The Werneth Area Committee met on Monday 29 July 2024, discussing several planning applications and local initiatives. Key decisions included recommending planning permission for a battery energy storage system and a 16-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), while deferring a decision on converting a former church hall into apartments due to parking concerns. The committee also supported proposals for active travel and bus transit improvements, and approved funding for a church energy audit.

Planning Applications

The committee considered three development applications.

DC090340 - Land North of Clapgate, Bredbury Green, Romiley The committee recommended that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System with associated infrastructure, access, drainage features, and landscaping. This application was the subject of an addendum report¹ which corrected an earlier assessment regarding agricultural land. The site comprises both agricultural land, assessed as Grade 3a (considered best and most versatile), and an area used as a dog exercise field. While the loss of the dog exercise field was not a policy objection, the loss of Grade 3a agricultural land was contrary to Saved UDP Review policy GBA2.1. However, the addendum report concluded that the 1.03ha of agricultural land to be lost was insignificant in national terms and its loss was outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development, which would support renewable energy sources and help decarbonise the grid. A member of the public spoke against the application, and a representative of the applicant spoke in support.

DC091310 - 34 Sandy Lane, Romiley, Stockport Planning permission was granted for a change of use and extensions to create a 16-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with associated external alterations, bin storage, and car and cycle parking. A member of the public spoke against the application, and a representative of the applicant spoke in support.

DC083741 - Hatherlow Sunday School, Hatherlow, Romiley The committee made no specific recommendation regarding the determination of this application for the conversion of a disused former church hall into 11 apartments, with associated demolition, external alterations, and landscaping. Instead, they recommended that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee undertake a site visit due to concerns about parking. A member of the public spoke against the application.

Local Initiatives and Funding

Active Travel Fund 4 - Romiley Update The committee noted a report providing an update on the Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 (ATF4) Romiley project. Discussions included the timing of temporary traffic lights, the challenges of securing central government funding, and the sequencing of works. Members welcomed the commencement of the project and highlighted efforts to minimise disruption during the school summer holidays.

CRSTS A560 Quality Bus Transit The committee considered proposals for a Quality Bus Transit (QBT) corridor along the 330 bus route. They expressed contentment with schemes C and E, which were recommended for approval. Concerns were raised regarding the tarmacking over green space for pathways, although it was noted that desire lines already existed. Regarding Scheme D, which included crossing and waiting restrictions on Stockport Road East and the relocation of a bus stop, members noted residents' concerns about the removal of parking. The committee proposed rejecting Scheme D and suggested an alternative crossing at Bredbury Recreational Ground near The Crown Inn. They also requested investment in an additional crossing outside Bredbury Medical Centre. The committee recommended approval for schemes C and E and refusal for scheme D.

Stockport CAN Seed Fund Applications Approval was given for an application from St Barnabus Church for a grant of £414 from the Stockport CAN Seed Fund. This funding will be used to pay for an energy audit on the church building, utilising the Bredbury and Woodley ward allocation.

Romiley District Centre Action Plan Update The committee noted a report on the progress of the Romiley District Centre Action Plan. Members expressed a desire for funding to be spent and work completed expeditiously. Concerns were raised about the misuse of parking facilities in Romiley, including exceeding time limits and parking on pavements. The potential renaming of Romiley Precinct to ‘Sir Ian McKellen Square’ was mentioned. The report also noted a reduction in footfall during May and June 2024 compared to the previous year, with the reopening of Romiley Forum expected to have a positive impact. The theatre was highlighted as an anchor for the area, with a call for repair work to be completed promptly.

Stockport Road West & The Broadway Junction, Bredbury The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the costings for a traffic survey commissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) at the junction of Stockport Road West and The Broadway, Bredbury.

Community Engagement

Petitions A petition with 258 signatures was submitted requesting a litter bin along the foot/cycle and bridle pathway behind Bredbury Hall to Pear Mill. A representative confirmed that a litter bin would be placed as requested.

Public Question Time Three public questions were submitted. One related to the Active Travel Fund and was to be addressed by an officer. Another concerned parking on grass verges in Dellside, Bredbury, and it was stated that Highways Officers would explore the feasibility of installing bollards, subject to local consultation. A third question regarding the cost of a reinstated footpath at Padden Brook would receive a written response.

Chair's Announcements Councillor Lisa Smart, Chair of the Werneth Area Committee, thanked council employees and members of the public for their work during the recent election. She also praised the Romiley Food On Friday event and encouraged participation in the Book Worms project at Bredbury Library and a visit to the Chadkirk Well Dressing site. An announcement was made regarding the upcoming consultation period for the draft Local Plan, running from 2 September to 28 October 2024, with various events and drop-in sessions planned for residents.

Other Business

Review of Outcomes Tour The committee nominated 144 Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4EW, as a site to be inspected on the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour, with the former Cow and Calf Hotel site in Bredbury as an alternative. Councillors Sue Thorpe and Rosemary Barratt were nominated to attend the tour.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions made since the last meeting, as well as the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

Venue of Werneth Area Committee Members discussed the venue for future meetings, noting that the current venue was too small, warm, and had security concerns. They expressed a preference for Area Committees to be held within the communities they represent and did not wish to alternate venues. The Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance was requested to submit a report with recommendations for an alternative venue.