The Central Stockport Area Committee met on Thursday 22 October 2026 to discuss a range of community issues and make several decisions regarding local traffic regulations and funding applications. Key decisions included the recommendation to make the 'No Waiting at Any Time' orders on Hattersby Lane, Forbes Road, and The Quadrant as advertised, despite objections. The committee recommended approval for the legal advertising of 'No Waiting at Any Time' orders on Ilfracombe Road and Bideford Road, subject to no objections being received. The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the legal advertising of proposed waiting restrictions on Bramhall Lane South and adjoining roads. The committee recommended approval for the annual family music festival, Rockstock, to be held at Woodbank Memorial Park in 2027, subject to all necessary paperwork and licences being obtained, with an agreed condition that any fees raised be ring-fenced for the park's maintenance and that HGVs be moved through the park with banksmen. The committee considered and made decisions on three applications for Ward Flexibility Funding: ARC Mindset CIC was granted £200; North West Steel Band Association was granted £190.40; and Inspire Capital Sports CIC's application was delegated for Democratic Services to check their child protection policy. The committee also noted the withdrawal of an application for 45 Hardcastle Road, Edgeley. Discussions were held regarding community skips, estate maintenance, and the lapsed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for responsible dog ownership, with the latter to be republished with missing areas added.

Community Engagement and Announcements

The meeting began with the Chair, Councillor Paul Wright, outlining upcoming community activities in his ward, Davenport and Cale Green, including holiday activities and a bonfire at Stockport Cricket Club. Councillors shared updates from their respective wards, highlighting events such as consultations at Woodbank Memorial Park, a free bowling event, flu jab clinics, and a fireworks festival in Brinnington. Councillor Mellor mentioned community bulb planting and a Halloween event in Edgley, as well as upcoming Christmas events.

A significant announcement was made regarding the Council's local plan consultation, which was nearing its end on 8 November. Residents were reminded that this was the final formal consultation stage before the plan's submission for examination, and that representations should focus on whether the plan had been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and was sound.

Public Question Time

A public question was raised by Mr. Harry Smith regarding concerns about red light jumping at the Portwood roundabout near the M60, and a request for the installation of red light cameras. The officer response indicated that red light camera enforcement is the responsibility of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in partnership with highways authorities, and is subject to strict assessment criteria and funding availability. The Council would review the concerns at Portwood roundabout and liaise with GMP to assess the issue, considering further intervention if evidence supported it. Motorists were advised to report any observed red light violations directly to GMP.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Jason Holmwood provided an update on neighbourhood policing, noting a continued downward trend in crime across Stockport. However, he cautioned that residential burglaries typically increase during autumn and early winter months. Proactive patrols, offender management, and crime prevention activities would be implemented to mitigate this seasonal rise. Inspector Holmwood also detailed efforts to reduce knife crime in Stockport Town Centre, reporting on stop searches, arrests, and weapon sweeps. He highlighted that knife crimes in the town centre hotspot remained low. Operation Reckoning, focused on reducing mobile phone theft, involved partnership working with the Council to review compliance in second-hand stores. Concerns about youth congregating and anti-social behaviour on Castle Street were addressed through youth outreach and high-visibility patrols. Operation Vulcan in Brinnington was reported to be making positive progress in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour through community engagement and targeted enforcement. New powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, including Respect Orders, were highlighted as tools to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour. Operation Treacle plans were in place to address illegal bonfires and the anti-social use of fireworks leading up to Bonfire Night.

During the discussion on neighbourhood policing, Councillor Delamere raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in Brinnington Park, which had been exaggerated in local media. Inspector Holmwood confirmed that investigations were ongoing, with 12 individuals identified and issued with anti-social behaviour contracts. Councillor Delemare also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour on Alderley Way in Davenport and Cale Green, requesting reassurance of continued police focus. Councillor Byrne highlighted concerns about speeding and dangerous driving around the Portwood roundabout and St Mary's Way, requesting increased police presence. Councillor Caton thanked the police for their response to vandalism and intimidation around HMOs, requesting an update on ongoing investigations. Councillor Byrne also raised concerns about vehicles exceeding the seven-and-a-half-tonne limit on Europa Way, near the police station.

Petitions

A petition was presented by Emma Abrahams on behalf of residents of 16-20 Stockport Road, Edgley, requesting the introduction of residents-only permit parking. Ms. Abrahams explained the increasing difficulty residents faced in parking near their homes due to nearby businesses and facilities, including a supported living home, a community centre/mosque, a gym, a park, and a recently converted six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Councillors Battle and Mellor acknowledged the issues and agreed to add the petition to the agenda for a highways meeting.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee considered three applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• ARC Mindset CIC applied for £200 towards expanding coaching interventions for disadvantaged groups by equipping volunteer coaches with starter kits. The application was agreed, with a note from Councillor Wynne requesting that schools in central Stockport also be considered for future similar schemes.
• North West Steel Band Association applied for £190.40 towards hosting their annual concert in St Peter's Square. The application was approved, with councillors expressing strong support for the association's work in promoting music and community engagement, highlighting its benefits for mental well-being and confidence.
• Inspire Capital Sports CIC applied for £166.68 towards providing financial support to young people with sporting potential facing financial barriers. Councillor Byrne requested the decision be delegated to allow Democratic Services to check the applicant's child protection policy, which was agreed.

Development Applications

The committee noted that an application for 45 Hardcastle Road, Edgeley, had been withdrawn by the applicant.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Notices

The committee noted a report summarising recent planning appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and planning enforcement actions within the Central Stockport Area Committee area. Councillor Wynne enquired about the meaning of PINs in relation to a pending decision, and was informed that it referred to the Planning Inspectorate.

Traffic Regulation Orders

Several proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) were discussed and approved:

• Hattersby Lane, Offerton: An order for 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions was recommended to be made as advertised, despite objections. Councillor Wynne supported the order, emphasizing the need for safety and clarity on the only access road for an estate.
• Forbes Road and The Quadrant, Offerton: An order for 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions was recommended to be made as advertised, despite an objection regarding the loss of parking. Councillor Byrne and Councillor Battle supported the order, citing blind corners and the need for safety.
• Ilfracombe Road and Bideford Road, Offerton: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a 'No Waiting at Any Time' TRO, subject to no objections being received. Councillor Byrne and Councillor Battle supported the proposals, noting the need to keep the corner clear for the bus route and allow access.
• Bramhall Lane South and adjoining roads: The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the legal advertising of proposed waiting restrictions. Councillor Davies described the report as excellent, noting broad resident support and expected benefits of reduced congestion and improved safety. Councillor Delamere supported the proposal but raised concerns about potential displaced parking on side roads, requesting monitoring and swift introduction of other measures if needed.

Park Use Application

• Woodbank Memorial Park - Rockstock 2027: The committee recommended approval for the annual family music festival, Rockstock, to be held at Woodbank Memorial Park, subject to all necessary paperwork and licences being obtained. Councillor Byrne proposed that any fees raised from Rockstock be ring-fenced for the maintenance of Woodbank Memorial Park, which was agreed. Councillor Davies raised concerns about access along the paved path from the Vernon Car Park to the Play Park, requesting that the fence line be kept clear. Councillor Byrne clarified that the path was designated emergency access. Councillor Davies also raised concerns about HGVs moving through the park without banksmen, requesting this be a condition of granting the application, which was agreed.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions and actions from previous meetings, including the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding and the delegated budget. An update on the borough-wide speed limit review indicated that recommendations and potential speed limit changes were expected towards the end of the month, with GMP invited to attend a further meeting.

Community Skips and Estate Maintenance

• Brinnington Community Skips: Councillor Sean Regan requested a report on the Brinnington skip scheme, its historical costs, the estimated cost of reinstatement, and the current costs of fly-tipping. Louise Crowder, Head of Thriving Neighbourhoods, advised that previous skip schemes had generated more fly-tipping, attracting commercial waste and users from outside the area. She did not recommend reinstating the scheme due to these issues and the lack of historical costings. Councillor Wynne and Councillor Caton shared similar experiences with community skips being fraught with problems, including increased fly-tipping and misuse by scrap dealers. They agreed that improving the bulky waste collection service was a more viable solution.
• Maintenance of Bridge Hall Estate: Councillor Wright raised concerns about the state of the public realm in the Bridge Hall Estate, including litter, fly-tipping, and rat issues, requesting a strategy for improvement. Louise Crowder confirmed that days of action were being conducted across the borough, including in Bridge Hall, involving various council departments and partners. She noted that street cleansing teams regularly visited the area and that only one fly-tipping report had been received for Bridge Hall in the last three months. Network Rail had been contacted regarding their involvement.
• Countess Street and Surrounding Areas: Councillor Wright highlighted ongoing litter issues on Countess Street and Winifred Road, stemming from shops and potentially alcohol-related problems. Louise Crowder stated that while cleansing teams were active, reporting issues was crucial for identifying hotspots. She noted a lack of litter reports on council land in the area, suggesting residents might be undertaking their own clean-ups due to a perceived lack of action. Councillor Delamere suggested that a rehabilitation house at the end of Countess Street might be contributing to the issues. Councillor Caton questioned why, if officers were in the area daily, there were zero reports of litter, suggesting a disconnect between visible problems and official reporting. Louise Crowder explained the limitations of enforcement officers' coverage and the importance of resident reports. Councillor Mellor offered a positive perspective, stating that the online reporting form was easy to use and that officers had been helpful.

Expired PSPO - Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership

Councillor Jon Byrne raised concerns about the lapsed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to responsible dog ownership, highlighting that several areas were missing from the renewed order. Louise Crowder apologised for the omissions and stated that the missing areas would be added and the order republished. A discussion ensued regarding the process for amending legal orders and the potential for political point-scoring. Councillor Delamere expressed disappointment at the politicisation of the issue, particularly given the ill health of a key staff member responsible for the area. Councillor Caton questioned the initial assessment that there was no public will to renew the PSPO, citing evidence to the contrary. Councillor Wynne reiterated his priority of protecting vulnerable residents and play areas. Councillor Battle suggested that a reminder be sent to all members regarding the naming of local areas to ensure accuracy in future PSPO applications.

The meeting concluded with a reminder about Remembering Sunday and the date of the next meeting on Thursday, 3 December 2026.