The Heatons & Reddish Area Committee met on Monday 29 July 2024, discussing a range of local issues including transport improvements, ward funding, and planning applications. Key decisions included the recommendation to approve the implementation of measures for the A6 Corridor Sustainable Transport Settlement, the approval of £1,000 in ward flexibility funding for the Heatons Heritage Society, and the granting of planning permission for a new storage container at Mercedes Benz of Stockport.

City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements – A6 Corridor Improving Journeys

The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the implementation of measures for the A6 Corridor: Improving Journeys scheme. This extensive project aims to enhance bus journeys and active travel along the A6 corridor from the Manchester border to Stockport Town Centre. Proposals include the introduction of bus lanes, improvements to junctions, new pedestrian and cycle crossings, and the creation of segregated cycle routes. The scheme has undergone significant public consultation, with detailed feedback analysed and incorporated into revised plans. Option 2A, which prioritises pedestrian movement and includes a puffin crossing north of Manchester Road, was highlighted as a preferred option, though the retention of parking for businesses was also a consideration. The project is funded by the CRSTS fund and is expected to be delivered in phases by 2027.

Ward Flexibility Funding

Two applications for ward flexibility funding were considered:

• Heatons Heritage Society: The committee approved a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of commissioning and installing a blue plaque for the Grade II Listed building, the Crown Inn. The plaque will honour Admiral John Illingworth, a national hero of the Ecuadorian War of Independence.
• Disability Opportunities in Sport UK (DOSportUK) CIC: Consideration of this item was deferred to a future meeting to allow the applicant to attend and answer questions. The application was for a grant of £400 from the Heatons South ward allocation towards the cost of Stockport Jets Basketball sessions aimed at people with a learning disability and/or autism.

Development Applications

The committee considered two development applications:

• DC/091482 - Units 7 To 8, Mercedes Benz Of Stockport, Brighton Road, Heaton Mersey: Planning permission was granted for the permanent placement of a new storage container to provide dry storage for electric car batteries. Concerns raised by local residents regarding fire risks were acknowledged, but it was noted that the Fire Service had raised no objections and the container's siting had been amended to increase distance from residential properties.
• DC/088058 - 410 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey: Planning permission was granted for the erection of a new dwelling in the garden at the rear of 410 Didsbury Road, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. This application had generated significant public objection, primarily concerning the impact on the Heaton Mersey Conservation Area, the scale and massing of the proposed dwelling, and potential impacts on neighbouring properties. The Conservation Officer noted that the revised scheme was acceptable, with conditions to ensure the quality of external materials and detailed design.

Other Matters

• Reddish District Centre Action Plan Update: The committee noted the progress made in delivering projects and events within the Reddish District Centre Action Plan, including successes like ReddFest '24 and the opening of a community supermarket. Priorities for the next six months include developing a food and hospitality workshop and exploring a cargo bike hire scheme.
• Brent Road, Heaton Norris: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order to extend restricted waiting (No Waiting Monday to Saturday 8.00am – 6.00pm) on part of Brent Road. This measure is intended to improve access for businesses on the Green Lane Industrial Estate.
• Vale Close - Footpath Improvements: The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the adoption of the footpath under Section 228 of the Highways Act 1980, following investigations into its poor condition and trip hazards.
• Proposed Permanent Traffic Regulation Order - School Street Scheme - St. Thomas's CoE Primary School, Heaton Chapel: The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the establishment of the existing experimental traffic regulation order on a permanent basis. This scheme aims to improve safety and encourage active travel during school drop-off and pick-up times.
• Ward Discretionary Budget - Heaton South: The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approve the allocation of £1,230 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for a Covid Memorial sculpture in Norris Bank Open Space.
• Broadstone Road, Keswick Road & Briarfield Road, Reddish – Toucan Crossing Objection Report: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a Toucan Crossing and associated Traffic Regulation Orders on these roads, despite objections regarding the loss of parking.
• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions taken at previous meetings, including the current position on ward flexibility funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget.
• Appeal Decisions, Current Planning Appeals and Enforcements: The committee noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the area.

The meeting closed at 9:20 pm.