The Cheadle Area Committee met on Tuesday 10 September 2024, approving several community grant applications and discussing the future remit of area committees. The committee also addressed traffic regulation orders and the installation of bollards in various locations.

Ward Flexibility Funding Approved for Local Groups

The committee approved four applications for Ward Flexibility Funding, totalling £3,250. These funds will support local community initiatives.

• 2nd Cheadle Scout Group received £750 to repair and future-proof the sewer and drainage system at their headquarters.
• Friends of Ladybrook Valley Cheadle Hulme were granted £1000 to install a noticeboard at Sandringham Road Bridge, aimed at increasing awareness of the group's activities, plans for Sandringham Field, and local history. The funding will also contribute to the purchase of protective gear for volunteers.
• Together Trust received £500 to provide indoor activities for children and young people with autism and complex mental health needs at an upcoming Halloween fundraising event.
• Friends of East Avenue Park were awarded £1000 for the installation of fitness and gymnastics equipment in the park for community use. Councillor Catherine Stuart, a member of Friends of East Avenue Park, declared a personal interest and left the meeting during the discussion of this item. Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Innovation, declared a personal and prejudicial interest as an employee of a company that had previously worked with Together Trust and also left the meeting for the duration of that item.

Review of Area Committee Remit and Operations

A report from the Constitution Working Party was discussed, seeking member views on the current operation of Area Committees. Key points raised included:

• Support for rotating the Area Committee Chair by ward, either through local convention or by codifying it within the council's constitution.
• The need for further consideration to ensure balanced decisions on planning applications, particularly when they attract significant public attendance.
• The importance of holding Area Committee meetings in community venues to ensure accessibility.
• A suggestion to regularise the size of Area Committees, taking population figures into account, as some currently cover four wards while others cover two.
• A request for matters usually reserved for the first meeting of the municipal year to be considered sooner, such as mid-year.

The committee noted the report, which will be used by the Constitution Working Party to make recommendations for change.

Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme Update

An update was provided on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme. The report detailed progress since January 2024, including steps for key elements to become operational and the integration of practices.

• Members received information on the developing 'neighbourhood profile' for the Cheadle area, one of seven such profiles for the borough.
• Case studies from the work of family hubs were requested to help measure the programme's early successes.
• Health inequalities, young people's attendance in education, and anti-social behaviour were identified as key performance indicators for the programme.
• It was noted that Gatley Golf Club was no longer considered an asset, and the importance of linking with councillors for local knowledge was highlighted to keep the programme's dataset up-to-date.
• Data from Stockport Homes Group regarding social housing was incorporated into the programme's tools.

The committee resolved to receive quarterly updates on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.

Traffic Regulation and Bollard Installations Approved

Several traffic-related proposals were discussed and approved:

• Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time' on Brown Lane, Elmsleigh Road and Styal Road: The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the legal advertising of a 'No Waiting At Any Time' order at the junction of Brown Lane/Styal Road and Elmsleigh Road/Styal Road in Heald Green. This order will be implemented at a cost of £1,300, funded from the Heald Green ward allocation of the Area Committee's delegated budget, provided no objections are received within 21 days of advertisement.
• Installation of a Bollard on Schools Hill, Cheadle: Approval was recommended for the supply and installation of a Middleton style bollard on Schools Hill. This measure aims to prevent motorists from driving along the footway to bypass queuing traffic on Wilmslow Road. The cost of £1,650 will be funded from the Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation.
• Installation of Bollards on Elm Road, Gatley: The committee approved the installation of three Ashton style bollards on Elm Road at the junction with Church Road. This is intended to prevent motorists from parking on the footway, causing an obstruction for pedestrians. The cost of £1,650 will be funded from the Cheadle West and Gatley ward allocation.

Other Matters

• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: A report was submitted updating the committee on progress since the last meeting regarding decisions taken by the committee and its executive sub-committee. This included the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding, the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and the delegated budget. The committee requested that guidelines for the distribution of monies from the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust be submitted to a future meeting, with suggestions to include a provision against retrospective grant applications and an upper limit of £5,000 per application. The report was noted.
• Public Toilet Facilities in Bruntwood Park: A public question was raised regarding proposed remedial works to improve the standards of public toilet facilities in Bruntwood Park. The Director of Place Management was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.
• Neighbourhood Policing: The Chair of the Area Committee will write to Greater Manchester Police to raise the absence of a neighbourhood policing representative at meetings.
• Street Lighting at Sherborne Road to Carrs Avenue Cut-through: A petition with 140 signatories requesting street lighting at this location was referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.
• Planning Appeals: An update was provided on planning appeals and enforcement within the Cheadle Area Committee's area. This included information on a Public Inquiry scheduled for 26 November 2024 concerning a refused planning application at Gatley Golf Club. The report was noted.
• Chair's Announcements: Councillor Tom Morrison, who had resigned as a councillor for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council to focus on his new role as Member of Parliament, was thanked by the Chair.