The Heatons & Reddish Area Committee considered new traffic restrictions on Harrogate Road and Finsbury Road in Reddish to improve road safety. The committee also considered a significant planning application for residential development on Grafton Street, Heaton Norris, and discussed road safety measures around Whitehill Primary School.

Harrogate Road and Finsbury Road, Reddish

The committee considered the legal advertising of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the junction of Harrogate Road and Finsbury Road in Reddish. This proposal, costing £850 and funded by the Reddish North Delegated Ward Budget, aims to address concerns about vehicles parking too close to the bend, which could cause conflict with oncoming traffic. The proposed restrictions would involve no waiting at any time on the east side of Harrogate Road for 18 metres north of Finsbury Road, and on the north side of Finsbury Road for 15 metres east of Harrogate Road. These measures are intended to keep the junction clear and improve safety for all road users.

Road Safety Around Whitehill Primary School

Following a consultation exercise, the committee considered proposals to enhance road safety around Whitehill Primary School. The report detailed findings from resident feedback, with a majority of respondents expressing concerns about the removal of parking. The committee considered proceeding with most of the proposed measures, which include introducing various No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading restrictions on surrounding streets such as Selby Street, Kingsley Avenue, Park Bridge Close, and Horace Grove. These restrictions are designed to keep junctions clear, improve visibility, and ensure safer passage for children, parents, and emergency services. Some adjustments were made to the proposals for Selby Street to allow for limited resident parking outside of school hours. The scheme, primarily funded by the Road Safety around Schools programme, is expected to be implemented in Spring 2025.

Development Applications

The committee considered a report on development applications, including a significant application for residential development at Grafton Street, Heaton Norris. This application sought permission for six affordable one-bedroom bungalows. The site is currently designated as Local Open Space, leading to objections from local residents concerned about the loss of green space and a mature London Plane tree. Arguments were made regarding the need for affordable and accessible housing, particularly for older people, and the potential benefits of developing an under-utilised site. The report detailed extensive consultation with residents and statutory consultees, highlighting the complex balance between preserving open space and meeting housing needs. The committee previously recommended granting planning permission for this development, and the application was to be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee as a departure from the Development Plan.

The committee also noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Heatons and Reddish Area. Several planning appeals were listed as pending, including those for 6-8 Shaw Road, Heaton Moor; Queens Drive, Heaton Moor; and 7 Sheffield Street, Heaton Norris. Enforcement notices had been served for issues at 6-8 Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, and a breach of condition notice was served for Pro Nama Carwash on Wellington Road North, Heaton Chapel.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee received an update on progress made on previous decisions. There were no outstanding non-traffic related items. Progress on traffic schemes was detailed in Appendix E of the report, outlining the status of various Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and highway improvement requests across the wards. This included updates on schemes for Singleton Road, Clifton Road, Clarence Road, Heaton Close, Greg Street, and Coronation Street.

The committee also reviewed the status of Area Flexibility Funding and Ward Discretionary Budgets for 2024/25. Significant allocations had been made to various community groups and projects across the Heatons North, Heatons South, Reddish North, and Reddish South wards. For example, in Heatons North, £1,416.22 had been committed from a total available budget of £9,514.36. In Reddish South, £1,583.65 had been committed from an available budget of £4,970.03, with a notable contribution of £5,000 towards the Grafton Street Play Area. The Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Funding applications were also noted, with several local organisations receiving funding for environmental initiatives.