The Cheadle Area Committee met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to discuss progress on previous decisions, community engagement, and various local issues. Key discussions included the approval of funding for community projects, the reinstatement of a Tree Preservation Order, and the allocation of funds for park security.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee noted a report detailing the progress of decisions and actions from previous meetings, as well as the current status of Ward Flexibility Funding and the Delegated Budget. An update was provided on the ward discretionary budget, noting a £95 allocation from the Cheadle West and Gatley councillors for poppies for Remembrance Sunday. This funding was approved by the cabinet member due to the urgency of the request, as the next committee cycle would be too late.

Community Engagement

Local Plan Consultation: Councillor Carole McCann, Chair of the Cheadle Area Committee, reminded attendees that the consultation on the local plan was ending on 8 November. This is the final formal consultation stage before the plan is submitted for examination. Representations are required to ensure the plan is prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and is considered sound.

Volunteers for Poppy Appeal: Councillor McCann also appealed for volunteers to assist with the Poppy Appeal in the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, particularly at Sainsbury's and John Lewis.

Neighbourhood Policing: Sergeant Steve O'Brien of Greater Manchester Police provided an update on local policing matters. He reported on crime statistics for the past month, including residential and business burglaries, shoplifting, drug offences, vehicle thefts, and robberies. Sergeant O'Brien highlighted several key incidents and ongoing efforts within the ward, such as:

• An arrest made in relation to indecent exposures across the Stockport area.
• The recovery of a stolen bike in Bramhall following the robbery of a 12-year-old.
• Increased patrols in Gatley to address anti-social behaviour by youths.
• A significant reduction in anti-social behaviour at Cheadle Primary School due to proactive patrols.
• The arrest of a homeless female causing disorder on Cheadle High Street, who is now subject to bail conditions prohibiting her from entering the area.
• A reduction in retail crime at John Lewis in Heald Green, with several prolific offenders arrested and sentenced.
• Ongoing investigations into politically motivated notes being left around John Lewis.
• Reductions in offences at Finney Lane Co-op and Tesco, with repeat offenders identified and arrested.
• Concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in Queen's Gardens, Cheadle Hume, with a male arrested for possession of a bladed article and ongoing inquiries into alleged exploitation of a vulnerable resident.

Future policing priorities include youth engagement for Halloween and bonfire night, high-visibility and plain-clothed patrols in hotspot areas such as Queen's Gardens and Cheadle Primary School, a Safer Business Action Week focusing on retail crime, and participation in Operation Scepter to intensify efforts against knife crime.

Councillor David Meller raised concerns about drug dealing in the Abbey Road and Cloisters area, which Sergeant O'Brien agreed to look into. Councillor Ian Hunter noted the positive impact of increased police presence in Cheadle and the reduction in ASB at Cheadle Primary School, while also highlighting a shift in ASB issues to Gatley. Councillor Jilly Julian, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Innovation, expressed gratitude for Sergeant O'Brien's comprehensive update and inquired about the new team's neighbourhood priorities. Sergeant O'Brien committed to providing specific targets for neighbourhood priorities at the next meeting.

A press release was read out regarding a warrant executed at an address on Brown Lane, Heald Green, where harmful chemicals were discovered. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possession of hazardous chemicals and has since been bailed. Specialist officers were safely removing the chemicals, and the incident was believed to be isolated with no wider risk to the public.

Ward Flexibility Funding:

• ARC Mindset CIC: The committee considered a grant application of £100 (£50 from Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North and £50 from Cheadle West & Gatley) towards the cost of expanding one-to-one coaching interventions for disadvantaged young people. The funding would equip volunteer coaches with starter kits to make sessions more practical and engaging, aiming to build self-awareness, teamwork, communication skills, and reduce social isolation. Councillor Mike Newman was particularly inspired by the application, stating, it seems to me these guys are doing absolutely bang on what needs to be done.
• North West Steel Band Association: The committee considered a grant application of £142.80 (£47.60 from each of Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North, Cheadle West & Gatley, and Heald Green) towards the cost of hosting their annual concert on St. Peter's Square, Stockport. The concert, free to attend, will feature adult, youth, and school bands. Sarah Jen, representing the association, highlighted the diversity of participants, including the Sensory Sounds band for individuals with sight and hearing disabilities, and the positive impact of music on community well-being. Councillor Anna Charles-Jones declared herself a governor at Outward Primary School, which has a children's steel band. Councillor Graham Greenhalgh commended the association's work beyond concerts, particularly their engagement with Waltham House.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Notices

The committee noted a report summarising recent planning appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and outlining planning enforcement actions within the Cheadle Area Committee area. The report detailed several ongoing planning appeals and enforcement notices, including:

• An appeal regarding an outbuilding at 8 Branksome Drive, Heald Green, for use as a home office and gym.
• Appeals concerning the use of properties at 45 Finney Lane and 2 Arden Close, Heald Green, as residential care homes for young people.
• An enforcement notice at 50 Windsor Avenue, Gatley, relating to the construction of a boundary wall and hard-surfaced area without planning permission.
• An enforcement notice at 92 Brown Lane, Heald Green, for an unauthorised two-storey extension.
• An enforcement notice at Nafees Sweet Shop, 250B Finney Lane, Heald Green, for an unauthorised new shop front.
• An enforcement notice at 10 Turnfield Road, Cheadle, for the construction of a raised patio.
• An enforcement notice at 1 Pennington Gardens, Cheadle, concerning the unauthorised change of use of a car park to private land.
• A listed building enforcement notice at Belmont House, 57 Schools Hill, Cheadle, relating to unauthorised demolition work.

Tree Preservation Order Outwood Road, Heald Green

The committee was asked to determine whether the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at Outwood Road should be made with or without the inclusion of the beech tree at 220 Outwood Road, following an objection. The objection cited root damage to drains, bird activity affecting vehicles, and loss of natural light. Councillor McCann stated, if the tree is doing no harm to the drains, to the foundation of the house, I don't see why there's any need to remove the preservation order. Councillor Anna Charles-Jones added that reinstating the TPO does not prevent work being done to the tree, but rather requires permission. The committee recommended accepting the TPO in its current format, including the beech tree at 220 Outwood Road.

Proposed 20mph Speed Limit Zone - Nansen/Firs Road Estate, Heald Green

The committee considered the findings of a consultation on a proposed 20mph speed limit zone for the Nansen/Firs Road Estate. Councillor Charles-Jones noted that residents on the road identify as living in Gatley, although it falls within Heald Green Ward. Councillor Catherine Stuart commented that this proposal likely stemmed from concerns following repairs to Dark Lane Bridge and expressed hope that residents would be in favour. The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the advertisement of the proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order, with the order to be made if no objections are received.

William Scholes Park - Ward Delegated Budget Request

The committee was recommended to approve the allocation of £4,800 from the Ward Delegated Budget for Cheadle West and Gatley Ward for a heavy-duty swing beam vehicle height control barrier at the William Scholes Park entrance off Beech Road, Gatley, for improved site security. Councillor Ian Hunter fully supported the proposal, noting it followed consultation with the police and council officers regarding recent incursions by travellers. Councillor Huma Khan inquired about an update on similar barrier installations in Tudelis. Councillor Carole McCann supported the proposal, mentioning complaints from residents on Firswood Mount about incursions.

Appointment of Councillors to Lay Wreaths

The committee was requested to nominate councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the council at Remembrance Day services. Councillor Charles-Jones nominated Councillor McCann to lay the wreath at Heald Green. Councillor David Meller confirmed his intention to attend the Cheadle ceremony. Councillor Ian Hunter nominated Councillor Graham Greenhalgh for the Gatley ceremony. The nominated councillors were Councillor McCann, Councillor Meller, and Councillor Greenhalgh.