national scheme of delegation. Approval was given to a package of measures for a 20mph speed limit zone on the Sundial Road Estate in Offerton. Several traffic regulation orders were approved for 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on Hornbeam Close, Marple Road, Meadow Street, Archer Street, Rishworth Close, and Blackstone Road. Approval was also given for the deviation from policy to consult on resident permit parking on Neville Street and Brooks Avenue in Hazel Grove. The provision and installation of benches at Torkington Park was approved. Finally, the committee noted a progress report on area committee decisions and received an update on the highway and traffic management delegated budget. The date of the next meeting was set for 20 October 2026.