The Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee met on Monday 3 August 2026, discussing a range of local issues including neighbourhood policing, community engagement, and funding for local projects. Key decisions included the approval of specific Ward Flexibility Funding applications and the legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order on Dalston Drive, Bramhall. The committee also considered planning applications for a replacement dwelling at 37 Carrwood Avenue and the redevelopment of Bramhall High School.

Community Engagement and Local Events

Councillor Keith Holloway, Chair of the Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South Area Committee, opened the meeting by inviting members to share announcements about upcoming community events. Several local activities were highlighted, including a community event in Cheadle Hulme with stalls and live entertainment, a thanksgiving service at Emmanuel Church on 13 September 2026, and the annual open day at Cheadle Mosque on 19 September 2026. Residents were also encouraged to attend the Worker Bee Market and Macmillan Coffee Morning events. The upcoming opening of the Bramhall branch of Men in Sheds on 21 October 2026 was welcomed. Additionally, residents eligible for seasonal flu vaccinations were reminded to contact their GP surgery.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Damien Lutman from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) provided an update on neighbourhood policing within the area. The team, comprising one Inspector, one Sergeant, four Police Constables, and three PCSOs, is currently experiencing an impact on operational capacity due to staff absences. Between June and September 2026, fifteen burglaries were recorded, generally described as opportunistic. Theft of motorcycles from sheds and outbuildings remains an issue, with residents urged to ensure security. Two robbery incidents resulted in arrests. Anti-social behaviour, particularly around Station Road in Cheadle Hulme and open spaces, remains a priority, with ongoing work involving the Council and partner agencies. Concerns were raised about off-road motorcycles and electric bikes, with GMP utilising various tactics. Members expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour at Woodford Recreation Ground and requested a PACT meeting. Dangerous driving and nuisance activity around the Meadway car parks in Bramhall were also discussed. Residents were reminded of the importance of reporting incidents through official channels to ensure they are logged and used for enforcement. Speeding and dangerous driving on the A555 were also highlighted, with residents encouraged to report incidents. The committee resolved to thank Inspector Damien Lutman for his attendance.

Public Question Time and Local Plan Concerns

During public question time, three questions were submitted. One question related to the evidence used by the Council in determining which Green Belt sites should be released through the Draft Local Plan for Stockport. It was noted that the Local Plan and its supporting evidence base set out the methodology for site assessment, and a written response would be provided. Another question concerned confidence in the soundness and robustness of the emerging Local Plan, with members stating it would be considered through the Council's decision-making process before consultation. The implications of national housing targets and pressure on Green Belt land were discussed. A third question, regarding the extent and availability of brownfield land, was also to be answered in writing due to its detailed nature. The Assistant Director of Place Making and Planning was requested to respond in writing to these questions.

Ward Flexibility Funding Approved

The committee approved the following applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Greening Up Cheadle Hulme: A grant of £400 was approved towards the cost of installing, filling, and maintaining new 'over fence planters' outside Pimlotts Butchers.
• Oak Meadow Focus Group: A grant of £300 was approved towards the cost of planning community events such as a Scarecrow Trail, Halloween Event, and Christmas Lights switch-on.
• Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy: A grant of £150 was approved towards the cost of creating a piece of artwork with accompanying information boards as a tribute.

Planning Committee Reforms and Public Speaking

A report detailing proposed changes to the council's planning decision-making arrangements, including the national scheme of delegation, was discussed. Members expressed concern about the reduction in opportunities for residents to address Area Committees on planning matters and the potential impact on democratic decision-making. While the proposed right for residents to address the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee was welcomed, it was suggested that residents should be able to speak at both committees if applications were circulated for comment. It was clarified that public speaking on planning applications at Area Committees would be removed under the proposed arrangements.

Traffic Regulation Order for Dalston Drive, Bramhall

The committee approved the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A for proposed waiting restrictions on Dalston Drive, Bramhall. The proposals were welcomed as a means of improving road safety and traffic flow near local schools and residential properties. Subject to no objections being received within 21 days of the advertisement date, the order will be made at a cost of £1,450, funded from the Area Committee's Delegated Budget.

20mph Speed Limit Zone Deferred

Consideration of the proposed 20mph Speed Limit Zone for the Chedlee Drive Estate, Cheadle Hulme, was deferred to a future meeting of the Area Committee. Members noted the absence of an officer from the Council's Highways team to present the report and answer questions, which were deemed important before a decision could be taken.

Planning Application: 37 Carrwood Avenue, Bramhall

Consideration of the planning application for a replacement dwelling at 37 Carrwood Avenue was not held at this meeting.

Planning Application: Bramhall High School Redevelopment

Consideration of the planning application for the redevelopment of Bramhall High School was not held at this meeting.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement, and Progress Reports Noted

The committee noted reports on current planning appeals, enforcement actions, and progress on previous Area Committee decisions. The report on planning appeals detailed several ongoing cases, including an appeal for a residential development at Woodford Garden Village Extension, which had been allowed by the Planning Inspectorate. Enforcement actions included a High Hedge Remedial Notice at 44 Carrwood Road and several pending enforcement appeals. The report on progress on Area Committee decisions provided an update on Ward Flexibility Funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget, showing remaining balances for each ward.

Water Management Discussion

The committee held a discussion with representatives from the Environment Agency and United Utilities regarding water management in South Stockport. This item was placed on the agenda at the committee's request to address concerns about flooding.

A555 Flooding Update

A supplementary note was considered regarding the 2024/25 New Year's Eve flooding on the A555. The report detailed the impact of the exceptional rainfall event, the response and recovery efforts, and ongoing remedial actions to improve the resilience of the A555 drainage network. These actions include ongoing inspection and maintenance, diversion of drainage from the Woodford Recreation Ground, and planned improvements to pumping infrastructure at Hall Moss Lane. The committee was asked to comment on and note the report.