The Heatons & Reddish Area Committee met on Monday 28 October 2024, approving several traffic regulation orders, granting funding to local community groups, and appointing councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day services. The committee also considered a number of development applications, with recommendations to be made to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee.

Traffic Regulation Orders Approved

The committee approved the legal advertising of several Traffic Regulation Orders, which will be made permanent if no objections are received within 21 days.

• Greg Street, Reddish: Approval was given for the introduction of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions (double yellow lines) on part of Greg Street. This decision was made despite three formal objections, with the committee noting that the council has a duty to ensure sustainable transport routes are kept clear and safe.
• Ruskin Road and Browning Road, Reddish: Approval was given to make permanent the experimental 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions at the junction of Ruskin Road and Browning Road. These restrictions were initially introduced following concerns about access for larger vehicles.
• Heaton Close, Heaton Moor: Approval was given for the legal advertising of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on part of Heaton Close. This measure aims to improve access for larger vehicles and emergency services on the narrow cul-de-sac.
• Margaret Street & Rupert Street, Reddish: Approval was given for the legal advertising of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions at the junction of Margaret Street and Rupert Street. This is intended to improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street.
• St Thomas CE Primary School, Heaton Moor (School Street): Approval was given for the legal advertising of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on various roads surrounding the school to support the School Street scheme. These restrictions aim to improve traffic management and road safety for children and parents. The proposal was amended to reduce the extent of the yellow lines on York Road following resident feedback.

Ward Flexibility Funding Approved

The committee approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Houldsworth Working Men's Club: A grant of £800 was approved towards the cost of refurbishing toilets, replacing and upgrading sanitation, ventilation, and décor to enhance facilities for members and the wider community.
• Social Events Activities (SEA): An increased grant of £120 was approved towards the cost of organising a Christmas dinner for vulnerable and isolated people.
• Winter Bowling Group: A grant of £655 was approved towards the cost of purchasing equipment for use in winter bowling sessions, which provide physical and mental health benefits, particularly for older residents.

Development Applications

The committee considered several development applications and made recommendations to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee.

• DC/086406 - Land to the South of Stitch Lane, Heaton Norris: The committee recommended that planning permission be granted for the alteration and conversion of a Grade II Listed Engine House to form two self-contained apartments, and the erection of a new apartment building to provide an additional 52 apartments. This development is considered enabling development to secure the retention and renovation of the listed building. The recommendation for approval is subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.
• DC/090014 - Land at Grafton Street, Heaton Norris: The committee recommended that planning permission be granted for the erection of six affordable one-bedroom bungalows for social rent. This development is on land designated as Local Open Space, but the committee found the loss of this specific area justified due to its limited recreational use and the significant benefits of providing much-needed accessible housing. The recommendation is subject to conditions and a legal agreement for an off-site contribution towards open space enhancement.
• DC/089342 - The Pyramid Kings Valley, Yew Street, Heaton Mersey: The committee recommended that planning permission be granted for the change of use of the existing office building to a buffet restaurant and banqueting facility. This decision was made despite concerns about traffic and parking, with the committee noting the significant economic benefits, including job creation, and the reuse of a vacant landmark building. The recommendation is subject to conditions, including the implementation of a comprehensive event management scheme and travel plan.

Other Decisions

• Stockport CAN Seed Fund Application: Approval was given for a funding application from Friends of Heaton Moor Park for £250 from the Heatons North ward allocation and £250 from the Reddish North ward allocation towards the cost of installing bee boxes to increase biodiversity in the park.
• Appointment of Councillors to Lay Wreaths at Remembrance Day Services: Councillors Colin Foster, David Wilson, and Dena Ryness were appointed to lay wreaths at Heaton Mersey, Reddish War Memorial, and St Paul’s Heaton Moor respectively, on Sunday 10 November 2024.

The committee also noted reports on appeal decisions, current planning appeals, enforcement action, and the review of polling districts, places, and stations. Progress on area committee decisions and delegated budgets was also reported.