The Central Stockport Area Committee met on Thursday 12 September 2024, discussing a range of local issues including transport improvements, parking concerns, and community programmes. Key decisions included recommending approval for proposed measures on the A6 Corridor Improving Journeys scheme, noting a report on planning appeals, and granting permission for an event at Woodbank Memorial Park.

Remit of Area Committees

The committee discussed the remit of area committees as part of an ongoing review by the Constitution Working Party. Members provided comments on various aspects, including the number of wards represented by each committee, the funding of meetings, and the potential for combining committees. Concerns were raised about the current community venues used for meetings, particularly regarding accessibility for individuals with visual or hearing disabilities. It was suggested that chairing arrangements should remain determined by the respective Area Committees. The committee resolved to forward its comments to the Constitution Working Party for consideration.

One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme Update

An update was provided on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme, highlighting progress on neighbourhood profiles and the integration of services. Members received information on the developing 'neighbourhood profile' for the Central Stockport area, which forms part of the programme's progress. While the dataset was praised, significant concerns were raised that some of the data was skewed and that the tool could be misleading. Suggestions were made to add narrative to specific pages to inform people about disparities within the borough and to make the data more granular, specifically at a ward level. It was also noted that sports pitches in Woodbank Park no longer existed, and the importance of linking with councillors for local knowledge was emphasised to keep the dataset up-to-date. The committee resolved to note the report and requested further quarterly updates on the programme.

City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement - A6 Corridor Improving Journeys Update Report

The committee considered the findings of the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee regarding the A6 Corridor Improving Journeys scheme. It was noted that the discussions at the Scrutiny Committee provided significant insight into the scheme's details. While improvements could have been made subject to financial constraints, the proposals were broadly endorsed, subject to the recommendations made by the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee. Concerns remained that the proposed cycling route was not attractive to potential users, potentially not representing value for money. The committee recommended that the Cabinet approve the proposed measures, subject to the recommendations of the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee.

Resident Parking Scheme - Dona Street, Offerton

A report detailing the outcome of a desk-top study into parking availability on a section of Dona Street, Offerton, was presented following a petition from residents requesting a Resident Parking Scheme. It was noted that the issues experienced were partly due to displaced parking from the town centre controlled parking zone. Local ward councillors would continue to discuss the issues with highways officers. The committee noted the report and resolved that the Director of Place Management should take no further action.

Park Use Application: Woodbank Memorial Park - Manchester Area Cross Country League

An application from Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to use Woodbank Memorial Park for the Manchester Area Cross Country League races on 7 December 2024 was considered. The committee resolved to grant the application, subject to the organiser obtaining appropriate documentation, event plans, health & safety documentation, licenses, insurances, and any applicable fees and charges, and presenting these to the ward councillors at least two weeks prior to the event.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Notices

A report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Central Stockport Area Committee area was noted by the committee.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee received an update on decisions made at previous meetings, including the current position on Ward Flexibility Funding and the Delegated Ward Budget. It was commented that a number of traffic regulation orders previously agreed had not yet been implemented, and further clarity was requested regarding the anticipated timescale for their progression. The committee resolved to note the report.