The Central Stockport Area Committee approved applications for two events to be held at Woodbank Memorial Park and agreed to proceed with proposed Traffic Regulation Orders on Hempshaw Lane. The committee also received updates on progress regarding previous decisions and noted reports on planning appeals and car park charging.

Woodbank Memorial Park Events Approved

The committee granted approval for two events to take place at Woodbank Memorial Park.

Firstly, an application from JK Events was approved for a family inflatable, small rides, and games event on 28 and 29 June 2025. Access to the park for setup will be permitted from 26 June. The event is intended for children aged 2 to 10 and will feature low-level music. Organisers are required to obtain all necessary permits, health and safety documentation, and insurance, and present these to ward councillors at least two weeks before the event.

Secondly, the committee approved an application from Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club to use Woodbank Memorial Park as part of their 2025 Stockport 10 road race event on 14 December 2025. The race is expected to involve up to 1000 runners. Similar to the JK Events application, Stockport Harriers & Athletic Club must secure all required paperwork, including licenses and insurance, and submit them to ward councillors two weeks prior to the event. The event will benefit the 3rd Hazel Grove Scout Troop, which will receive 10% of the net proceeds.

Traffic Regulation Orders on Hempshaw Lane Approved

The committee approved the implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on Hempshaw Lane, as originally advertised, following consideration of objections. These orders are part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) funded scheme, which aims to improve infrastructure, promote modal shift from cars to public transport, walking, and cycling, and reduce emissions.

The proposed measures include bus stop upgrades, improved pedestrian facilities at junctions, footway build-outs, continuous footways, remodelling of the Hempshaw Lane / A626 Marple Road junction, and a new controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

Three objections were received regarding the waiting restrictions. One objector expressed concerns about existing parking difficulties on Hempshaw Lane and suggested making the road one-way. Officers responded that a one-way system would negatively impact residents, businesses, and bus routes, and would not align with CRSTS objectives. They also noted that new waiting restrictions were only proposed at junctions and along the A626 where residents have off-street parking, thus minimising impact on residential parking availability.

Another objection questioned the provision for homeowners on Hempshaw Lane who lack driveways, suggesting resident-only parking. Officers stated that the current scheme funding does not cover resident permit parking, which would need to be considered as a separate issue by the Area Committee.

A third objector referred to previous proposals from 2020 concerning the Battersby Hat Works development, which included the removal of some No Waiting At Any Time restrictions. Officers explained that while those proposals were initially intended to be progressed, the CRSTS scheme identified that removing double yellow lines near the Hempshaw Lane/Dialstone Lane junction would negatively impact the operation of the traffic-signalled junction and access for buses. Therefore, the existing restrictions were maintained as part of the CRSTS scheme.

The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the making of the TROs as advertised.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions and Funding

The committee received an update on the progress of decisions made at previous meetings. This included a report on the Ward Flexibility Funding position for 2024/25, detailing grants made to various local groups and organisations across the Edgeley, Davenport and Cale Green, Manor, and Brinnington and Stockport Central wards. The total available ward flexibility funding for the Central Stockport Area Committee was £111,063, with £24,584 committed to approved and estimated schemes.

A progress report on traffic schemes within the Central Stockport Area Committee area was also presented, detailing the status of various traffic regulation orders and related works. The committee was asked to note this report.

Planning Appeals and Enforcement Actions

A report summarising recent planning appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Central Stockport Area Committee area was presented. This included details of appeal decisions, such as the dismissal of an appeal for the installation of a multifunctional communication hub in Mersey Square. The report also listed current enforcement appeals, including an ongoing appeal regarding the construction of a two-storey rear/side extension and dormer roof extension at 4 Ashfield Grove, Davenport. The committee was recommended to note this report.

Car Park Charging Proposals

The committee noted reports concerning the proposed introduction of charges at car parks within the Davenport & Cale Green and Edgeley wards. These reports outlined the rationale and criteria for introducing charges, as agreed in the Medium-Term Financial Plan. The proposals included hourly charges ranging from £0.50 to £2.40, with options for resident and contract permits. The reports detailed the reasons why free parking periods were considered undesirable, citing potential negative impacts on local businesses and enforcement challenges. The committee was invited to seek clarification from the Cabinet Member on any contents of these reports.

During the previous meeting on 30 January 2025, the committee had deferred consideration of the Free to Charged Car Parks report to allow for further clarification and requested the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services to delay implementation and attend the current meeting. The minutes from that meeting indicate that the Cabinet Member was requested to attend the 13 March 2025 meeting to provide this clarification.